Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Last Post
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer for Erin over these past 2 1/2 years. We have been so blessed! Today Erin got her results from her bone marrow biopsy and everything was great! Praise God for that. Her CD4 was up and her Dr said she can now get into a pool! Yeah, especially in this hot weather! Her IGg was low though so they are going to set her up for 4 treatments of IVIG over the next few months. That will boost her immune system so she will be ready for the kids when school starts in a few weeks. Her only symptom right now is wrist and hand pain which is a form of GVH. They are going to watch it closely and probably increase her immunosuppressants. I say probably because they were waiting on a few more numbers from her labs to come back. They will e-mail us later today and let us know.
So today was a day of "P"s. Erin got Perfect results, Pool permission, Phantom tickets for tonight (thanks Martins!), and she Painted her appt. So we have lots of Praises!!
Erin has settled nicely into her new appt and we painted an accent wall today in her bedroom so she is looking very "Southern Living" now. Laura just found an appt yesterday so we will be getting her moved and decorated in a week or two.
God has been so gracious to our family through this time of trouble and we are slowly getting back to normal in many areas. I am attaching a photo of Erin at the lake. Since she wasn't allowed to get in the lake, we put up a kiddie pool for her to float in. She loved it!
Like my sister said, Erin has the gift of resilience and has shown us all again and again how to persevere and lean on God! Wow, what a testimony she has been to all of us! I for one, am humbled to have been able to share this journey with her. We have learned so much together. As a matter of fact, we are still learning. As the lessons of the past couple of years sink in, we sit in awe of a Mighty God who carried us through every detail along the rocky road. I just know He has great things in store for her in the future and I can't wait to watch His hand at work.
Thanks again for your love and prayers! With God's blessing, may this be our last blog. Can I get an AMEN??? love you all, janet
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15-16
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for the prayers. Erin had her one year bone marrow biopsy yesterday (a bit early) and the procedure went fine. The results won't be in for a week or so. Please pray for clear results. Her labs yesterday looked great. Three of her four liver enzymes are down to normal and we are so excited about that. However her eosinophils are up from 10 to 16 and that is an indication of GVH. She has also been experiencing some joint pain which is a symptom of GVH. So we are waiting to hear if they will adjust her meds again.
Sorry we didn't blog last week but we were at the lake having fun. Erin wasn't able to get in the water because of the immunosuppressants she is still on, so we got her a baby pool. She put it on the dock and filled it with water from the hose and put a float in it. The water was icy but she floated anyway. She also got on the "island" ( a giant float) and took the hose with her so she could float in the lake and have fresh water to spray on herself to keep cool. Creativity will always win out. You can keep the lake out of the girl but you can't keep the girl out of the lake!
Erin is moving out this weekend to her new apartment. She is so excited. So, as you can see, we have many praises and fewer prayer requests as time goes on. We are so thankful to Almighty God for bringing us through this fire! We will blog again when the results come in from the one year biopsy and then we will retire this blog. Again, we want to express our gratitude to all of you for your faithfulness in prayer for Erin. We have been truly blessed by the body of Christ these past two years. We love you all! janet
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand O king." Daniel 3:17
We certainly feel like we have been walking around in the fiery furnace. But with God all things are possible and we give Him the glory for Erin's Victory over Leukemia! Hallelujah!
Thanks for the prayers. Erin had her one year bone marrow biopsy yesterday (a bit early) and the procedure went fine. The results won't be in for a week or so. Please pray for clear results. Her labs yesterday looked great. Three of her four liver enzymes are down to normal and we are so excited about that. However her eosinophils are up from 10 to 16 and that is an indication of GVH. She has also been experiencing some joint pain which is a symptom of GVH. So we are waiting to hear if they will adjust her meds again.
Sorry we didn't blog last week but we were at the lake having fun. Erin wasn't able to get in the water because of the immunosuppressants she is still on, so we got her a baby pool. She put it on the dock and filled it with water from the hose and put a float in it. The water was icy but she floated anyway. She also got on the "island" ( a giant float) and took the hose with her so she could float in the lake and have fresh water to spray on herself to keep cool. Creativity will always win out. You can keep the lake out of the girl but you can't keep the girl out of the lake!
Erin is moving out this weekend to her new apartment. She is so excited. So, as you can see, we have many praises and fewer prayer requests as time goes on. We are so thankful to Almighty God for bringing us through this fire! We will blog again when the results come in from the one year biopsy and then we will retire this blog. Again, we want to express our gratitude to all of you for your faithfulness in prayer for Erin. We have been truly blessed by the body of Christ these past two years. We love you all! janet
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand O king." Daniel 3:17
We certainly feel like we have been walking around in the fiery furnace. But with God all things are possible and we give Him the glory for Erin's Victory over Leukemia! Hallelujah!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hot Summer!
