Dear friends and family,
Greetings on this bright sunny day. I am enjoying the warmer days when they come, I can get out and walk around the block. On a good day I can make it 3 times! We had an appointment with the Dr. yesterday. Good news! More DNA tests are back and more than 95% of the DNA is my sisters. The Dr. is really pleased. I am still dizzy, the Dr. still doesn't have a solution. They tested my thyroid and adrenal gland, tested me for dehydration, for strep throat since Michael came down with strep throat Sat. Praise the Lord no one else in the family got it. My tests all came out negative! So, we changed some more of the medications for this week. I am no longer having to have hydration by iv. I am a little disappointed that the dizziness hasn't gone, but I have to think back to where I was 4 weeks ago and how much stronger I am now. It is definately a long process. I have 40-50% of my bone marrow back at this point. It can take 6-12 months before it is totally restored. I am learning patience, or at least trying to learn. God's timing and mine are definately not the same. The whole humility thing is a learning process. You truly learn humility when you have to have help just getting in the shower in the morning. Not being able to fix meals is another lesson in humility. Learning the way you always did something is not the only way it can be done. Really?! Well, I am off to take a walk while the sun is shinning.
Please pray for a solution to the dizziness, praise that the blood tests are looking terriffic!
Thanks for praying,
Cheryl
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
11 Mar 2006
Dear Friends and family,
Thankyou for your prayers during this time of recovery. I came home from the hospital 13 days ago. What a blessing to be home, although I don't do a whole lot. I have this blood pressure issue. I am fine while lying down, when I sit my blood pressure drops and when I stand it drops about 30-50%. So I get dizzy when I stand and try to walk. THe Dr. has required an adult to be with me 24hrs. since I do get dizzy.
I am a little discouraged at this point. The Dr. is baffled about the blood pressure. I am receiving 2 litres of fluid through IV a day. Please pray that the blood pressure would be regulated.
I took a walk around the block with Gene today what a beautiful day for a walk. I am not supposed to be walking until the blood pressure is under control but I feel that at some point I need to increase my endurance. I think I am fine if someone is with me.
My youngest sister is coming today to stay next week. Gene can finally get back to work. The initial report of the bone marrow biopsy is good, no leukemia. They are further testing it to see if my sister's DNA is the dominant one in my body. We don't have those results yet.
Thanks for praying,
CHeryl
Thankyou for your prayers during this time of recovery. I came home from the hospital 13 days ago. What a blessing to be home, although I don't do a whole lot. I have this blood pressure issue. I am fine while lying down, when I sit my blood pressure drops and when I stand it drops about 30-50%. So I get dizzy when I stand and try to walk. THe Dr. has required an adult to be with me 24hrs. since I do get dizzy.
I am a little discouraged at this point. The Dr. is baffled about the blood pressure. I am receiving 2 litres of fluid through IV a day. Please pray that the blood pressure would be regulated.
I took a walk around the block with Gene today what a beautiful day for a walk. I am not supposed to be walking until the blood pressure is under control but I feel that at some point I need to increase my endurance. I think I am fine if someone is with me.
My youngest sister is coming today to stay next week. Gene can finally get back to work. The initial report of the bone marrow biopsy is good, no leukemia. They are further testing it to see if my sister's DNA is the dominant one in my body. We don't have those results yet.
Thanks for praying,
CHeryl
Monday, February 27, 2006
27 Feb 2006
To All,
On Sunday at 5:35 PM Cheryl arrived home after being in the UW Madison Hospital 31 days. Cheryl and family were moved to tears rejoicing her return. It was not certain that she would be allowed to come home, but after discussions with the doctor, myself and Cheryl it was decided that home would probably be best.
The current issue that almost prevented Cheryl from coming home is:
1. No appetite, thus not ingesting enough calories to fuel her body's needs.
2. Not retaining fluid, her body was releasing the fluids as fast as they could get them into her either via drinking and/or IV
3. Unstable blood pressure - her blood pressure would drop by as much as 50% from when she was laying down (fairly normal at this position) to standing. This would lead to dizziness, and once she almost passed out and fell again.
For her to be home the Doctor requires:
1. An adult to be with her 24 hours a day for the next several weeks to watch over her and help keep her safe.
2. Home Health nurse to visit two - three times per week to check on her conditions.
3. The adult in # 1 (that's Gene), to learn how to administer IV's that contain a magnesium supplement.
4. She will be going back to clinic twice a week starting Tuesday 28 February.
5. On Friday - Cheryl will be going back for a bone marrow biopsy, the first since the Stem Cell Transplant, to find out the results of the transplant.
