YES...home!

Becky came home yesterday...approx. 5pm..Though getting up the back porch steps provided challenge, it is still evident she is stronger than last homecoming. She doesn't tire quite as rapidly as last time either...Her meds/pills could rival a small pharmacy. Her mind is sharp, she can arrange her regimine with fluidity. In time, quite a few meds will be ceased..but there are some that will perhaps be her lifelong 'friends', as she puts it. She will receive one IV drip, in-home for approx. 5 weeks...but this only about an hour of time with a skilled nurse overseeing this.
Our sweet sister-in-law is here for a few days..and boy how wonderful it is to have her..very cool indeed..
And need I say, Abbey is glad to have Mommy home..She is so happy to see Mom stronger. Abbey also knows, that Mom's condition could still cause a return to the hospital, but for now, there is a good 'vibe' to this homecoming....We praise God for this time..for the little things..eating together, laughing, crying, watching TV, listening to music, opening mail together! and of course praying together.

I want to thank all of you, and you know who you are, who have provided delicious food over the past few months. AND Becky & I would like to thank all the wonderful families-friends who picked up Abbey from school, fed her, emotionally supported her and kept a watchful eye on her..We are deeply, deeply grateful..
OH! Don't worry, you aren't off the hook yet, we will still need your watchful eye, and your chauffeur service for awhile. :)

So onward forward we go..

May you all have great days and peaceful nights of sleep.. Say your prayers..

Celebrate Life! Much Love!

Bill, Becky and Abbey..

Well..could it be..

Well, Dr. Snyder had mentioned a few days ago..Becky may be ready to go home.  Of course, we know this can change in a New York minute...Her numbers have been steady and holding for the most part.. Her platelets were 40k yesterday, that my friends, is outstanding for Becky. 

I hesitate to publicly declare or state that she may come home on Thursday, but hey, here it is.  The wheels are turning toward this.  She is stronger in voice..her eyes clearer...We just know what is most important.  Her ability to get in and out bed on her own.  Use the walker to and from the kitchen etc..Yes, her legs and arms are still weak, but better than the previous home stay...But yes, she will need homecare  Her mind is sharp as ever.  Amazing.  We just pray the physical to ascend..and ascend it will, as soon as that darn prednisone is decreased which the Dr. has...and with some rapidity.  He knows the cessation of this med will be the conduit to a physically stronger Becky.

So, do we feel better about this homecoming than last.  YES...is there reluctance attached? Yes, but we will forge ahead.  She will have ONE IV to administer for the next 5 weeks.  The lung medication.  But administrating this IV was very manageable..but the other IV we had to do was indeed overwhelming and required 'rocket science-like' time management.  The Dr. assured us, NO more of this one at home..

So, here we go.  We covet your prayers for a safe drive to and from the hospital on Thursday, if indeed it really does happen on Thursday.  We pray for Becky to be safe and mobile at home.

Pray and Abbey and I can be clear, emotionally balanced and of course physically sound.  But, we will have help.  We will.  We will.  I can't say enough how strong Becky is..mentally.  She will just need physical assistance.  I love her so much.  She is my wife of 18 years.  and I look forward to 18 plus more years..

Good health and the blessings to you all...The Lord will be our strength..He has undergirded our journey, and will continue to do so...In the stillness He is there..In the storm He is there.

A big shout out to those at City Of Hope who have overseen Becky's care...We were fortunate and blessed to have been there..and will return twice a week for months to come.

Also, another BIG shout out to Dr. Terri Rock, the GP, who after asking Becky a few pointed questions during a routine physical, ordered additional tests which of course saw the abnormal platelet count and thus took quick action for Becky to see Dr. Fischer,  a hematologist..who was excellent in his care and who recommended City Of Hope and Dr. Snyder..who over 23 years ago, left Harvard Medical school with his wife traveled cross country to California and City Of Hope, thinking "oh, I'll only be here a few years"..Well, fortunately for us..He never returned to the East Coast..

We have indeed be blessed..

May you all celebrate life..the little things just don't mean that much anymore..Even though I still lock the doors three times at night..-ha-ha..

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey (who is the best daughter in the world, the best)

Still the donor!

DR. Snyder..lead physician, repeated the blood-DNA test just to make sure Becky was all still ALL donor..AND! YES! she was/is...Great news..Technically Becky's DNA will NOT change..still remains the "original" Becky..Yet, her blood type has changed as I have mentioned in previous blogs..Yeah, Mission Impossible stuff.
She felt pretty good today...appetite still a little weak, but eating consistently nonetheless.
Did some walking for her physical therapy..Her whites are still up..Yes!...
An antibiotic-Augmentin..will be ceased soon...this med was giving the boot to the Urinary Tract infection.
So onward forward..each day..each hour..we stay prayerful and positive...
The rain and snow storms have come with vengence..but just like they will pass and then reveal a photographer's day..so too will this 'storm' pass and reveal a picture of health and vibrant living..if not overly vibrant, at least one that reveals how wonderful it is to simply dine at the local restaurant, drive the car, walk around the neighborhood or stroll on the beach, and more.
And even though I say 'storm'..there have been wonderful moments, days, nights of soul and life rich deposits to the heart and mind.