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for checking in. Erin is doing great and we are so thankful. She has been gearing up to move and having fun with her friends. I don't have much to report, it's too hot to think. I just wanted to touch base and tell you that not a day goes by when we don't thank God for all of you and the tremendous support you have showered on us. We are blessed by your love and God's mercy. We pray you and your families are enjoying the Hot Summer. Just remember when it was so cold and we said we couldn't wait for summer? Well, now we can wish for cooler weather! Think cool thoughts! We love you, janet
"What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. " Ecclesiates 3:9-14
Thanks for checking in. Erin is doing great and we are so thankful. She has been gearing up to move and having fun with her friends. I don't have much to report, it's too hot to think. I just wanted to touch base and tell you that not a day goes by when we don't thank God for all of you and the tremendous support you have showered on us. We are blessed by your love and God's mercy. We pray you and your families are enjoying the Hot Summer. Just remember when it was so cold and we said we couldn't wait for summer? Well, now we can wish for cooler weather! Think cool thoughts! We love you, janet
"What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. " Ecclesiates 3:9-14
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Clinic Day
Hello Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for checking in on Erin. We are at the clinic now. Erin got great results on her labs, Praise God! Two of her liver enzymes are back down to normal again and her eosinphils went from 20 to 10 which is great. The normal value should be less than 6. She has not been having any GVH symptons and now the labs look better as well. I guess that means they have it under good control. She had to have phlebotomy again today (a.k.a. leaches), one vaccine, plus her respiratory treatment, so it has been a long day. She is now in her Patient Advocacy Board meeting. It's nice only having to come here once a month but it is a very long day.
At her next visit, they are going to do her Bone Marrow biopsy and her one year staging labs. Since she got her job back, they are going to do all this a month early so it won't interfere with work.
Hopefully next visit they will be ready to stop her steroids. She is on a very minimal amount but they decided to have pity on her students and get her off the "juice" before school starts. We were hoping they would reduce her meds today but since her labs are responding so well, they want to let them continue to settle all the way down before they make any changes.
In the meantime, Erin is getting ready to move into her own place. She and Laura have been shopping like crazy and enjoying putting together their own decor.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Erin. She is ready to put this all behind her and get back to a "normal" life. God has graciously provided for all the details involved! Blessings on your summer. Enjoy! love, janet
Thanks for checking in on Erin. We are at the clinic now. Erin got great results on her labs, Praise God! Two of her liver enzymes are back down to normal again and her eosinphils went from 20 to 10 which is great. The normal value should be less than 6. She has not been having any GVH symptons and now the labs look better as well. I guess that means they have it under good control. She had to have phlebotomy again today (a.k.a. leaches), one vaccine, plus her respiratory treatment, so it has been a long day. She is now in her Patient Advocacy Board meeting. It's nice only having to come here once a month but it is a very long day.
At her next visit, they are going to do her Bone Marrow biopsy and her one year staging labs. Since she got her job back, they are going to do all this a month early so it won't interfere with work.
Hopefully next visit they will be ready to stop her steroids. She is on a very minimal amount but they decided to have pity on her students and get her off the "juice" before school starts. We were hoping they would reduce her meds today but since her labs are responding so well, they want to let them continue to settle all the way down before they make any changes.
In the meantime, Erin is getting ready to move into her own place. She and Laura have been shopping like crazy and enjoying putting together their own decor.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Erin. She is ready to put this all behind her and get back to a "normal" life. God has graciously provided for all the details involved! Blessings on your summer. Enjoy! love, janet
Isaiah 30:17-19 (New International Version)
17 A thousand will flee
at the threat of one;
at the threat of five
you will all flee away,
till you are left
like a flagstaff on a mountaintop,
like a banner on a hill."
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Happy June
Blessings Prayer Warriors,
We are so thankful for all of you and your prayers. God has done amazing things through all the prayers! I hope you have been as blessed as we have by spending more time with the Lord.
Erin is doing well. She is still walking on air over the job coming through. God has been faithful to put the pieces of her life back together better than ever. Erin is feeling so good, she has decided to get her own place this summer. Now, you know I am having a hard time with that decision, but she has agreed to let me spend the night whenever I want to. I told her I am available M-F but I would spend the weekends with Bill. You probably think I am kidding.... She found a nice place close by and it is brand new (no germs), and she has friends for neighbors, so I think I will be o.k....eventually. Laura is also moving out. I have been stalling on the whole empty nest thing but it looks like it is going to hit hard this summer.