If you would like to come visit Cheryl at our home (Cheryl would be thrilled to see you) please mind the following:
1. Please call first to confirm the time you would like to visit.
2. Ensure you haven't recently been or are not currently sick.
Our home phone number is 815-624-0572.
Please pray for Cheryl and family in the following areas:
1. Cheryl's blood pressure to equalize / normalize
2. Cheryl to be able to get back her appetite
3. Cheryl's bone marrow biopsy to come back with all positive results - "Total and Complete Remission"
4. Gene's job to continue to allow him to work from home to cover Cheryl's needs. - They have been extremely patient and supportive to date.
5. Us as a family - there are many changes that each must accept and they say it will take up to a year for Cheryl to fully recover her strength / stamina / health.
Above all else, we value and cherish your prayers and know that God is present with us everyday.
Thank you
Gene - Cheryl & Family
On Sunday at 5:35 PM Cheryl arrived home after being in the UW Madison Hospital 31 days. Cheryl and family were moved to tears rejoicing her return. It was not certain that she would be allowed to come home, but after discussions with the doctor, myself and Cheryl it was decided that home would probably be best.
The current issue that almost prevented Cheryl from coming home is:
1. No appetite, thus not ingesting enough calories to fuel her body's needs.
2. Not retaining fluid, her body was releasing the fluids as fast as they could get them into her either via drinking and/or IV
3. Unstable blood pressure - her blood pressure would drop by as much as 50% from when she was laying down (fairly normal at this position) to standing. This would lead to dizziness, and once she almost passed out and fell again.
For her to be home the Doctor requires:
1. An adult to be with her 24 hours a day for the next several weeks to watch over her and help keep her safe.
2. Home Health nurse to visit two - three times per week to check on her conditions.
3. The adult in # 1 (that's Gene), to learn how to administer IV's that contain a magnesium supplement.
4. She will be going back to clinic twice a week starting Tuesday 28 February.
5. On Friday - Cheryl will be going back for a bone marrow biopsy, the first since the Stem Cell Transplant, to find out the results of the transplant.
If you would like to come visit Cheryl at our home (Cheryl would be thrilled to see you) please mind the following:
1. Please call first to confirm the time you would like to visit.
2. Ensure you haven't recently been or are not currently sick.
Our home phone number is 815-624-0572.
Please pray for Cheryl and family in the following areas:
1. Cheryl's blood pressure to equalize / normalize
2. Cheryl to be able to get back her appetite
3. Cheryl's bone marrow biopsy to come back with all positive results - "Total and Complete Remission"
4. Gene's job to continue to allow him to work from home to cover Cheryl's needs. - They have been extremely patient and supportive to date.
5. Us as a family - there are many changes that each must accept and they say it will take up to a year for Cheryl to fully recover her strength / stamina / health.
Above all else, we value and cherish your prayers and know that God is present with us everyday.
Thank you
Gene - Cheryl & Family
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
22 Feb 2006
Dear All,
We are looking out on the beautiful sunshine, shining on the snow and ice covered lake Mendota, of course I thinks it is beautiful as I don't have to be outside.
It looks like Saturday, 25 Feb, will be the target date for me to return home. Several things need to happen prior to my going home:
1. Taking all of my medications orally not via IV
2. Eating better (nausea and throat sores play factors in all of this)
3. I also must avoid fevers
There was other criteria, but through Gods blessing I have crossed those thresholds.
We are all anxious to be home together again.
Gene, the kids and some of the ladies from church are working to get the house prepared for my return. Gene is getting all the carpets and rugs professionally cleaned on Thursday. Emily and a couple of the ladies from Church are going to clean the house from top to bottom on Friday. Saturday, my chariot arrives to take me home.
They tell me I must be very careful for approx. 3 - 6 months as I will continue with the medication to completely suppress my immune system. I will enjoy having many of you over to the house to visit me, but please call first and make sure all is going as expected prior to coming.
I can't wait to get home.
Cheryl
We are looking out on the beautiful sunshine, shining on the snow and ice covered lake Mendota, of course I thinks it is beautiful as I don't have to be outside.
It looks like Saturday, 25 Feb, will be the target date for me to return home. Several things need to happen prior to my going home:
1. Taking all of my medications orally not via IV
2. Eating better (nausea and throat sores play factors in all of this)
3. I also must avoid fevers
There was other criteria, but through Gods blessing I have crossed those thresholds.