Smile..Celebrate life..

Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey...

Let's get stronger..

Yes, physically must get stronger..yesterday she did good. 4 mins on bike, 8 mins on 'arm' bike.She sits in place and pedals..This is very good for her. But until the predisone/steroid is actually ceased, the strength meter will stay on the low end. But it is so good to keep these muscles active & working..Her muscles, as one Dr. said: "are like overcooked spaghetti noodles'..

Today she was tired..Getting treated, anti-biotic (augmentin) for another Urinary tract infection, the previous painful one she experienced at home has been eradicated though. And fortunately this infection is has had a kinder, gentler approach. Her white count has been low, around 1.5, (normal can be from 4 to 12) thus she received neupogen..which stimulates or boosts the blood neutrophils, a very generalized way to describe this med..She is now at 6K! wow.. Her platelets seem to be holding at or around 30K..that's good for her. I have mentioned it before, the normal platelets range from 150 to 350K..so this gives you an idea of Becky's low level, but again, it is sufficient for her at this time, she has not an infusion for a few weeks! YES! The platelets will 'catch up' as Dr. Snyder has said.
She was a little down today. Tired of the routine..Since Sept 30th..the hospital has been her 'home' with the exception of the few days at home..But she has and continues to so grateful for those who are treating her.. She knows this is where she STILL needs to be..
WE just pray her legs and arms can strengthen. And I may strengthen myself by finding a support group, consisting of those who are experiencing a similar life path or have experienced it.. I think or I know this will soothe my concern,  or any anxiety I may have,  which sometimes does rear it's head from time to time...Not always stemming from Becky's condition, but a myriad or combination of thoughts and my own exaggerations seem to envelope me about her life and other 'life arrows' that stream toward me.  BUT hey, I am not different than any of you!..we all have these "Perfect Storm' moments or weeks. Yes, of course I worry about what tomorrow will hold for my wonderful wife..for two years we have both had great concern as we were walking in the' blanket of uncertainty', but this week has seen a 4D effect...all sides..all emotions in propulsion..full throttle..
My prayers are calming..my trust is in knowing the Lord is still in control..AS mentioned, my human weakness wants only to trust in my strength, or to put my head under the blanket and not come out for a few days..BUT, that ain't what it should be..I take small steps..I thank the Lord for all things, period.  I also slip on a good pair of running shoes, take a walk or run, with some good songs in my head, and get my therapy in motion. I am thankful to have job..very grateful...My daughter is also amazing. So mature..so comforting to have her near me some days...OH we do have our normal testy moments.."clean your room".."do this, do that"..but she has been a soothing voice as of late.

Enough for now, probably too much actually..thank you digesting my soul indulgence....
Can't say enough how thankful we are for all of you that follow us..So comforting..so reassuring..

Much love to you all.. Stay dry..have a nice latte and enjoy the moment..

Celebrate life!

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Today..

Physical Therapy is positive..seems to be incrementally progressing..3 mins on bike,,5 mins on arm exercise, and some good walking to and from Rehab room...
Apetite better...was down..Platelets and white count holding steady..White count a little low, but the reduction of some meds should actually cause increase...
We are just remaining positive..prayerful.. Though the days can bring concern and fatigue..we still try to vision the days, the future of good health and vitality..WE know there is still quite a journey, but we will get there..we will..

God's peace to you all..He does offer that peace which surpasses the understanding of us fragile humans..

Celebrate Life!

Much Love,

Bill, Becky & Abbey

100 days 'old'..

It still seems surreal..but oh so vivid.. Becky is 100 days 'old'..received fresh stem cells on October 9th..She has actually been at City Of Hope since Sept 30th, with the exception of the 10 days at home over Christmas-New Year. I think some are questioning the progress..I could not blame anyone for doing so. We do this.
But we are quick to see the wonderful miracles that have taken place.. A donor! A spirit-filled wonderful person who donated these 'life-giving' stem cells. And Becky is 100% donor! This was a great day when told of this. We have had great success in warding off the Graft vs. Host disease, which is what the physicians do focus on upon post transplant. Yet, we were informed that the recent Urinary Tract infection, though MUCH better, was showing some traces of the GVH disease. How serious? WE don't know. We think about the journey to where we are now. It has been "Everest-like" in it's climb and sometimes fall. The highs, the lows have caused emotion to surface that somehow didn't seem even possible to generate, but they are there. But Becky has been truly courageous. Her resolve, her soul-strength has been and continues to be strong and steady. I so love her for being a rock even when I sometimes very fractured and weak.
She loves the Lord. She gives Him the glory for her strength. She has hardly ever asked "why" this is happening..I don't know how she does it. Yes, she does have moments of great frustration, of "what is going on Lord?" "why can't this or that just be done with?" "how long will I be here?" ..of course, these moments/days do happen, but summarily, she is just amazing in her day to day existence in this life-altering situation.
TODAY: Her legs still very weak, but incremental positive progress is being seen. Apetite a little less hardy the past few days, but still eating good solid food. Her love for popsicles has subsided...we never thought this would happen! I can only assume it will 'pop' back soon!
She had a great visit with Abbey today..Always, always good medicine..
Yes, still getting the necessary IV's..but that's just what it is..
Thank you all again for your prayers, love and support. We know you have so much in your own lives to oversee..thank you for taking the time to pray for us. We also pray for the Haitians. We know there will stories of goodwill and triumph along with the tragedy. Bless all those who helping in the rescue effort.
I try to keep these blogs nice short reads, but sometimes, I just gotta keep goin, thanks for your reading patience..

