Saturday, August 9, 2014

Day +108, Some Good News

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
PSALM 119 : 105”


Praise God for good  bone marrow results!  

The cellular content that makes up the marrow looks healthy and appears to be producing all donor cells.  This is very good news.  We are still waiting to see how much fibrosis is in the marrow, but the current cellular and fat percentages that are in there look good.  There is some fluid in the sack around the heart but it is a small amount and they are not concerned.  The aspergillus in his left lung is slightly improving, not currently concerned.  The spleen is reducing in size, there is still a possibility of removal but we will watch and pray that God continues to heal it on its own..  There are no traces of leukemia, big sigh of relief.  There are intermittent stomach aches possibly from an ever growing menu of food items or could possibly be gvh.

God willing, things are winding down on our stay.  We are fast approaching 7 months.  Since Clifs platelets remain low and the need for transfusions continues daily, the idea of moving to a lower level of care type facility or an Acute Rehab hospital will not happen yet.  The goal is to get him medically healthy enough to relocate to a facility that can whip his physical body back into shape.  So as we remain, we will continue to work diligently at strengthening and relearning the body to do the things it needs to do; like walk.

Rehab continues daily, a walker is placed in front of Clif and from his bedside each therapist places a hand on a belt that is placed just under his chest, on Clifs count of 3 the three of them gently lift him to his feet, he grabs the walker, steadies himself and once standing and knees gently pressed in by one of the helpers the very careful first step is made, slow but steady as we go.  Someone follows  behind him with a wheel chair to be a safeguard for him if he is getting to tired and to give him a break when he needs it.  Progress is being made.

Thank you all for a very happy birthday last week for Clif!  His spirits were lifted and it took 3 days to read through all the uplifting and encouraging notes.  There were many happy tears.

Another mile stone has come, I will be taking our son Charlie to ASU Polytechnic on Monday, a very exciting yet saddening moment, I was very much hoping Clif would be on this road trip!

One last thing, two days ago Clif made his first visit outside the walls of City of Hope in 6 1/2 months, what you and I take for granted he was able to enjoy in a very moving way.  

“My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.”
Psalm 108:1






2 comments:

  1. So much good news, Doreene! Congratulations to Charlie, too! Hope the move goes smoothly for all! We pray often for all of you! Give Clif a great big kiss from us. Can't wait until we can all see each other again!
    Lots of love,
    The Lewises

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  2. SO HAPPY that y'all are seeing improvement! Rock on! Congrats to Charlie for a cool new chapter in his life. Enjoy the trip. Love you guys!

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