The Leukemia has Returned

Yesterday we had a scheduled family meeting at Juravinski with the doctor in charge of the stem cell transplant.  This meeting was intended to give family members information regarding the transplant process and the risks involved and to give us a chance to ask questions.  It was during this meeting that the doctor advised us that the bone marrow test done the previous day revealed that the leukemia had returned.

We were all in a state of shock, as Mom has been growing stronger and stronger each day and was feeling great.  She even had a stress test done last week, where she scored a 94% for her age group!

The best chance for a cure would be if Mom went into the transplant in remission.  The bone marrow test showed that there were 8-9% blast (bad leukemia) cells in her bone marrow.    If this number reaches 10%, they will not proceed with the transplant because it will not work.  More testing will be done in the next few weeks, the results of which will determine future treatment. 

We were so thankful that Mom and Dad could be surrounded by their children, Mom’s sisters and father as well as Pastor Joel Overduin while receiving this heart-breaking news.  Thank you to Pastor Joel for praying with us all after the difficult meeting.

It would be so easy to become discouraged at this time, but we keep reminding ourselves that nothing is impossible with God.  He is all powerful and able to do more than we ask or think.  It is such a comfort to know that He will never leave us or forsake us as we face this trial.

Please pray fervently for the following:

miraculous healing;
that the leukemia does not progress and Mom is able to proceed with the stem cell transplant;
that Mom continues to feel well physically, emotionally and spiritually; and
that Mom and Dad and family experience peace and the comfort of been carried in God’s fatherly arms. 

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43:1-3a



In Mom’s own words:

It’s been a difficult day, but our trust is in God, that He is in control and He will go with us through this.  We were encouraged as we read this afternoon from Psalm 32   vs. 6, 7, 10:

“For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found;  Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him.  You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah.  ...   But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.”

Please pray for us.

 

Murray and Elly

 

Stem Cell Transplant

Yesterday I had my appointment with the transplant doctor and transplant co-ordinator.  We are thankful to God that I am already scheduled for all my appointments, which start next week, and a date for transplant.  The doctor said this is very unusual for the first visit.  The wait list for stem cell transplants has made headline news this week.  The chemotherapy and radiation treatments start on August 17 with the transplant date set for August 21.  This means that I will not have to have another round of chemo before that, for which we are very thankful.  Yesterday was a difficult day for us as we faced the reality of all the risks involved, but God blessed us with His encouraging words from Philippians 4.

vs. 6  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7.  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8.  Finally , brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy --meditate on these things.
11.  ...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
13.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
19.  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."

We covet your prayers,
Murray and Elly