Tuesday, August 08, 2006

MRI & Transfusion

Thank you all so much for praying for me over the past few days, especially relating to the MRI. I was really nervous about it, but ended up having a lot of peace and it was over before I knew it. (I think the Ativan helped as well.) They let me see the scans afterwards which I found very interesting. The results were back this morning and everything is normal. They have been trying to find the source of my fevers, and the main reason they ordered the MRI was to check once again for fungus.

I received two units of blood yesterday, so my energy is up today. It's all relative -- I'm still really weak and tired. This past week has been harder on me than the second round of chemo was. I am still receiving Neupogen shots to help my bone marrow rebuild, and today it showed signs of working -- my white count is at 500. I think the doctor said that's the first time it's been 500 (or above) since July 27th. So that's a big praise -- things are heading in the right direction. My neutrophils are still at zero, so they are still restricting visitors and I can't see Gary. I miss the little guy. The kids (my siblings) and Brandon taped about a half hour of footage on our camcorder, so that was fun to watch this morning.

I remembered a few days ago that I could listen to Scripture at Oneplace.com. They have selections from the KJV, and since I've been too sick to read, it's been very relaxing to me to just listen. I also discovered they have old sermons by Charles Spurgeon, among others. I find his writings very encouraging, so having the opportunity to listen to some of his sermons is a blessing.

The first book I listened to was Hebrews. The following caught my ear especially:
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are nailed and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and grace to help in time of need." -- Hebrews 4:12-16

I found Hebrews to be fascinating. I've been thinking a lot about the people of the Old Testament whose names are mentioned in Hebrews 11. Such incredible faith, and they did not even know about Jesus Christ -- they only had the promise, and they held tight to that. My faith is so weak, but thankfully His grace is that much stronger.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amy, sending you lots of cheery thoughts this morning. Keep smiling and knowing your hard work is paying off. Being a partner with God always pays off. Keep thinking happy thoughts, that also is good medicine. Lots of prayers for you to once again be PERFECT, WHOLE, AND COMPLETE!!! Love, Meam

Teresa said...

Dear Amy and Brandon,

Thank you so much for the updates from both of you! We are so pleased to know specifically how to pray. What a blessing to be able to have access by computer. You can reach so many of us without having to use your limited energy. You are able to conserve it for letting your body heal and we can pray for your very present needs! Isn't God good!

Praying for lots of neutrophils to respond to those fevers!!

With love,
Teresa

Anonymous said...

Amy,
Praise God for your normal test results. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. May God continue to heal you and restore your strength. I heard an inspiring story on Focus on the Family last month and you can still listen to it on oneplace.com. It is titled "Overcoming the Heartaches of Life" by Sheri Rose Shepherd. She shares her compelling testimony of overcoming a low self-esteem to find her worth in Christ. She shares that we are all royalty, because we are the daugthers of the King. You can link to it at http://www.family.org/fmedia/broadcast/
a0040770.cfm.
Take care and God Bless You
Elaine Cloyde

Anonymous said...

Amy,
I am so glad that your MRI turned out alright and that your blood levels are on the rise. You are in my prayers many times a day!
I also love the book of Hebrews. It has been such an encouragement to me during this time. Norm Wakeflied has an excellent message called "Anchored in Christ" that is based on the book of Hebrews. You should be able to download it to your computer by going to www.spiritofelijah.com It will be a great encouragement to you!
Love,
Gina Dunn

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know I am still fervently praying for you and your family!

For God's Glory alone,
Rachel Bennett

Susie said...

Oh my goodness, I am so happy I found your blog through "Little Bits of Life". It was such an encouragement to me and my current situation. Thank you for your openness and for sharing the Hebrews scripture. I had been looking for that particular verse and couldn't remember what book of the old testement it was in. I will be praying for complete healing for you. God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Amy, We love you and are so happy things are looking better. We are still praying often for you, and ask for strength through each day and for complete healing for you. Your faith is such an inspiration to us and to many around the world. Thank you for sharing. We love you, Grandpa and Grandma Linda

Dawn said...

Good news! And the passage from Hebews was so apropos.

Unknown said...

WOW Amy! I loved that passage in Hebrews. You are ministering to me daily. You bless me so much. Thank you for sharing your journey. It is an honor!

rena said...

It is such a pleasure to meet you. My mother was diagnosed with AML April 2005. She received a mini transplant from my uncle last Oct 2005 and as of a couple of weeks ago, 99% of her cells were my uncles. She is doing very well. She's 64 and the oldest person in Canada to undergo a mini transplant. I've put your prayer button on my blog, and will come back and visit often. Your story has touched my heart in a very big way.

Blessings
Rena

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to tell you to visit this post to get a prayer button for Emma Grace at Midlife Moments or Amy at Wilhoite Prayer Blog, or Addison at In the Midst of It.

If you haven't heard of any of them but any of their stories touch your heart, and you are going to pray for them then be sure to get a "button" for them!
I am hoping to help them out by not only supporting them in prayers but spreading the word of their prayer needs!

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy, How great to read of your washing in the Word. Isn't He faithful to minister to us in our need. We praise Him with you about all the good news your getting and how things are moving in the right direction as for as your body is concerned. We shall look forward to your getting to be with Gary again. Blessings on you in all your ways always!!!!! Love and prayers, Joe and Marilyn Breshears

Anonymous said...

Amy, It is great that you are able to hear sermons. Isn't technology wonderful! Think of how it would have been for you years ago. Lots to be thankful for. I am continuing to pray for your healing and that you can see little Gary soon. As a mother, I know that must be so hard.

Wendy

Barb said...

Just want you to know I understand these days are tough, probably tougher than you expected after finding out you're officially in remission.

Don't get discouraged. You'll get through this, Amy, and be home with your husband and baby before you know it.

Of course I'm still praying for you to stay upbeat and brave through this. That goes without saying. But I can't wait to come to this blog and find out you're posting from HOME!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Amy!
So glad you're starting to feel better!!
--Leslie McCabe

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy, I am glad to hear the MRI went well, Ativan is a wonder-drug I know! Sorry the Versed didn't work for you, it's my favorite, had the best sleep of my life!!
I am that "far-away" Aunt of your moms, in CA. I remember Anita as a very little girl, what a doll, can easily see how she got such a delightful daughter like you. Your Aunt Linda shared your story with me & you & your family are in my prayers along with the rest of the world, wow, what a cheering section! We sure are making a lot of noise down here, God has no choice but to listen, if only to calm us all down at bit!!
God's Blessings on you Amy, Brandon, Gary, your mom & siblings.
Love, Evelyn

Anonymous said...

Amy, just want to let you know that our family and church are still praying for you!!

Carrie said...

Praying that you would be strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all God's fulness. (Eph 2:16-19)

PS Your lap quilt is in the mail!