Dear Friends:
Bill continues a heroic fight for his life tonight. Mary and I visited him this morning and again this afternoon. He remains on breathing support and kidney dialysis, along with many other medications and apparatus that are helping him sustain a slender hold on this earthly life. Although he has a breathing tube, he continues to assist the machine with his own breathing efforts.
We are absolutely certain that he is aware that we are at his bedside by the reactions we receive from him – head movements, hand movements. The nursing staff concurs that it is an acknowledgement from Bill, not simply an autonomic reaction. In fact, the nurse told us that she squeezed one of his toes this morning and he lifted his hand and pointed his index finger at her, even through the dense fog of sedation. She said his mind and heart are strong. If his counts would return, he would have much more to fight with. It is a waiting game with life and death consequences.
It is heart-wrenching to see him in this condition, so close to leaving me, hanging on, hanging on. I spoke clearly to him today and told him that if he wanted to stay with us a while longer, he would have to assemble the greatest arsenal of physical and spiritual strength he’s ever called forth, but that if he wanted to leave, it was OK, I would support whatever choice he needs to make. I have a sense that he isn’t ready to give up or give in. Anyone who knows Bill knows that there is not a stronger will to be found.
Please pray for strength for him and for his blood counts to return. I pray that Jesus wraps his comforting arms around Bill, filling him with his infinite love. Please join me in this prayer.
Faithfully,
Nola
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Power of Love
To all,
Today Nola and I spent precious minutes with Bill in ICU. I know for a fact it was only minutes because they limit your time in ICU to minutes - even family. But if you asked me what I did today, those are really the only minutes I actually remember. Bill and Nola and me speaking quietly and softly holding hands. Well, Nola softly touching Bill's hand, us both speaking quietly and Bill holding on. We cried. They were powerful minutes - strikingly powerful.
Even though Bill was completely sedated today, I know he understood the power of the moment. When he heard Nola's voice his brow curled and his hand moved in complete defiance of the morphine. Trust me. It was powerful.
Power is a funny word. For as long as I have known Bill (some 20+ years) he has strived to understand the implications of the word...the power of love, the power of influence, the power of words, the power of silence, the power of pain, the power of humility, the power of prayer, the power of God. Today in that hospital room there was an aura of power...the power of Nola's undying love for Bill, the power of God's undying love for Bill and the power of Bill's everlasting commitment to give this everything he has for as long as it is God's will.
If Bill were awake and able I know he would be blogging today about the power of love and friendship, faith and miracles. On behalf of Bill thank you to Nola and all the blog readers for your love and friendship, keep the faith and pray for a miracle. Short of a miraculous recovery, I guess I can only pray that God's will be done and God bring him the peace and serenity he so deserves.
May the power of God's love be with you today and always, Bill.
A forever friend in love and faith,
Mary
Willow Lake, SD / Nashville, TN
Today Nola and I spent precious minutes with Bill in ICU. I know for a fact it was only minutes because they limit your time in ICU to minutes - even family. But if you asked me what I did today, those are really the only minutes I actually remember. Bill and Nola and me speaking quietly and softly holding hands. Well, Nola softly touching Bill's hand, us both speaking quietly and Bill holding on. We cried. They were powerful minutes - strikingly powerful.
Even though Bill was completely sedated today, I know he understood the power of the moment. When he heard Nola's voice his brow curled and his hand moved in complete defiance of the morphine. Trust me. It was powerful.
Power is a funny word. For as long as I have known Bill (some 20+ years) he has strived to understand the implications of the word...the power of love, the power of influence, the power of words, the power of silence, the power of pain, the power of humility, the power of prayer, the power of God. Today in that hospital room there was an aura of power...the power of Nola's undying love for Bill, the power of God's undying love for Bill and the power of Bill's everlasting commitment to give this everything he has for as long as it is God's will.
