We carry on...

Still hospitalized...Looks like pneumonia is making it's exit, but that all too familiar Graft vs. Host disease is making a roar. Becky is weak from the heavy meds, and naturally weak from being in a hospital bed. She is grateful for the progress made, but dejected she will have to regain strength. A unique time in this hospitalization is the fact that Abbey and I were away for 10 days visiting family in NC. We had planned to go last summer but had to cancel since Becky was abruptly hospitalized. It's very amusing that Becky said a few months ago; "no matter where I am, you must take this trip, no cancellation, even if I am in the hospital'..well, I sorta let this directive roll off me, cause the health path was holding steady and glimpses of normalcy were being revealed. I, we almost chuckled, that nothing like hospitalization would occur like the past episodes, though we are well aware, anything can happen at any time. Well, it did, and it happened a week before Abbey and I were to depart and Becky was still adamant we go, so we did. We had a plan if discharge was to happen while we back in NC. Well, she was not discharged, which in some way was a relief to me, but of course this also meant a longer stay at City Of Hope. Abbey and I had a fulfilling time..it was very good for us mentally...the change of environment, seeing the NC family, Grandpa, an Aunt, an Uncle,  and various friends. Walking around, enjoying the small town pace.  Seeing the green trees, the dogwoods, azaleas, eating BBQ and hushpuppies, drinking a boatload of sweet tea, kayaking, and more...It was indeed very good for Abbey to see her Grandpa...
Becky was so glad we went, and I love her so much for clinging to the conviction that Abbey and I should go back east...there would be no talk of cancellation, though believe me, I did mention it, but no matter, the trip was made.
We saw her today..so good to hug and talk of our trip. Very refreshing to us all.
As mentioned, she is weak. Unfortunately, the meds are at levels we haven't seen since the early transplant days..Her platelets are low due to an anti-biotic she needs to keep the pneumonia at bay, she has had one platelet infusion. ..But, we know, we pray, strength will return. There is no sugarcoating, this is not easy now. Quite demoralizing, even more so, because we were on a very manageable and slowly improving road, but, BUT we know, we knew at any time the other 'shoe can/could fall' and it did...We WILL make it through this, but there is no doubt, the ball and chain effect is heavy..We thank you all for your prayers. We feel them. And believe me, we know we are receiving the best medical care possible..

Much Love to you all...May you indeed celebrate the preciousness of life.

Bill, Becky and Abbey