I'm done with chemo for the month. So far things are looking o.k., including today's blood work. I received some much needed platelets yesterday but it looks like I'll make it until sometime next week before I need another blood transfusion. From here on out I'll be doing blood work twice a week, and start a second round of chemo on April 9th. My white count is dropping and my neutrophils are still very low, so right now I am just trying to stay healthy enough to give us time to fight the disease. I live with the very real fact that one germ can end my life. I have to remember, too, that my body becomes my worst enemy at this time, as all of the natural bacteria can thrive. I'm on several prescriptions to help control that, and so far the Lord has granted health.
Side effects have been very minimal, which is a praise. Thanks for all your prayers! I don't know yet when I'll be getting the "booster" from Barnes. I'll keep you posted.
**Update**
We heard from Barnes this afternoon. I'll be going in on the 30th for the booster. (Outpatient) We're still waiting to receive clarification as to the exact type of cells I'll be receiving.
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About Me
- Brandon Wilhoite
- Amy was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia subtype M4 on July 2, 2006. For your convenience, Brandon & Gary can be contacted via email through amysblog@mac.com.
Timeline
- August 2007 - Clofarabine & Cytarabine with possible second transplant
- August 2007 - Intrathecal Methotrexate
- June - July 2007 - FLAG w/ mylotarg
- April 2007 - AML M4 MLL-ELL Diagnosis
- March - June 2007: Experimental DLIs
- March - June 2007: Decitabine 5/28
- November 2006 - Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (brother)
- September 2006 - Salvage Regimen - MEC
- July 2006 - Reinduction - Cytarabine & Daunarubicin 5/2
- July 2006 - Induction - Cytarabine & Daunarubicin 7/3
- July 2, 2006 - AML M4 Diagnosis
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, 'I believed, and so I spoke,' we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:5-18
29 comments:
Can't remember how I found your blog. I just wanted to let you know that I come here often to check on you and always pray for you. You aren't much older than my oldest child which pulls at my heart. Your strength amazes me.
I pray that God wrap you in his arms.
Praise for you feeling alright. You are in our prayers. :)
-Briana
I am always so thrilled when you update because I literally think of you each day and pray for you always.
I am thrilled that today you are doing well and that chemo is over until April 9th.
I continue to lift you up to our loving God, and lift up Brandon and Gary as well! You are a daily blessing to so many, may God bless you!
Im praying your side effects stay very minimal and you catch no unwanted germs.
Just want you to know that I check your blog every day to see if there are any updates and rejoice when there is one. When there is one from you then that means that you are well enough to be able to post. That is a blessing in itself!!! Thank you for the update and we're praying God's grace and His protection from those enemies (germs) that can invade your body at any moment. Isn't God great!!! Love you Sis!!
Our family is praying for yours. God bless you.
Hi Amy! I have been burdened heavily to pray for you for the past few weeks. I was wondering if it would be alright for me to post a link to your site for a specified day of prayer for you. I know that you are probably extremely busy but if you don't mind, please either leave me a comment on my site or email me at billyshelton@Hotmail.com. I also have the girls in my prayer group praying for you and your family! God Bless You!
Just want you to know that we are all praying and thinking of you each moment.
We're still praying, Amy! We love you and are continually encouraged by your faithfulness!
Keith & Carrie
Amy,
It is so good to know that you have done well this week with your treatments. We are constantly praying for God's protection over you and for healing. We pray that you will be able to build your immune system a bit in between treatments.
Love,
Gina
I found a link to your blog on my sister-in-law's blog site. I have since posted your picture on mine, and pray for you very often. I know the Lord is using you right now--just be encouraged that He knows you can handle this--that you will rely on His strength. I'm so glad you are feeling a little better, and will continue in my prayers for you and your family.
May God richly bless you in the days ahead!
Praying for you and your family, Amy.
Hello, I found your site a couple of weeks ago through a link from someone else's (no clue who's!). I bookmarked the site, and have been dropping by every couple of days, and because it's in my bookmarks, every time I see it, I pray for you and your family. :) May God bless you, keep you, and make His face shine upon you even more!
~Melissa
Thank you, Jesus. I think of you and whisper a prayer every day, several times a day. God is still in control!
Thank you so much for the updates! I am praying for you!
Your faithfulness has been a gift to me - thank you for sharing your story. I will continue to remember you in my prayers!
We are continuing to pray, Amy! I am encouraged by your sustaining faithfulness. May God bless you and your family!