If Bill were awake and able I know he would be blogging today about the power of love and friendship, faith and miracles. On behalf of Bill thank you to Nola and all the blog readers for your love and friendship, keep the faith and pray for a miracle. Short of a miraculous recovery, I guess I can only pray that God's will be done and God bring him the peace and serenity he so deserves.
May the power of God's love be with you today and always, Bill.
A forever friend in love and faith,
Mary
Willow Lake, SD / Nashville, TN
Saturday Morning Update
We keep praying and hoping for a glimmer of improvement and there is none. Bill is actually in great trouble this morning. His kidney function has stopped, everything they're pumping into him has not kicked in, his platelets are at 3 (so low as to be meaningless), etc. etc. etc.
They are giving him two units of blood and platelets as I write, and are prepping him for kidney dialysis since he has no kidney output. The nephrologist indicated that without dialysis he will surely not make it, and the risk of dialysis is extremely high because they have to put in very large tubes and he has no platelets to coagulate his blood.
Our friend, Mary Schmidt, flew in last night and is staying with me at our house. I am at work and as soon as she gets to the office, we'll head to the hospital to sit with Bill.
I know how strong Bill's faith is and that if he is being called home, his bags are packed and he is ready to go. I wish I felt ready to let him go, but this is just so incredibly difficult. Please pray for all of us.
Nola
They are giving him two units of blood and platelets as I write, and are prepping him for kidney dialysis since he has no kidney output. The nephrologist indicated that without dialysis he will surely not make it, and the risk of dialysis is extremely high because they have to put in very large tubes and he has no platelets to coagulate his blood.
Our friend, Mary Schmidt, flew in last night and is staying with me at our house. I am at work and as soon as she gets to the office, we'll head to the hospital to sit with Bill.
I know how strong Bill's faith is and that if he is being called home, his bags are packed and he is ready to go. I wish I felt ready to let him go, but this is just so incredibly difficult. Please pray for all of us.
Nola
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday Morning Update
Bill did not do very well overnight. Apparently the infection is making his lungs compressed, so they elected to put a breathing tube down his throat this morning to assist his lungs. He will remain fully sedated until the infection is finally controlled and they can remove the tube.
No visitors are allowed (except me, of course) - I will post again as things change. I'm going down this afternoon with the fervent hope that all of the antibiotics and fungicides that they're pouring into him finally start to work. Please pray that things change for the better soon as Bill is desperately ill.
Blessings,
Nola
No visitors are allowed (except me, of course) - I will post again as things change. I'm going down this afternoon with the fervent hope that all of the antibiotics and fungicides that they're pouring into him finally start to work. Please pray that things change for the better soon as Bill is desperately ill.
Blessings,
Nola
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Valley Got a Little Deeper Today
Bill had a very difficult day today. Certain physical functions got the attention of his doctors and they moved him from the Oncology Ward to ICU so he could have constant medical attention.
He has an infection that they haven't gotten their arms around yet that is causing extreme abdominal swelling, which in turn puts pressure on his lungs. They were fearful of a perforated bowel, which would have been most devestating news, but the CT this afternoon indicated no perforations. The docs said he is not in the clear yet after a most trying day, but we are hopeful that they can control the infections and move him out of ICU in a few days. He definitely has a staph infection that they are typing to treat by administering the best possible antibiotics.
They put a B-pap machine on him today (very similar to a C-pap machine used for sleep apnea), and in his semi-conscious state, he is fighting it all the way.
In simple terms, Bill's condition is extremely serious. There were more than a few tears shed today.
Please, please pray that Bill is tended to by the Great Physican Himself . . . pray for his body to be free from infections and for his lower intestinal tract to remain in perfect form. Pray that he has a peaceful night.
Since Bill's condition is so serious, I will post daily to keep you informed of his progress until he can post himself - what a glorious day that will be!
Blessings,
Nola
He has an infection that they haven't gotten their arms around yet that is causing extreme abdominal swelling, which in turn puts pressure on his lungs. They were fearful of a perforated bowel, which would have been most devestating news, but the CT this afternoon indicated no perforations. The docs said he is not in the clear yet after a most trying day, but we are hopeful that they can control the infections and move him out of ICU in a few days. He definitely has a staph infection that they are typing to treat by administering the best possible antibiotics.
They put a B-pap machine on him today (very similar to a C-pap machine used for sleep apnea), and in his semi-conscious state, he is fighting it all the way.
In simple terms, Bill's condition is extremely serious. There were more than a few tears shed today.
Please, please pray that Bill is tended to by the Great Physican Himself . . . pray for his body to be free from infections and for his lower intestinal tract to remain in perfect form. Pray that he has a peaceful night.
Since Bill's condition is so serious, I will post daily to keep you informed of his progress until he can post himself - what a glorious day that will be!
Blessings,
Nola
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Valley Walk Continues
I'm being Bill's blog surrogate again tonight as he is simply unable to share his thoughts.
It was very difficult to see Bill lying in his hospital bed tonight, tethered to yet another life-sustaining pole. Besides the 3-prong central line implanted in his left chest, the catheter, and the finger tether that reports heart rates and O2 levels, they inserted a pick-line into his right arm today to bein intraveneous feeding sometime tonight. He hasn't been eating and can't afford to lose body weight. Bill is at a very critical point on the path to wellness, and there are no guarantees that he will pull through this episode. The fevers continue relentlessly.
Bill is still on a continuous morphine drip, with the capability of self-dosing by pushing a button (yes, there is a limit to how many times the machine will respond to self-dosing). The medical staff is doing their best to manage his pain, which is now largely from his abdominal area. Blood cultures reported today that there is a fungus involved, which is more difficult to manage than bacteria or a virus. They are mainlining him with two very powerful fungicides, and doing a fine balancing act between the fungicides and his kidneys . . . apparently the treatment can cause severe kidney damage. Bill's whole body is somewhat swollen, especially his abdomen, and the team says that is due to the fungus. They say that when he developes some white counts on his own, they will work wonders by themselves to kill the fungus. Doctor Steve said we could expect white counts to come around in another five to fourteen days. Yes, my heart dropped at those words. Fourteen days is a lifetime at this juncture.
Bill is lucid momentarily, but not often. He spends most of his days sleeping, which is the best thing for him as the body heals best in deep sleep. For those of you who have wanted to call him, please don't. If you want a status report, you can check his blog which I will try to keep current, or call me at the Prairie Coach office.
We will celebrate our 10th anniversary on Friday . . . a small celebration in a small hospital room, but heartfelt and tender.
Before I forget, a message to everyone in the greater Sioux Empire who can get KSFY on your TV: Watch it at 6:30 tomorrow night . . . the River of Hope Foundation story on the pond that was so generously donated to us. We hope it inspires you to look into becoming a potential blood marrow donor or supporting the River of Hope.
Many, many people have shared that they hold Bill up in prayer, and I can't tell you how much that means to us. There's a story about prayer that I think of every time I hear that someone is praying for Bill, and I'd like to share it with you. The famous "death and dying" doctor, Elizabeth Kubler Ross, told a story about the time at one of her lectures, a young woman came forward to share her connection to prayer. She had been driving her car on a major highway when a serious accident occurred. She said before she knew it, she found herself floating above her car, and she was bombarded by strong words, people saying things like "Darn it, now I'll be late for my meeting," and "Oh, great, here goes my day." Then she saw a stream of light coming toward her from a car three or four cars back, and as she focused on the light, she heard the words of a prayer: "Dear God, protect whoever has been involved in this accident and bring them comfort." She was so drawn to this light that she floated over to the car and saw a woman praying inside. In her out-of-body experience, she forced herself to memorize the woman's license number. After a lengthy recovery, she used her connections to track the woman down and showed up at her doorstep, with flowers in hand, to thank her for her prayers in the hour of her greatest need.
Bill and I both know the power of prayer. Please continue to pray for Bill in HIS hour of greatest need. If you don't pray, then please just picture a healthy Bill surrounded by golden light. It's true that we're all one, and what benefits one benefits all. Your thoughts and prayers are dearly appreciated.
Blessings sent your way,
Nola
It was very difficult to see Bill lying in his hospital bed tonight, tethered to yet another life-sustaining pole. Besides the 3-prong central line implanted in his left chest, the catheter, and the finger tether that reports heart rates and O2 levels, they inserted a pick-line into his right arm today to bein intraveneous feeding sometime tonight. He hasn't been eating and can't afford to lose body weight. Bill is at a very critical point on the path to wellness, and there are no guarantees that he will pull through this episode. The fevers continue relentlessly.
Bill is still on a continuous morphine drip, with the capability of self-dosing by pushing a button (yes, there is a limit to how many times the machine will respond to self-dosing). The medical staff is doing their best to manage his pain, which is now largely from his abdominal area. Blood cultures reported today that there is a fungus involved, which is more difficult to manage than bacteria or a virus. They are mainlining him with two very powerful fungicides, and doing a fine balancing act between the fungicides and his kidneys . . . apparently the treatment can cause severe kidney damage. Bill's whole body is somewhat swollen, especially his abdomen, and the team says that is due to the fungus. They say that when he developes some white counts on his own, they will work wonders by themselves to kill the fungus. Doctor Steve said we could expect white counts to come around in another five to fourteen days. Yes, my heart dropped at those words. Fourteen days is a lifetime at this juncture.
Bill is lucid momentarily, but not often. He spends most of his days sleeping, which is the best thing for him as the body heals best in deep sleep. For those of you who have wanted to call him, please don't. If you want a status report, you can check his blog which I will try to keep current, or call me at the Prairie Coach office.
We will celebrate our 10th anniversary on Friday . . . a small celebration in a small hospital room, but heartfelt and tender.
Before I forget, a message to everyone in the greater Sioux Empire who can get KSFY on your TV: Watch it at 6:30 tomorrow night . . . the River of Hope Foundation story on the pond that was so generously donated to us. We hope it inspires you to look into becoming a potential blood marrow donor or supporting the River of Hope.
Many, many people have shared that they hold Bill up in prayer, and I can't tell you how much that means to us. There's a story about prayer that I think of every time I hear that someone is praying for Bill, and I'd like to share it with you. The famous "death and dying" doctor, Elizabeth Kubler Ross, told a story about the time at one of her lectures, a young woman came forward to share her connection to prayer. She had been driving her car on a major highway when a serious accident occurred. She said before she knew it, she found herself floating above her car, and she was bombarded by strong words, people saying things like "Darn it, now I'll be late for my meeting," and "Oh, great, here goes my day." Then she saw a stream of light coming toward her from a car three or four cars back, and as she focused on the light, she heard the words of a prayer: "Dear God, protect whoever has been involved in this accident and bring them comfort." She was so drawn to this light that she floated over to the car and saw a woman praying inside. In her out-of-body experience, she forced herself to memorize the woman's license number. After a lengthy recovery, she used her connections to track the woman down and showed up at her doorstep, with flowers in hand, to thank her for her prayers in the hour of her greatest need.
Bill and I both know the power of prayer. Please continue to pray for Bill in HIS hour of greatest need. If you don't pray, then please just picture a healthy Bill surrounded by golden light. It's true that we're all one, and what benefits one benefits all. Your thoughts and prayers are dearly appreciated.
Blessings sent your way,
Nola
Monday, August 25, 2008
Down in a Valley
A warm hello to everyone in Bill's blog-audience from Nola. You know that if I'm writing for Bill, there must be a good reason, and there is. Bill has been in Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls since last Thursday night. He finished chemo last Tuesday morning, and we knew it would be just a matter of time before a fever hit, which happened in a flash last Thursday evening. So, I drove him to Emergency and he was in a room on the Oncology floor not long after that.
