Friday, August 11, 2006

Climbing higher

Good news today -- my white count is at 2500, neutrophils at 620. That means I'm no longer neutropenic, but they still won't let me have a salad. My iron and platelets are still on the low side, so there's a possibility I'll need a transfusion sometime this weekend. So far I've made it over 24 hours without a fever, so they are going to start removing some of my meds to see what happens. They're starting with the one that affects my vision, so I'm really happy about that.

I asked the doctor if he could give me a ballpark idea of when I can go home, and he said possibly as early as the 15th of this month. They are going to continue the Neupogen shots since they appear to be helping. So my prayer requests specifically today are that I will remain free of the fevers, that my counts will continue to rise, and that I can go home next week. It's a little scary to let go of the antibiotics -- kind of like losing my training wheels or something. But I know that God is the one who has kept me alive up to this point, and that He will continue to do so until He is finished with me. Thank you all so much for your prayers.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, Praise God for that! The 15th sounds great! I will be praying that they continue to rise and that you can go home soon. Thank you for having this blog and using it as a testimony of a great God and your love for Him. I look forward to meeting you someday. You have encouraged me so much.

Wendy

Kevin P. Larson said...

Amy, that's amazing to hear! We are praying for you. We can't wait for you to go home. God is good!

Your blog has been such an encouragement to me. It helps me and the others in our church know how to glorify God in sickness. You have modeled it so well!!!

Anonymous said...

Praise God! Prayers are already being answered.

You will never know how much of an encouragement you've been.

Southern Girl said...

I've been praying for you often, so I'm thrilled to add this praise to my prayers. Glad you're doing so much better, and I'll be praying that continues -- fever-free! :)

Barb said...

Great news, Amy. Almost there.

Anonymous said...

Amy, keep up the whistling and the deep breathing excersises. Looks like you will have the job of taking your three hundred, plus cards down from the walls and ceiling. That I am sure you all will be happy to do. Keep smiling and we will keep praying that you return to being PERFECT, WHOLE, AND COMPLETE. Love Papa & Meam

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy,
I'm so very glad that God is being glorified through all of this. It is so humbling. He is so good to us all and it is so good of him to continue to build all of our faith through the beautiful gift of prayer. Praise and thanksgiving be unto our God.
With continued prayer,
Colleen Ymker

humble servant said...

Praise you, Jesus, Praise you-praise you, Jesus! Amen! A-a-men!

What fabulous news!

I'll continue to pray for you improved health.

God Bless yoU!

Anonymous said...

Amy, Brandon, and All,

We are so thankful too for this report and to know of your progress. I know the Lord has provided in many ways throught these last weeks and we trust will continue to sustain each of you now.

We give thanks for the past provision, seek strength for the present, and have hope for the future.

"Looking unto Jesus the Author
and Finisher of our faith..."

Love, Don and Lilan

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Fevers, counts and home. Got it!! Thank God for answered prayer, Amy. :-)

I sent you an email if you get a chance to respond to it.

Diane

Unknown said...

PRAISE THE LORD! I have been praying about those fevers like crazy! God is so good, sooooo good!
Amy, you are a mighty woman. I have such a love for you. You have changed the way I view so many things. You have taught me so much during your pain. I KNOW that someday you will see all the lives you have touched but FIRST you have a long life to live and a lot of ministering to do. Churches will be calling from all over wanting you to give your testimony of HEALING!

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy! You don't know me at all; I came to your blog via the Haughery's blog. I just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you and your family. My most ferverant prayer is that He would draw you ever closer to Himself and allow you to know Him in a way that many may not. Thank you for being an example of Godly perserverance (sp?) and for sharing your journey w/us.
Maureen - Indiana, PA

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! I will be praying really hard that you get to go home the 15th! Wow! That's so soon! I'm sorry I haven't been writing as often. I've been putting in 11-12 hour days at school and am pretty tired. I love you. Talk to you soon!

Emily

Dawn said...

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! Wow, you'd better get packing! Awesome news.

rena said...

Great news. Reading your story stirs so much up. My mom was in the hospital from early May 05 until mid July 05 for round one, then again for a couple of weeks in Aug 05 for round 2, and she had no adverse affect to round 3...each new step got easier. It does get better. Keep trusting while we all keep praying.

Rena

Anonymous said...

Amy,

So pleased to hear of your progress!! Your faith has been such a witness! My prayers remain with you.

In Christ,

Lynn Hensel

Anonymous said...

Encouragement from another source. You may have heard of Joe White from Dr. Dobson http://www.kanakuk.com/about/JoeWhiteBio.aspx

Joe was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2001 when he was 51 years old. But as you can see from the BIO, he is doing really well. I just heard him speak last night when I picked Jessica up from KAMP.

Lauren said...

Praise God Amy. I'm so happy to hear of your recent developments.

iamchanelle said...

the 15th!!! wow!

we will pray for your hasty return home. much love to you -
chanelle

Paula said...

Amy, I followed your blog for a few weeks. Really, you are amazing. Thank you for sharing this very personal and difficult time. You are handling it with grace. A true godly woman. God is glorified through you every step of the way. I guarntee that many lives and hearts have been changed by your living example.
Love and Prayers,
Paula

Anonymous said...

I accidentally ran across your blog. My prayer for your health and your family's go out to you. Bless you. You must have touched many people in a beautiful way to have so many people praying and caring for you.
mj

Anonymous said...

Hey Amy u don't know us we are friends of Abby Ymker! We praise the Lord that u are feeling better!
We Love how you share God's love through your blog even when you are sick.

*Anna and Liz*