Kim
Hi, Amy! When Brandon wanted (obviously :-) to stay with you more than be in Matt's wedding, our son was asked to take his place. This drew our whole family into your story, and you've been on our hearts ever since. We put your family photo on our computer desktop, and you'd chuckle to see it. There's a bright red Adobe Reader icon smack on Brandon's nose, almost like a clown nose, except it's square. And sitting on top of his head is upside-down Larry the Cucumber from our daughter's Veggie Tales Dance icon. But Gary's face beams happily underneath all our icons, and you're beautifully framed in blue!
Your story has touched the hearts of many at our church. Know that they're praying for you as well. Thank you for your honest posts that help us feel with you. I think our Heavenly Father must be looking at you the way He watched His Son Jesus on the cross ... with tears of pain for all He had to go through mingled with tears of pride and joy for His Son's faithful love.
Amy,
I am loving you and praying for you almost daily. Thank you so much for keeping us posted on your journey to optimum health.
May God bless you and keep you strong throughout this journey. In the loving name of Jesus Christ. Amen
I jst want to thank the Lord! For giving you more time. For giving you the stregnth to fight this. For minimal side effects. For His wonderful grace. For allowing us to be blessed by you and your wonderful spirit and faith. For this thing called life. I pray that God would continue to lift you up and bless you. Please know you are not alone!
NOTHING IS BEYOND YOU...That has been my prayer and praise to God today for you Amy... Nothing is beyond God, I KNOW that our prayers are more than heard, they are in God's heart... as he know's what's best. I love you.. keep washing those hands, no germs allowed..I am thrilled to hear you don't have many side affects from chemo right now, YES!! God's peace, comfort, and healing be always at your side.
With my love and my heart
April Martin
You're in our prayers. I'm so glad you're feeling alright. By the way, your family photo is so lovely. How old is your son. I have three little ones, 3yrs, 22 months, and 7 months old.
NO weapon formed against you shall prosper, Amy!
God Bless you and heal you in Jesus name, Amen. xxxxxx
I am also excited everytime I check your blog and see a new post. You are constantly in my prayers. I cry all the time when I think of you and your struggles and strengths! You are SO amazing. I know I say that every time I post, but I am so blessed to know of you. You are truly amazing!
Still praying.....Please Jesus give her a healing!!!
~the stinson family
Praying for you Amy...
Your heart and attitude is humbling.
God is mightly USING you, to HIM be the glory!
I enjoy Piper also :) glad to read that you have been listening to him.
I am actually close to you, miles wise :) I knew the road to Columbia quite well the first days of my son's life.
So, from a fellow MO resident :) GOD bless you...
PRAYING.
Liz
Hey Amy,
Aunt Linda wanted me to post this hymn for you. The words will be read at Grandpa's funeral on Friday morning. We all are praying for you. I love you, Mom
"Before The Throne of God Above"
Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea, a great High Priest whose name is "Love," whoever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart; I know that while in heav'n He stands no tongue can bid me thence depart, no tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see Him there who made an end to all my sin. Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free; for God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me, to look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there! The risen Lamb, my perfect, spotless Righteousness; the great unchangeable I AM, the King of glory and of grace! One with Himself I cannot die, my soul is purchased with His blood; my life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ, my Savior and my God, with Christ, my Savior and my God.
Charitie Lees Bancroft
Vikki Cook
I've been following your story almost from day one, and each time I check in on you, I pray for you. You have been such an inspiration. My mother also was diagnosed with AML...she is more than a year out from a stem cell tranplant and still 100% clear, and with no GVHD (she was 64 so they wouldn't do a whole bone marrow transplant).. she is a "seeker", not entirely convinced that God is real, and if He is, that He had His hand in her healing...I shared with her your blog, understand that she read your entire story and I've seen some "light" come. I realize this isn't about her and me, and just wanted you to know that your story is reaching so many others in ways that you can't even begin to imagine. God is using you mightily and may He continue to be glorified in your life, now and forever. Whether it is soon or hopefully, many years from now, that you meet Him face to face, I am sure that you will hear "well done, good and faithful servant...very well done, indeed".
Dear Sister,
I just read your entire story today. I am in tears, but I am also in AWE...in awe of His strength which is being made perfect in your weakness. I am at a loss for words. I will be praying for you daily. I love Lamentations 3:22-33
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.
28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the LORD has laid it on him.
29 Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope.
30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.
31 For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.
33 For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
I'm Praying that because of His GREAT MERCY you will not be CONSUMED. May you wake up to His Mercy and compassion...fresh and new tomorrow morning. And may you rest deeply in His hands through the night!
Lovingly,
Julie
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