Sunday update for you all.
So, since the last time I posted, my mom was in the hospital, then came home for about 36 hours, woke up with a fever and some other unpleasant symptoms last night, and is alas, back in the hospital as of early this afternoon. As of now, the medical staff are performing tests of all kinds to find the reason for her fever, and fortunately have ruled out more serious possibilities.
We want everyone to understand that THIS cycle of my mom being home, and then going into the hospital for a few nights at a time, will be the NORM for some 200 days- give or take. As Doug reminded some of us today in an email, we may really not know until Jan/Feb of 2014 how everything has ultimately been accepted in her body-- it may be that long before we get the stable outcome we are all yearning for. Doug phrased it like a sort of stabilize (at hospital), respite (at home), stabilize (at hospital), respite (at home) kind of course. Basically, a very volatile roller coaster for the next solid 6 months.
Even when Kathy isn't admitted into the hospital for days at a time, she will be in the clinic several times a week for many hours at a time getting blood counts. I think God must put only the bravest and most courageous and most patient people (and their spouses) through this kind of thing. Honestly. Thus, this recovery is a marathon- not a sprint; it's a long haul. Just today when I was up there, I noticed a patient slowly strolling around the hallway with hair that was maybe an inch long on her head- indicating, that she had received her treatments several months ago, but was still in the hospital recovering. It was a reminder that this is no easy toddle and meander out to a paradise beach front; it is very much a steep mountain to climb, and it's a long and strenuous route
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We'd like to ask you to join in with us (from wherever you live!) to pray fervently on a daily basis for some specifics. The quote on top of this post, that God is involved in the details of our lives, is true. So let's be detailed. Of course He has His will, and we don't want to change that, but let's pray specifically.
1. We are praying for her body, most of all, to accept these donor's stem cells, fully and totally.
2. We are praying that her body doesn't experience any serious degrees of the typical and common, Graph-VS Host disease (there are two versions, acute and chronic- we especially are very very prayerful that she doesn't get chronic).
3. We are praying for a normal, and healthy quality-of-life after all is said and done.
4. We are praying for inspired medical decisions from nurses and doctors.
5. We are praying for Kathy's blood counts (platelets, etc), to grow healthily on their own and stay high
6. We are praying that her organs remain strong, and unharmed from everything they've undergone
7. In short, we are praying for a miracle and for a cure, if God sees that fit.
And whatever else you may feel inspired to pray for, please, by all means, DO IT!:)
We appreciate and value and do not underestimate your faith and positive thoughts. They are needed weekly, daily, HOURLY. Please know that your prayers, and your faith, and praying for these specific blessings mean more to us than just about anything.
Thanks again!
xo
Katie
Oh my gosh! 6 months of this! Katie I agree - only the strongest and most courageous souls are called on to go through something like this. Kathy is one of them - but I don't like it! I am keeping my prayers specific and appreciate the guidelines. Please give her all my love. Wendy
ReplyDeleteWe are so grateful for your blog. We're adding our prayers with the many others and we like to pray specifically, so thanks.
ReplyDeleteKathy, we love your beautiful spirit and hope this thing will work its magic for you. We pray for your comfort and peace.
Love, Tom and Kathi
I, too, appreciate this blog and feel that praying with a specific purpose in mind is what The Lord means when he says, "ask and it shall be given unto you." Such an amazing journey that requires so much! I am praying specifically that the angels will be round about to bear dear Kathy and all of you up. You are learning so much! May the spirit of peace be among you amidst the chaos. You are an example to all of us. With loving friendship, Mary Ann Hatch
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