Erin goes to the clinic next Wed, so we should have more medical details then. In the meantime, she has been feeling great, so we are praying that they decrease the steroids some. Steroids do keep her from sleeping well and that adds up over time. I guess that is our prayer request, that they can decrease some of the meds. Blessings on all of you. You are the best team ever!! love, janet
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10
We are so thankful for all of you and your prayers. God has done amazing things through all the prayers! I hope you have been as blessed as we have by spending more time with the Lord.
Erin is doing well. She is still walking on air over the job coming through. God has been faithful to put the pieces of her life back together better than ever. Erin is feeling so good, she has decided to get her own place this summer. Now, you know I am having a hard time with that decision, but she has agreed to let me spend the night whenever I want to. I told her I am available M-F but I would spend the weekends with Bill. You probably think I am kidding.... She found a nice place close by and it is brand new (no germs), and she has friends for neighbors, so I think I will be o.k....eventually. Laura is also moving out. I have been stalling on the whole empty nest thing but it looks like it is going to hit hard this summer.
Erin goes to the clinic next Wed, so we should have more medical details then. In the meantime, she has been feeling great, so we are praying that they decrease the steroids some. Steroids do keep her from sleeping well and that adds up over time. I guess that is our prayer request, that they can decrease some of the meds. Blessings on all of you. You are the best team ever!! love, janet
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Last Day of School/ updated
Happy Last Day of School!
Thanks for the prayers. We are sorry to say we lost Bill's Mom 2 weeks ago and we had the Memorial last week. She lived to 91 and was a testament to God's grace throughout her life. We are blessed by her legacy of faith! As hard as that was to say goodbye, we know she is now saying hello to the Lord in person and all her family before her. So, we celebrate her home-going with Joy in the Lord!
Erin is doing well. We praise God daily for her health. She is still walking and going to the gym. I am encouraged to say she is feeling like she might be beginning to sweat a little on her head after a vigorous class. We can only pray that is a sign that her body is returning to more normal endocrine function.
As for her job situation, Gwinnett County Schools has told her they will let her know this Friday if they have a place for her in the system. Please pray she gets a good position for the coming year. She has really been stressed about it. I know God has a plan for her, but it's hard to wait it out.
The next appt for Erin is in two weeks, so we are enjoying our first month-long break from the trek to Emory. Thank you so much for the prayers that have sustained us these last 2 1/2 years. We couldn't have done it without all of you on your knees for Erin. We are blessed by your faithfulness! love, janet
A favorite verse around graduation time:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Update: This just in...Gwinnett County is sending Erin back to Peachtree Ridge as a Inter-related teacher!! She will be collaborating with other teachers, so it will hopefully be less stressful than having her own classes. It is the perfect fit. God is good!! Erin is on cloud nine. Thank you Lord!!
Thanks again for the prayers! janet
Thanks for the prayers. We are sorry to say we lost Bill's Mom 2 weeks ago and we had the Memorial last week. She lived to 91 and was a testament to God's grace throughout her life. We are blessed by her legacy of faith! As hard as that was to say goodbye, we know she is now saying hello to the Lord in person and all her family before her. So, we celebrate her home-going with Joy in the Lord!
Erin is doing well. We praise God daily for her health. She is still walking and going to the gym. I am encouraged to say she is feeling like she might be beginning to sweat a little on her head after a vigorous class. We can only pray that is a sign that her body is returning to more normal endocrine function.
As for her job situation, Gwinnett County Schools has told her they will let her know this Friday if they have a place for her in the system. Please pray she gets a good position for the coming year. She has really been stressed about it. I know God has a plan for her, but it's hard to wait it out.
The next appt for Erin is in two weeks, so we are enjoying our first month-long break from the trek to Emory. Thank you so much for the prayers that have sustained us these last 2 1/2 years. We couldn't have done it without all of you on your knees for Erin. We are blessed by your faithfulness! love, janet
A favorite verse around graduation time:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Update: This just in...Gwinnett County is sending Erin back to Peachtree Ridge as a Inter-related teacher!! She will be collaborating with other teachers, so it will hopefully be less stressful than having her own classes. It is the perfect fit. God is good!! Erin is on cloud nine. Thank you Lord!!
Thanks again for the prayers! janet