Steady with the usual suspects..

The regular checkup at City Of Hope. Lab levels quite good. Platelets, White and Red Count, hemoglobin and more..there were a few levels of some mild concern, but the one level that achieves weighted concern is the IGG.. immunoglobulins (antibodies). A protein produced by plasma cells and lymphocytes and characteristic of these types of cells. Everyone needs a healthy dose of immunoglobulins to fight off bacteria, infection and more. OK, there's your medical lesson for the day. Becky needed a good dose of gamma globulins. This procedure takes about 3 to 4 hours. An IV is administered. Becky gets a little benadryl to prevent any reaction, after this takes effect, she is usually very drowsy. So she just has a nice little nap while this army of antibodies marches in...Her IGG level seems to be getting low once a month. But the Dr. is not overly alarmed by it. We, of course, have seen this procedure quite a few times since Becky's stem cell transplant, so we just take it in stride. It will one day, not be on the medical menu, but for now it looms, along with quite a few other 'items'. But let me say, she is showing improvement. Though the GVH disease is still lingering in her mouth which isn't pleasant, very irritating. she is finding the days and nights laced with more physical and mental energy. We thank God for this!
We thank you all for your prayers. We think back to a year ago. Becky was on the cusp of being discharged the second time. As you may know, the first discharge over Christmas and the New Year lasted only 8 or 9 days. So here she was another 25 to 30 days in the hospital added to the almost 90 days she just endured. But hey , we were in this for long run, whatever it took or takes, we were in it to win it.
But it was psychologically tough on us all. And little did we know, a few months later another 30 days hospital stay was to be realized. To be transparent, I hit a wall about late January. Physically and emotionally, I think my body just said, 'wait a minute', or 'stop!'..I had some anxiety issues..I just didn't want Becky to come home like she did the last time. Even though it was absolutely necessary she be allowed to leave the hospital for Christmas and the New Year. I mean the Dr. saw she must get out of here, and I do believe he thought she could do it. Her levels were good enough. But again, this lasted only a few days..So, I suppose I was anticipating another intense few weeks at home. I was anxious beyond anxious. I pep talked myself, saying, 'OK, I think I've had an OK grasp on the past few years, with all the incredible events, now can you handle Becky's second homecoming? I was overly concerned about this homecoming. I could see the indelible imprint of her last homecoming and it wasn't so pleasant for the last 6 or 7 days. And now, I can see how I hit the wall of emptiness and overwhelming worry. I suppose my hard drive was full...maybe, maybe not. I do thank Lannie and Richard (sis and bro-in-law) for being here for a few days to help out during this second discharge, a time of uncertainty and heartwrenching concern.
So yes, we think back where we were and where we are now, and give great thanks. We know the road is still quite treacherous, but we feel we are least navigating a road and not crawling on a bed of rocks. But as we all know, crawling on the rocks can enrich our lives. Hard to see it while we are inching over them, but the enrichment, the faith, the fortitude, the transparency, they and more were all there. Along with, of course, the hurt and pain.

May your life see enrichment even if you are crawling over the rocks. We trusted and we always trust in the Lord as we crawl, walk and run!

Celebrate Life! Really celebrate it ! We are truly celebrating Becky having some good days..More to come!


Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey