We have had so much to be thankful for over the past few days! Mom has been getting progressively stronger and her blood counts have continued to rise. Praise God!
On Saturday, Mom's doctors allowed her to come home to join all of us for a Father's Day celebration which had been scheduled prior to her hospitalization. Mom was looking so forward this event and we were all grateful that the doctors were so willing to accommodate her. Mom enjoyed every moment, especially finding out that there is another grandchild on the way! Kevin and Vanessa are expecting their fifth child :). It was a special day that we will all treasure.
As of Sunday, Mom's blood counts reached the levels that her doctors wanted to see and Dad was allowed to take Mom to a park. Today, Mom begged the doctors and nurses to let her come home .... and they agreed!
Mom will continue to be on medication for next six weeks for the infection in her lungs. She is gaining more strength each day is thrilled to be in her own home once again. At this time, we do not know when Mom's next appointments will be or when more treatments will begin. We are so thankful to God for the healing mercies that Mom has experienced so far and the peace that he has given to Mom and Dad.
The following passage has been special to Mom:
"You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:7-8
This blog was created by the children of Elly Zwiep for the purpose of updating family and friends as Mom continues on her journey battling leukemia.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Continued Improvement
Mom has continued to slowly improve over this week. She has not experienced any fever since Monday and has had relief from her headache. Her blood counts are slowly coming back up for which we are very thankful. Her white blood count (immunity) has risen slightly, but has stayed the same for the past two days. This has been somewhat discouraging for Mom, but this is to be expected when her body is busy fighting infection.
Today Mom had a procedure called a bronchoscopy done. It is very unpleasant because it involves putting a camera down her throat to get a better look at her lungs. Some tissue samples were taken to help determine exactly what kind of infection is causing the pneumonia. This will help the doctors treat it effectively now, as well as help prevent this type of infection for Mom in the future.
Mom did very well with the procedure and was eating and drinking again as soon as she was allowed! She also has not needed any oxygen. She was even able to go and sit outside in the courtyard with Dad tonight.
Although physically very weak, Mom continues to get her spiritual strength from the Lord. Psalm 125:1-2 especially got her through today:
"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever."
Today Mom had a procedure called a bronchoscopy done. It is very unpleasant because it involves putting a camera down her throat to get a better look at her lungs. Some tissue samples were taken to help determine exactly what kind of infection is causing the pneumonia. This will help the doctors treat it effectively now, as well as help prevent this type of infection for Mom in the future.
Mom did very well with the procedure and was eating and drinking again as soon as she was allowed! She also has not needed any oxygen. She was even able to go and sit outside in the courtyard with Dad tonight.
Although physically very weak, Mom continues to get her spiritual strength from the Lord. Psalm 125:1-2 especially got her through today:
"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever."
Monday, June 15, 2015
An Update on Mom's Condition
For some reason, Mom's previous blog was shut down, so we have started this new one.
On May 26, 2015, Mom began her latest round of chemotherapy. These treatments were completed on May 31, 2015. Mom was admitted to Juravinski Hospital with a fever on June 7, 2015. Since that time, Mom has been dealing with high fevers, persistent headaches, pneumonia, weakness, and has had numerous blood and platelet transfusions. She doesn't have any immunity at this time and has been on oxygen for the past few days. Mom has been in isolation (for a hospital bug) during her entire stay.
Mom continues to remain upbeat and optimistic about returning home as soon as possible, while relying on the Lord for strength and peace during this time of weakness.
Please continue to keep Mom and Dad and our family in your prayers and pray specifically for the following:
1. that Mom could experience relief from fevers, headaches and shortness of breath;
2. blessing on the medications;
3. that Mom's blood counts begin to rise, she develops some immunity and regains her strength; and
4. that Mom and Dad will continue to experience God's nearness during this difficult time.
"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
On May 26, 2015, Mom began her latest round of chemotherapy. These treatments were completed on May 31, 2015. Mom was admitted to Juravinski Hospital with a fever on June 7, 2015. Since that time, Mom has been dealing with high fevers, persistent headaches, pneumonia, weakness, and has had numerous blood and platelet transfusions. She doesn't have any immunity at this time and has been on oxygen for the past few days. Mom has been in isolation (for a hospital bug) during her entire stay.
Mom continues to remain upbeat and optimistic about returning home as soon as possible, while relying on the Lord for strength and peace during this time of weakness.
Please continue to keep Mom and Dad and our family in your prayers and pray specifically for the following:
1. that Mom could experience relief from fevers, headaches and shortness of breath;
2. blessing on the medications;
3. that Mom's blood counts begin to rise, she develops some immunity and regains her strength; and
4. that Mom and Dad will continue to experience God's nearness during this difficult time.
"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
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