Praise and prayer update
Praise God that Ryan’s transplant was successful!! 🤗 He’s still struggling with side-effects from last week’s chemo though. And this weekend, Ryan needs to receive two more rounds as well as begin a new drug to help his donor cells graft into his bone marrow and to suppress his immune system. This is a critical time for Ryan post-transplant so let’s keep him in prayer. 🙏
As we were still reeling from the bombshell news of my niece Tabitha’s leukemia diagnosis, we received another bombshell regarding my transplant. My oncologist is concerned for a potential predisposing gene mutation that may have played a part with me and Tabby both getting cancer. Our particular type of leukemia is not hereditary so we’re hopeful that this is all a fluke coincidence. But, it’s still concerning that both of us would have such a rare disease. So anyway, after consulting with several specialists, my oncologist feels it’s best to pursue an unrelated donor for my transplant if possible just in case there’s a genetic component involved. He said there is one other match they found in the donor registry and they’ve already reached out to find this person. But they can’t guarantee if and when this person will even be available or still willing to donate esp. with corona right now. With all that said, my transplant may take longer to happen. Obviously, we’re still processing this difficult news and are in a state of disbelief. Silver lining though is it was a good thing that my original transplant date on April 1st was postponed in case there were to be any genetic findings. I talked with my genetic counselor yesterday and I will be doing my genetic testing soon. We covet your prayers for this situation and our family. We’re trusting God to miraculously work this all out in His perfect timing and way. 🙏
On a brighter note, Tabby was discharged home the other day. It’s so nice for the whole family to be reunited together. ☺️ We appreciate your continued prayers for full recovery as she continues chemo at home and in clinic through infusion. Also, my insurance approved my next cycle of chemo to be performed at home! 🏠 I’ll be starting that this weekend.
We also ask for your prayers for Grace’s grandma who has Covid-19 and is being cared for at home by family members who are also not feeling well, as well as my grandmother who is awaiting transfer to a nursing home closer to my mom pending covid clearance.
Trusting that God is sovereignly working out His good purpose in all of this even in the midst of these setbacks and obstacles. May we all experience His daily sustaining grace and peace as we continue to navigate this unprecedented season knowing that He is in control even when circumstances seem out of control.
Joe what a mixture of answered prayers hurray! and more fears stoked sigh. Your faith is so inspirational. Will be praying. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteKim and Craig Smith - We just read this post and sent it to Ryan. Our hearts ache for your niece and family, for you, and for your family. May you find comfort in knowing that God's timing is always perfect. He knows the bigger picture and will continue to guide and protect you. Ryan's journey to being cancer free has been delayed so many times. Getting a transplant in the midst of pandemic??!! May God place his loving arms around you and Tabitha and carry you through these days of suffering. Ryan's post last night included this verse from Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear the voice behind you, saying " this is the way, walk in it ". May you find comfort in these words.
ReplyDeleteWhat a rollercoaster of a ride! Sometimes it's hard to find hope in circumstances...I hope you can find it as you focus your eyes on the Great Physician and loving heavenly Father. Will continue to pray for you and your families. So much going on!
ReplyDelete