December 7, 2006

Only 18 shopping days left until Christmas, 211 days since we started this CML adventure in May and who knows how long until a stem cell transplant happens. On the transplant note, I talked with Kelli, my transplant coordinator at OHSU, yesterday. She received confirmation that donor #2 is on board and excited to proceed. Nearly all of the blood/medical tests are completed and donor #2 is just as good of a match as donor #1.

Scheduling is still unsure because Donor #2 has recently started a new job and is trying to schedule days off with her new boss during this holiday season for collection of the stem cells. Also, the collection center near Donor #2 needs to have dates available. I am pretty sure that Donor #2 lives in the USA so I don’t have to be concerned about developing a British accent later as with donor #1.

The good news is that my leukemia is still under the radar and staying down well. If the transplant happens before or near the first of next Month, it appears I won’t need more conditioning chemo before getting the preparatory chemo for transplant. I’m very thankful for that and praying that donor #2’s boss will give her time off.

Barbara and I are so thankful that we’ve able to get out of the house a few times over the past week (besides the normal clinics and doctor visits). We made a short appearance at Thanksgiving at Benjamin and Terra’s (my youngest son and daughter). We stayed for less than an hour, but it was great to see my close family together, even for a short while.

Then last Friday we were at their house again and I was able to hold a dear little boy, Jay, for quite a while. For those of you who don’t know, Jay is the son of some dear friends. He is a 5 month old boy who was diagnosed with cancer on his little ankle soon after birth. After several rounds of chemotherapy and two surgeries that removed Jay’s leg to the knee, Jay is doing well and cancer free. Jay and I shared a great bond of going through the same kind of stuff, although at only 5 months Jay has endured much more than I. Jay took to me right away, probably because we both were nearly bald. Maybe he just thought he was looking at himself in the future.

Holding Jay was great for me. He gave me a real attitude adjustment. As with me and my journey, there has been a mighty outcry to God through prayer for Jay’s healing. I was able to hold Jay because God chose to spare his life. Jay was so happy and full of life in spite of his recent ordeal. He gave me incentive to follow his example by being grateful for life and sharing that life with so many people who care for me, just as I care for them. After all, isn’t that what following Jesus is all about, loving Him and loving those around you?

It’s my Christmas wish that in some small way I can help you all remember that relationships are what really matter, not jobs, projects or stuff. In the holiday season the world will try to convince you else wise, but things do tarnish and jobs do go away while relationships will always matter.