We are all anxious to be home together again.
Gene, the kids and some of the ladies from church are working to get the house prepared for my return. Gene is getting all the carpets and rugs professionally cleaned on Thursday. Emily and a couple of the ladies from Church are going to clean the house from top to bottom on Friday. Saturday, my chariot arrives to take me home.
They tell me I must be very careful for approx. 3 - 6 months as I will continue with the medication to completely suppress my immune system. I will enjoy having many of you over to the house to visit me, but please call first and make sure all is going as expected prior to coming.
I can't wait to get home.
Cheryl
Sunday, February 19, 2006
19 Feb 2006
Greetings One and All,
It is now the 25th day since I entered the hospital and the 16th day subsequent to the Stem Cell Transplant.
The mouth sores are almost completely gone and my mouth feels better than my throat. I am beginning to be able to swallow with less difficulty, not yet able to eat much besides Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup, Jell-O and / or Cream of Wheat.
The White Blood Cells, the body's defensive agent to fight internal infections, are slow to come in and my Platelet count and Red Blood Cells, were going up and down, but have now stabilized (again below what I need). The Doctor said it is now a waiting game, waiting for my body, specifically the blood producing part of my body, to kick in to gear.
As a sign of progress, I start taking my medications orally again on Monday. This is also another stepping stone brining me closer to my eventual release.
My brother is hear for the weekend, spending time with the Kids while Gene stays up at the hospital with me. My sister, the "Stem Cell Donor", was completely healed within approx 36 - 48 hours after donation. Unfortunately she couldn't come to see me this weekend, as was the plan, because she was feeling sick and didn't want to risk exposing me or Gene and the kids. Please pray for her that God's healing hand would be on her and her family. I know my illness has really taken a toll on her and her family (with her coming to help me so often).
Please pray for healing for Emily, she may have a sinus infection.
Thank you for the meals, I hear the food has been very good.
For the present that really sums it up...we must just wait on the Lord and in his time he will heal me.
I will send more when I have more. Thanks again for the countless cards and e-mails from each of you, it really lifts my spirits to read the heart felt thoughts and/or keep up on what is happening on the outside.
Cheryl
It is now the 25th day since I entered the hospital and the 16th day subsequent to the Stem Cell Transplant.
The mouth sores are almost completely gone and my mouth feels better than my throat. I am beginning to be able to swallow with less difficulty, not yet able to eat much besides Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup, Jell-O and / or Cream of Wheat.
The White Blood Cells, the body's defensive agent to fight internal infections, are slow to come in and my Platelet count and Red Blood Cells, were going up and down, but have now stabilized (again below what I need). The Doctor said it is now a waiting game, waiting for my body, specifically the blood producing part of my body, to kick in to gear.
As a sign of progress, I start taking my medications orally again on Monday. This is also another stepping stone brining me closer to my eventual release.
My brother is hear for the weekend, spending time with the Kids while Gene stays up at the hospital with me. My sister, the "Stem Cell Donor", was completely healed within approx 36 - 48 hours after donation. Unfortunately she couldn't come to see me this weekend, as was the plan, because she was feeling sick and didn't want to risk exposing me or Gene and the kids. Please pray for her that God's healing hand would be on her and her family. I know my illness has really taken a toll on her and her family (with her coming to help me so often).
Please pray for healing for Emily, she may have a sinus infection.
Thank you for the meals, I hear the food has been very good.
For the present that really sums it up...we must just wait on the Lord and in his time he will heal me.
I will send more when I have more. Thanks again for the countless cards and e-mails from each of you, it really lifts my spirits to read the heart felt thoughts and/or keep up on what is happening on the outside.
Cheryl
Thursday, February 16, 2006
16 Feb 2006
Dear Friends and family,
It is snowing beautifully here. It snowed a little last night, but today it is really snowing. It is so pretty.
I am feeling well. I had my last shot that makes my mouth and throat sore Tues. I didn't feel well yesterday.
The Doctor and Nurses are amazed with how well I am healing.
I believe the sores in my mouth and throat are begining to subside, the swelling in my cheeks is deminishing as well. They are still giving me transfusions, blood and Plattlets, waiting for my body to start making it's own. We hope any day now.
Gene just made it to the hospital and said the roads are crazy, it took him about 1 hour and 45 minutes and saw several vehicles off in the ditch.
Keep Gene and the kids in your thoughts and prayers tonight as the furnace broke down yesterday, but they couldn't get the parts to fix it until Friday morning. Gene said it was the Heat Exchanger that they had to replace.
