Monday, November 13, 2006

Transplant

After a restless night of sleep and possibly an even more restless day of sleep, I finally remembered that this transplant meant a chance to live -- I really had nothing to lose -- lightened up and enjoyed what took all of about 20 minutes to complete. My wonderful brother needed to provide 2 million stem cells and we found out tonight he provided 9 million. They can use about 8 million to help me bounce back a little faster, the rest will be frozen. I am so thankful for all he went through for me today. He was hooked up to the pheresis machine for about 5 hours, so I definitely had the easy day.

Now begins the waiting game. My counts are at zero and I've lost weight again due to the mouth issues. Dr. Westervelt said I won't feel good for a while but they will do all they can to treat the symptoms. I've been taking advantage of the hospital's good fruit smoothies. I'm allowed fresh fruit and veggies here even though neutropenic since the food staff is trained to work with us. Everyone here has been so wonderful. I have been much encouraged.

I found the first chapter of James to be very comforting just prior to transplant, along with yesterday morning's "Morning & Evening" by Spurgeon.

I apologize that this seems so scattered. Thank you for your prayers.

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise God!! We'll keep praying.

Teresa said...

Dear Amy,

I really wanted to say "Amy and Friends" kinda like "Joni and Friends" because of all the people who have played such an important part in your life.
We are so grateful to God tonight for the successful transfer. We are praying for a restful night's sleep for you and your family. A huge "thank you" to Daniel for his love and Christ-like example.
Blessings,
Teresa

Brenda said...

Praise God! Our prayers for you continue.

Anonymous said...

How AWESOME, Amy! Can't believe your posting on here after the transplant...that tells me that you are doing really well, girl! Bless Daniel's heart for being such a trooper for his sister. Five hours is a LONG time!

I am so encouraged by your good report! It must really help to have such caring hospital staff too. Those smoothies sound pretty good :)

Hugs and more prayers,

Aaron's mom,
Carol

Anonymous said...

I love you, precious friend! Thought about you all day - hope to call tomorrow. Sorry I had to go so fast Saturday...

Yay for awesome brothers!!!!
~Catherine

Anonymous said...

praying for you tonight....Kim

Alicia said...

7 I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
8 For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely." And he became their Savior.
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Isaiah 63:7-9

You don't know me, Amy, but you are my sister, and you are in my prayers. Be encouraged, dear one; He is with you.

humble servant said...

Praise God for a good day for you.

I will continue to pray for you and your very generous brother.

May you feel the flutter of the angels wings as they crowd around you tonight to protect you.

Eric S. said...

Praise the Lord!

We are praying for you.

The Schumacher's

Anonymous said...

We are so thankful for the completion of the transplant and for the very high count from Daniel. Hope you can eat better and gain strength soon.

You continue to be on our minds and hearts.

May you all have a restful night.

Love to You,
Don and Lilan

Anonymous said...

Continuing to pray for you...

Anonymous said...

Amy,
I am so thankful to hear that the day went well. We are praying for you often!
Jason and Tiffany

Lacey said...

Praise God! Thank you for this wonderful update!! My prayers are still with you..

Lacey

Barb said...

You have an amazing brother. And I have a good feeling about this, Amy. You're so covered in prayer I can't imagine anything but spectacular results. It's so encouraging that you're talking to everyone again so soon after the transfer. Still praying for you, of course.

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy, your blogs are so precious! We can feel your heart and soul. Blessings today in the dear name of Jesus!!!!! I thank Him for His stripes that heal us. Continue to look up for that is where our strenght is. A fountain of Living water!!! We will continue to pray, pray, and pray some more for you and all the family. Love, Joe and Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Hurrah for Dan! =) I was so surprised and so happy to see that you felt up to posting this soon after the transplant. Wow!

You are amazing, and I can't wait to talk to you...

Rachel

Amber D.M. said...

I was gone most of yesterday, but you and Daniel (and your whole family) were heavy on my heart and in my prayers throughout the day. I'm so glad to hear things went well. May the Lord continue to give you the grace and strength you need for the road ahead of you.

Love you bunches,
Hugs,
Amber

Anonymous said...

My continued prayers to you and your family. Praise the Lord for a good day.

Barbie @ Mamaology said...

wow, Praise God your brother was able to provide so many stem cells! Praying for you Amy!