Becky sends her love to you all...
Abbey is doing wonderful...She is looking forward to the last few months of Eight grade..she's ready for a new chapter in her life!


Until next time, Onward forward..Celebrate life!

Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Steady as she goes...

10 days after being REadmitted..doing well. Getting slightly stronger..able to ride a 'low to the ground' bike for about one minute. That's really good. She walks around the halls with the walker...that's cool too. A virus has been brought down to a desirable level, almost gone actually. Urinary infection much better, though still some complications seen and felt. Needed red blood today.. BUT the big boys, the platelets and the white count doing good. ..holding good numbers. WE like this..VERY much. Becky knows she still has to be at City Of Hope..she remains positive..She dwells on what is pure, nobel, good. She trusts the LORD in all things...Her faith is solid. Be of good cheer. We want her stronger when she comes home again. Yet again, we emphasize NO regrets with her coming home over Christmas and New Year..It was the best medicine.

We hope and pray your New Year is starting well. The little things mean so much. Rejoice in them. God knows your needs. Big or small...trust in Him.

BE back soon..

Celebrate Life! Have some fun...

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Not disheartened..readmitted.

Yes, today Becky was readmitted to City Of Hope.  The DR. wants her 'tucked in a few days', but these days could be a few weeks, we don't know.....Some lab numbers were not desirable, unrinary tract infection painful, AND got to kick a virus that has been rearing it's head. The last few days at home were stressful, strained and just all-out tough sometimes..Though let it be known, NO regrets in coming home for ten days..IT was THE BEST medicine for Becky. She really needed it. Even when told she was informed of the readmittance, she shrugged and said, OK..got to get this right, let's do it....she has a peace about her..mostly due to her being home. HOME!
WE prayed for the wisest medical directive with Becky's current condition and we know we got it. Let's readmit her at COH. The IV meds are just too complicated and involved at home..very time consuming and one was powerful. Abbey was OK with Mom having to stay. She knew her return to the hospital was a reality.  She knows Mom needed get stronger. We have NO idea of the duration of this stay. Got three issues that need some direct focus..may take a few weeks..just don't know.
So again, we are somewhat relieved. Content. Home was home, and some moments were priceless, but really very hard to enjoy for last few days, BUT! praise GOD for a wonderful Christmas morning! Truly 'postcard' like. We really enjoyed being together. And we had a meaningful New Year's Eve toast...AND you bet, GOOD HEALTH and BLESSINGS were the toast quite a few times!!!!

More Later..Hope you all have a great YEAR in 2010! Abundant blessings and of course super, super good health to you. Becky can talk to anyone that calls..
Feel free to call me and I'll give you an idea of her day..she likes a few short conversations with friends and family..

Peace, Much Love, Celebrate Life! May the Lord Bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you..

Bill, Becky and Abbey

Challenges...and positives

HAPPY 2K10!...2010..Two thousand ten! So hard to believe, had to write it in a few different ways..We hope, pray and wish only good health and abundant blessings to you all. We know many of you had challenges in 09'..and still face those challenges..Yet, they will pass...'cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you'...
Becky still weak. We went to City Of Hope for labs and consult..which we will do twice a week for quite some time..Most of her 'numbers' were good, but she did need heavy potassium and red blood. She is now on TWO IVs at home. Much time devoted to these and of course the taking of her other meds. We are looking into home care. We ask any of you to give us a call if you know if someone who may want to sit with Becky for approx. 6 hours or so...Not too much involved other than moving her when necessary, and yes this takes some muscle, and perhaps helping her with food and making sure her meds are nearby. Insurance is good, but we are 99% sure it will not cover this type of care. Not so comfortable broadcasting this need via blog. But we know many of you that follow us..so that's why we decided to put it out there. WE do have some good leads...very good. BUT in this case, good to have a decent list. **AGAIN, please do not post any names or numbers on blog site..GIVE US A CALL.
Positively: Becky feels so good being home. ahh hello! Of course she does. Indeed it is medicine to her. Abbey doing so good..she helps out so much!

So again, Happy New Year to you all.

Celebrate life..enjoy, sing, dance, shop :), give,

Love,

Bill, Becky & Abbey