He's had a steady fever of 101-103 since he was admitted, with just very short respites of a 99 or so. His bloodwork has been cultured several times and no bacteria or viruses are growing, which is a good thing. Patients like Bill can get what they call neutrapenic fevers (I think) that are the result of extremely low blood counts, which he has. Two weeks from tomorrow will be Day 28 in the chemo cycle, which is the earliest they will expect his counts to raise.
Bill is not feeling very well and is in a lot of pain, so they've been giving him a pretty serious morphine IV, which has made him experience reality a bit differently. They're lowering the morphine drip tonight, so we expect him to see things in a better light tomorrow.
I spend as much time with him as possible, going into work early and leaving as early as I can so he doesn't feel like he's in Houston again. The physicians and nurses at Avera are so wonderful, always willing to talk, explain, commiserate, support, and do whatever they can to provide comfort, always will an attitude of cheerfulness. This alone is quite the blessing!
Unfortunately, visitors are not encouraged during his stay due to the risk of infection, plus he hasn't really been up to it this stay. He remains positive that everything will work out according to the plan God has for him, and he is once again proving to be a good soldier on his most difficult walk. Please continue to pray that he (and I!) have the grace to handle each event as it unfolds. We're in a bit of a valley right now, knowing that God is right here with us, finding strength in a faith that questions not. We feel your prayers and want you to know how deeply they are appreciated.
Blessings,
Nola
He's had a steady fever of 101-103 since he was admitted, with just very short respites of a 99 or so. His bloodwork has been cultured several times and no bacteria or viruses are growing, which is a good thing. Patients like Bill can get what they call neutrapenic fevers (I think) that are the result of extremely low blood counts, which he has. Two weeks from tomorrow will be Day 28 in the chemo cycle, which is the earliest they will expect his counts to raise.
Bill is not feeling very well and is in a lot of pain, so they've been giving him a pretty serious morphine IV, which has made him experience reality a bit differently. They're lowering the morphine drip tonight, so we expect him to see things in a better light tomorrow.
I spend as much time with him as possible, going into work early and leaving as early as I can so he doesn't feel like he's in Houston again. The physicians and nurses at Avera are so wonderful, always willing to talk, explain, commiserate, support, and do whatever they can to provide comfort, always will an attitude of cheerfulness. This alone is quite the blessing!
Unfortunately, visitors are not encouraged during his stay due to the risk of infection, plus he hasn't really been up to it this stay. He remains positive that everything will work out according to the plan God has for him, and he is once again proving to be a good soldier on his most difficult walk. Please continue to pray that he (and I!) have the grace to handle each event as it unfolds. We're in a bit of a valley right now, knowing that God is right here with us, finding strength in a faith that questions not. We feel your prayers and want you to know how deeply they are appreciated.
Blessings,
Nola
Sunday, August 17, 2008
#1 Is Now Available
Dear Friends,
Just a quick note to let you know that we just learned that my #1 stem cell match, a 31 year old male, is now available! The plan remains the same, but with the focus now on getting #1 prepped and ready to go. Of course, he'll be subject to more tests and conditioning, then and only then, can we move onto harvesting the stem cells for transplant. So a little more drama has to pass before we determine if this match is really the one we hope it is.
The actual donation or harvesting process is very similar to donating blood. A machine spins off the stem cells and counts them while returning the blood to the other arm. The transplant is also like a blood transfusion too, no surgery or pain at all.
Unfortunately, since my cancer is not in remission, I'll have to continue with the high dose chemo through Tuesday. From there we'll wait approximately 21 days to see that my blood counts recover from the chemo hit. Finally, another biopsy to see if the chemo had an effect on the cancer growth. I've had this drug before and it has worked in the past, so we're all praying that it can do it again. The goal of course is remission prior to transplant, but if not, we'll have no other choice but to proceed. The path has narrowed, and the valley is deep, but our spirits are high and hopeful.
