Dear friends and family.
Happy 100 days. Yesterday was 100 days since the transplant. It marks a real milestone. I can eat all the fresh fruit and vegetables I want to, before fresh broccoli, strawberries and things that you couldn't get real clean were on the do not eat list. THe milestone also means I get to have a bone marrow biopsy Tuesday the 16th. Pray that the biopsy would come out leukemia free. We won't know the results for 3-5 days. The DNA results take longer, about 2-3 weeks. I alsoo don't have to wear my mask as much. Prais the Lord. It is not real comfortable. I am feeling okay. I tire easily and don't feel as I have much strength. We walk a mile and a half everyday-well everyday that it isn't raining. I am not sleeping well at night. Maybe I need to walk farther so I get really tired.
I have been doing the laundry and fixing meals. I haven't had a helper for about 3 weeks now. I am not as dizzy. I get a little dizzy if I get up to fast but not to the extent that I was. I have been sewing, it can be done sitting down and I really love to sew. I can even drive! I have only been able to drive for about 2 weeks now. I asked about gardening. She said if I got these special tight fitting masks(I thought the other ones were bad) and if I wear gloves and wear a big hat to keep the sun off and wear sunscreen I could. I think I will wait until next year. THe risk is just not worth it. I am no longer on a steroid. I was on it to see if it would help regulate my blood pressure, I was eating everything in sight, it also gave me some energy, so when she took me off them I has some really strange things going on my legs ached, of course I had puffy cheeks and you gain weight at the base of you neck on your back while you are on them. NOw I have no appetite, I do eat at meals because I know I have to but pray that it will become easier to eat. Everything tastes salty, even watermelon. Well that is the latest, Oh, pray for Emily she has bronchitis and her eyes have been bothering her for about 6 weeks, Today we went to an eye Dr. and I think this may be the cure. While this is going on she isn't supposed to get too close to me, she can be in the same room but not hug and kiss and snuggle, it is a struggle for both of us. Thank you all for praying, thanks for the delicious meals that have been brought to our house and thanks for the cards that have been sent. They are so encouraging.
In Christ,
Cheryl
Monday, May 15, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
14 Apr 2006
To All,
To date, there have been many very positive signs that the Leukemia is in remission and Cheryl is receiving Gods blessing in healing from this cancer. This progress hasn't been without personal struggles for Cheryl.
Last Friday, 7 April, she blacked out twice, once where she was caught off guard and actually fell, hitting her head on the door knob and also biting a hole in her lip. The second time she caught herself and grabbed a hold of the door, when she came out of the black out she was still standing very weak and shaking. It was after these that she called me home from my Army National Guard training time to be with her.
The other area she has been struggling is been with continued weight loss. The Doctors want this to stop.
Thursday we went to clinic again, with the main purpose of removing her hickman. As a reminder the hickman is a series of tubes that were inserted into her chest and then into a main vein leading directly to the heart. After trying several different medication combinations new and old, the doctors have concluded, or at least hope, that the hickman is the root cause for all of Cheryl's dizzy / black out spells. Thus, on Thursday they removed it. It is to early to say for certain if this has helped, we are praying that this will put an end to her dizzy spells.
Her spirit has remained high and steadfastly focused on the Lord.
We also discovered that Cheryl had gained two pounds. This to was good news.
Please continue to pray that:
1. Removing the hickman will also remove her dizzy / black out spells.
2. That her weight now stabilize and remain no lower than her current level.
3. That in the coming week she is able to resume some of the responsibilities of running a busy household (this is her desire).
4. That her vision would begin to clear so that she can resume driving and reading.
Thank you for your continued support in prayers, meals, cards and visits.
May God Bless you and your family during the Easter Holiday
Gene and Cheryl
To date, there have been many very positive signs that the Leukemia is in remission and Cheryl is receiving Gods blessing in healing from this cancer. This progress hasn't been without personal struggles for Cheryl.
Last Friday, 7 April, she blacked out twice, once where she was caught off guard and actually fell, hitting her head on the door knob and also biting a hole in her lip. The second time she caught herself and grabbed a hold of the door, when she came out of the black out she was still standing very weak and shaking. It was after these that she called me home from my Army National Guard training time to be with her.
The other area she has been struggling is been with continued weight loss. The Doctors want this to stop.
Thursday we went to clinic again, with the main purpose of removing her hickman. As a reminder the hickman is a series of tubes that were inserted into her chest and then into a main vein leading directly to the heart. After trying several different medication combinations new and old, the doctors have concluded, or at least hope, that the hickman is the root cause for all of Cheryl's dizzy / black out spells. Thus, on Thursday they removed it. It is to early to say for certain if this has helped, we are praying that this will put an end to her dizzy spells.
Her spirit has remained high and steadfastly focused on the Lord.
We also discovered that Cheryl had gained two pounds. This to was good news.
Please continue to pray that:
1. Removing the hickman will also remove her dizzy / black out spells.
2. That her weight now stabilize and remain no lower than her current level.
3. That in the coming week she is able to resume some of the responsibilities of running a busy household (this is her desire).
4. That her vision would begin to clear so that she can resume driving and reading.
Thank you for your continued support in prayers, meals, cards and visits.
May God Bless you and your family during the Easter Holiday
Gene and Cheryl
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
22 Mar 2006
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
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
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
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