Kevin P. Larson said...

Amy,

We continue to pray for you-- corporately and privately.

Kevin

Janice Phillips said...

Praying for you sooo much. Your faithful testimony and journey is an inspiration and helping me trust and love God more. May you feel and know the overwhelming love and peace of God today.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy,
I was surprised to see your update so soon after the transplant!
I'm so glad everything went fine for you and Daniel.
Those smoothies sound oh so yummy!
Still praying for you.
With Love,
Abby

Anonymous said...

Amy,
I am so glad to hear the joy in your voice! I am so glad too for the ease of the transplant and for Daniel's willingness. We are praying for you.
Jon and Colleen Ymker

Dawn said...

Praise the Lord once again!

Lauren said...

Good to hear he was able to give you so much! I pray that you will start feeling better soon and that this cancer will be beat forever.

Anonymous said...

Praise the LORD!!!!!! He is your healer and I am praying for your complete healing!

Emily B.

Anonymous said...

Amy, this is Emma's pen-pal...
I'm so glad you're feeling better! We've been praying a lot for you, me and my sisters.

Keep going!
Kerra Ferguson

Anonymous said...

Amy,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

All right Daniel. You have a great deal to be proud of and your courage and persistence has reaped a wonderful reward for your sister. I know how quiet you are when we get back to Missouri to see you, but your actions and giving spirit speak volumes. We are very proud of you.

Amy..continue to get better, we will pray for you tonight.

Love always to you and Daniel,
Uncle Cliff and Aunt Karen

Anonymous said...

Amy I am SO, so happy to see a post from you about the transplant...and so soon! I am incredibly hopeful for you, and so thrilled for you that your brother was able to provide in such a great quantity!

You are awesome and your strength is just amazing. I look forward to reading about what God is doing in your life!

Blessings and strength to you!

Kim said...

We are so thankful things went well with the transplant! After reading most of your blog,I just wanted to say that we(our family) are praying for you daily and will continue to do so...you have blessed us tremendously with your courage,your faith in God,and your perserverance. May God receive all the glory. We are praying for complete healing! Your life has deeply touched ours...we are forever grateful. I have a song for you on my blog,if you have time to visit. May God bless you,your husband,and sweet baby boy! Stay strong,be courageous,don't give up! God's grace is sufficient!

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy,

So glad to hear from you so soon after the transplant! Daniel is such a wonderful brother. We are so proud of you both for your strength and courage. You know God is with you through it all. That makes all the difference.

We continue to keep you in our prayers.

Love, Susie, Jeff, Hannah & Moon xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Amy! We are praying for you. And your brother too.

Love,
Megan & Dale

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear of the transplant and we are cheering for you in Columbia!
Michael C. Perry MD

Anonymous said...

You are still consuming each of my thoughts and my prayers for you do not cease, even when I lay down at night I ask God for his mountainous power to graze your body and healing would scream victory. Through this entire situation, God would be glorified. With hope, prayers and loving tears,
April Martin

Anonymous said...

Great news Amy!
We are continually praying for you!
Love,
Gina

Anonymous said...

Praying for you today Amy.

Wendy in IA

Anonymous said...

Amy,

Such wonderful news that Daniel was able to provide so many cells!!!! Way to go, Daniel.

I pray that each day you begin to feel a bit better until one day you will be surprised by how great you feel!

Prayers and blessings,
Anne for all the Calzones

Paula said...

Praying as I write.

Anonymous said...

Amy, Brandon, and Family,

You are on our minds and hearts today too, praying you are strengthened in body, mind and spirit.

Ps.100:3b "...we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." We are thankful for your testamony to the Shepherd's care.

We Love You.
Don and Lilan

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Amy,

I do pray for a great and mighty work to be done in your body. I pray the transplant will be a complete success and that there will be no cancer cells found in your body. I pray for complete healing of your body and for God to have the glory from your healing. In Jesus' Great and Holy name, Amen.

Teresa said...

Dear Amy,
Knowing no news means we should be constantly in prayer, we pray. In Daniel 9:22, as soon as Daniel began to pray, an answer was given. Isaiah 65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. We continue to bring you before our great God. He is good.
Love, Teresa

Anonymous said...

I'm think of you SO many times a day and pray for you just as often!
With lots of love,
Abby Elise