Please know that all of your calls, cards and prayer chain efforts are very uplifting. My life, and all of its challenges, is in God's hands and He hears every prayer, plea, request and heartache. Stay the course and know that the Tiger is still climbin'!
He Made A Change,
Bill
Just a quick note to let you know that we just learned that my #1 stem cell match, a 31 year old male, is now available! The plan remains the same, but with the focus now on getting #1 prepped and ready to go. Of course, he'll be subject to more tests and conditioning, then and only then, can we move onto harvesting the stem cells for transplant. So a little more drama has to pass before we determine if this match is really the one we hope it is.
The actual donation or harvesting process is very similar to donating blood. A machine spins off the stem cells and counts them while returning the blood to the other arm. The transplant is also like a blood transfusion too, no surgery or pain at all.
Unfortunately, since my cancer is not in remission, I'll have to continue with the high dose chemo through Tuesday. From there we'll wait approximately 21 days to see that my blood counts recover from the chemo hit. Finally, another biopsy to see if the chemo had an effect on the cancer growth. I've had this drug before and it has worked in the past, so we're all praying that it can do it again. The goal of course is remission prior to transplant, but if not, we'll have no other choice but to proceed. The path has narrowed, and the valley is deep, but our spirits are high and hopeful.
Please know that all of your calls, cards and prayer chain efforts are very uplifting. My life, and all of its challenges, is in God's hands and He hears every prayer, plea, request and heartache. Stay the course and know that the Tiger is still climbin'!
He Made A Change,
Bill
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I'm In The "Rough"
My Dear Fellow Bloggers,
I'm focusing on this latest news much like Tiger Woods approaches a bad T-shot. No matter where the ball lands, you've got to make the best next shot possible. No one has mastered this discipline better than Tiger.
So it is today after learning that I'm "in the rough" so to speak. My blasts have increased since my last chemo round which is a set back for sure. Today, we've elected to begin another round of "high dose" chemo with the hope that this will at least contain the growth to allow me the time to see if my #1 match is available. I'll receive 12 rounds (2 per day) for the next 6 days. This will, of course, cause my blood counts to tank, so I'll be hanging low to avoid any infections. As of today, this will be as an outpatient. If this don't work, or if the match doesn't become available, I will have to go to transplant with the cancer present with the plan to connect with my #2 match. Obviously, this is not the best scenario but its the "best" shot available at this time. Club selection is important, and God is my caddy, so together we're playing this round filled with faith, hope and anticipation that we'll "birdie" this set-back too!
Please know that your support is more important than ever at this time and we'll continue to keep you posted on the BLOG as best we can.
Still Swingin',
Bill
I'm focusing on this latest news much like Tiger Woods approaches a bad T-shot. No matter where the ball lands, you've got to make the best next shot possible. No one has mastered this discipline better than Tiger.
So it is today after learning that I'm "in the rough" so to speak. My blasts have increased since my last chemo round which is a set back for sure. Today, we've elected to begin another round of "high dose" chemo with the hope that this will at least contain the growth to allow me the time to see if my #1 match is available. I'll receive 12 rounds (2 per day) for the next 6 days. This will, of course, cause my blood counts to tank, so I'll be hanging low to avoid any infections. As of today, this will be as an outpatient. If this don't work, or if the match doesn't become available, I will have to go to transplant with the cancer present with the plan to connect with my #2 match. Obviously, this is not the best scenario but its the "best" shot available at this time. Club selection is important, and God is my caddy, so together we're playing this round filled with faith, hope and anticipation that we'll "birdie" this set-back too!
Please know that your support is more important than ever at this time and we'll continue to keep you posted on the BLOG as best we can.
Still Swingin',
Bill
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Not Just Another Monday
Dear Friends,
I've been intentionally quiet on the blog this past week out of respect for the anniversary of the passing of my son Jaran on August 7, 2004. It is still very hard to believe that he has passed, and especially hard to acknowledge that it has been four years.
