June 11th, 2006

Thanks again for your prayers. Thanks also to those of you who are interested in becoming a stem cell donor. I have started researching all of the questions. By Tuesday I should have a lot more information because I have been getting help in researching the subject.

Some days, like today, are great. That is because I received a blood transfusion last night. Until the study drug 107 kicks all the way in, I will have to get transfusions of red blood cells and platelets every few days. On days right before I get transfusions I am pretty weak and can’t get much done.

I actually “lived on the edge” today and went to a part of the service at the church we are attending. Marcus (our oldest son) was leading worship, and Barbara (my wife) and Tracy (Marcus’ wife) both sang. The worship was great and I had missed being at a service. I stayed away from people as much as possible and trust that God will protect me from catching something.

This is the first weekend in a while that I haven’t ended up in the hospital. That is so great. Things seem to have settled down and with the new dose of the study drug (107), I am hopeful that my progress will be more consistent. My immune system is still very weak so I feel like the boy in a bubble. I can go outside without a mask, but I can’t touch the grass, ground, plants or anything because I may catch a fungus or bacteria that normally has no effect on people. Any time I’m in a public place I wear a mask that looks like Daffy Duck’s bill. I can have a few visitors at home as long as they are well, they haven’t been around anyone ill, they don’t touch or get close to me, and I wash carefully when they leave. The first blood cells to be built back up by the 107 will be white cells. Then I’ll be back in circulation. WOO HOO.

Through this experience I have had a great peace about my “wellbeing” (whatever God has planned). The biggest reason for that is I’m being prayed for by so many people. A huge lesson that God has been teaching me is that for me it is far easier to give than receive. Barbara and I have spent a lot of our lives giving to people. Now that dear friends are surrounding us and providing food, trips to daily blood draws and other things, it is really a humbling experience for me. Knowing that people are willing to test to be a donor for me totally blows me away. ONLY GOD.