The Doctor is very positive that I will get to go home by the end of February, provided everything stays on course.
Thank you for all the wonderful cards and notes, they are such a joy.
I will send out more of an update when we have one.
Love in Christ
Cheryl
It is snowing beautifully here. It snowed a little last night, but today it is really snowing. It is so pretty.
I am feeling well. I had my last shot that makes my mouth and throat sore Tues. I didn't feel well yesterday.
The Doctor and Nurses are amazed with how well I am healing.
I believe the sores in my mouth and throat are begining to subside, the swelling in my cheeks is deminishing as well. They are still giving me transfusions, blood and Plattlets, waiting for my body to start making it's own. We hope any day now.
Gene just made it to the hospital and said the roads are crazy, it took him about 1 hour and 45 minutes and saw several vehicles off in the ditch.
Keep Gene and the kids in your thoughts and prayers tonight as the furnace broke down yesterday, but they couldn't get the parts to fix it until Friday morning. Gene said it was the Heat Exchanger that they had to replace.
The Doctor is very positive that I will get to go home by the end of February, provided everything stays on course.
Thank you for all the wonderful cards and notes, they are such a joy.
I will send out more of an update when we have one.
Love in Christ
Cheryl
Sunday, February 12, 2006
12 Feb 2006
Dear Friends and Family;
It is now Sunday evening, 12 FEB 2006, nine days since the Stem Cell Transplant, and eighteen days after admission for this final round.
On Saturday and again on Sunday, our Doctor stated something we have known all along; he said that the care and medication that they have provided to Cheryl doesn't explain her current state of healing, following a Stem Cell Transplant. In fact, he stated that her success in overcoming the painful side effects has been due to people praying for her.
WE know the power of prayer, and now you do as well, even the nurses and doctors tell us that it is amazing how well Cheryl looks and how she is making it through this difficult and painful time.
Here is Cheryl's current condition:
1. She still gets very tired during the day
2. Her mouth and throat are covered with soars making it difficult to eat and talk, but she still forces herself to do both (the doctor said it is rare that someone in her condition hasn't had to be fed via tube)
3. She has had two units of platelets and one of blood - again fairly normal
Please pray for quick healing of the soars in her mouth and throat.
Just for the record, visitors are welcome as long as Cheryl abides by the following:
1. All visitors must be healthy
2. Cheryl is required to have two naps per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon (sounds like a good requirement for many of us)
Our family and church still is a witness to many through the cards, letters, posters, packages and visits that Cheryl has recieved both at the hospital and at our home. The people at the hospital and at my work are amazed at how many people are reaching out to help us and starting to ask questions, starting to want to belong to a group of people that care so much. Please continue caring for us and others in our church, family and your neighborhood, others are watching.
May God bless you and your family through Cheryl's suffering and may we join together in the near future to rejoice in his healing touch, Grace and Majesty.
Gene & Cheryl
It is now Sunday evening, 12 FEB 2006, nine days since the Stem Cell Transplant, and eighteen days after admission for this final round.
On Saturday and again on Sunday, our Doctor stated something we have known all along; he said that the care and medication that they have provided to Cheryl doesn't explain her current state of healing, following a Stem Cell Transplant. In fact, he stated that her success in overcoming the painful side effects has been due to people praying for her.
WE know the power of prayer, and now you do as well, even the nurses and doctors tell us that it is amazing how well Cheryl looks and how she is making it through this difficult and painful time.
Here is Cheryl's current condition:
1. She still gets very tired during the day
2. Her mouth and throat are covered with soars making it difficult to eat and talk, but she still forces herself to do both (the doctor said it is rare that someone in her condition hasn't had to be fed via tube)
3. She has had two units of platelets and one of blood - again fairly normal
Please pray for quick healing of the soars in her mouth and throat.
Just for the record, visitors are welcome as long as Cheryl abides by the following:
1. All visitors must be healthy
2. Cheryl is required to have two naps per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon (sounds like a good requirement for many of us)
Our family and church still is a witness to many through the cards, letters, posters, packages and visits that Cheryl has recieved both at the hospital and at our home. The people at the hospital and at my work are amazed at how many people are reaching out to help us and starting to ask questions, starting to want to belong to a group of people that care so much. Please continue caring for us and others in our church, family and your neighborhood, others are watching.
May God bless you and your family through Cheryl's suffering and may we join together in the near future to rejoice in his healing touch, Grace and Majesty.
Gene & Cheryl
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