As you know, I was diagnosed with AML just 20 days later, so it's been four years for me too! My Dr.'s remind me that I have "selected" myself into a very rare group of survivors since most AML patients don't live 4 years. Not sure how much I had to do with this fact, but I am certain that I am the beneficiary of an incredible prayer network whose benefits continue to bless me daily.
Tommorrow, Monday, August 11, 2008 is a big "biopsy" test day. The results of this test will determine what we do next. If the cancer is present, or has progressed, my options are limited. Selfishly, and notwithstanding God's plan, I am hoping that the cancer is contained and hopefully less prevalent than a month ago. This will allow us to continue with the same chemo therapy I received last month with the hope of waiting for my #1 donor match becoming available in September.
Regardless of the test results, our continued prayer is to accept God's plan for my life. If there's a healing or not, I hope to continue to witness His grace to all those that come to cross our path. In this spirit, a film crew is following us around tomorrow. They're filming a documentary type program to wrap around the landscaping volunteer effort. It should be very inspirational and I am grateful that I was chosen as a recipient of such generosity and to be in a position to participate to the benefit of others.
The National Bone Marrow Donor Bank has over 10 million donors world wide willing to donate stem cells with just three(3)being suitable for me. So the next time you think you can't make a difference, think again. Everyone of us has the potential to change lives, literally, so please consider joining this exclusive group of people. The test is simple and painless, and if you are a match in the future, the donation process is as easy as donating blood.
We're loving our new landscaping, patio and pond more and more. Nate Heinert and his friend Bill were here this morning putting in a few more plantings. It truly has transformed our home into a sanctuary. The fall-out though is that the back of our house is now so "ugly" we'll have to do something there too!
Please know that these past few weeks have been both filled with many blessings and challenges and that your support is so very meaningful to us in everyway.
Thank you for all you do,
Bill
I've been intentionally quiet on the blog this past week out of respect for the anniversary of the passing of my son Jaran on August 7, 2004. It is still very hard to believe that he has passed, and especially hard to acknowledge that it has been four years.
As you know, I was diagnosed with AML just 20 days later, so it's been four years for me too! My Dr.'s remind me that I have "selected" myself into a very rare group of survivors since most AML patients don't live 4 years. Not sure how much I had to do with this fact, but I am certain that I am the beneficiary of an incredible prayer network whose benefits continue to bless me daily.
Tommorrow, Monday, August 11, 2008 is a big "biopsy" test day. The results of this test will determine what we do next. If the cancer is present, or has progressed, my options are limited. Selfishly, and notwithstanding God's plan, I am hoping that the cancer is contained and hopefully less prevalent than a month ago. This will allow us to continue with the same chemo therapy I received last month with the hope of waiting for my #1 donor match becoming available in September.
Regardless of the test results, our continued prayer is to accept God's plan for my life. If there's a healing or not, I hope to continue to witness His grace to all those that come to cross our path. In this spirit, a film crew is following us around tomorrow. They're filming a documentary type program to wrap around the landscaping volunteer effort. It should be very inspirational and I am grateful that I was chosen as a recipient of such generosity and to be in a position to participate to the benefit of others.
The National Bone Marrow Donor Bank has over 10 million donors world wide willing to donate stem cells with just three(3)being suitable for me. So the next time you think you can't make a difference, think again. Everyone of us has the potential to change lives, literally, so please consider joining this exclusive group of people. The test is simple and painless, and if you are a match in the future, the donation process is as easy as donating blood.
We're loving our new landscaping, patio and pond more and more. Nate Heinert and his friend Bill were here this morning putting in a few more plantings. It truly has transformed our home into a sanctuary. The fall-out though is that the back of our house is now so "ugly" we'll have to do something there too!
Please know that these past few weeks have been both filled with many blessings and challenges and that your support is so very meaningful to us in everyway.
Thank you for all you do,
Bill
Thursday, August 7, 2008
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