Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. Most of the time I (Don) find it amazing that people are actually interested in reading about our lives. But we thank you just the same. You are all so precious to us!
MEDICAL UPDATE:
We are now 66 days post-transplant. Don is feeling better and taking some time to regain his strength and stamina. He is taking one day off in the middle of the week to catch up on his rest and plans to return to 5 days a week in February.
For those of you who have been following the blog, you know that the cancer number has been a roller coaster ride (similar to the weather in Ohio during January). You may recall it had to be below a 1.0 in order for the stem cell transplant to happen. That occurred in October when the number hit .9. This allowed for the stem cell transplant to take place in November. Our first post-transplant cancer reading took place in December and the cancer number at that time was at .8. In all honesty we were surprised and a little disappointed that it was not lower. In fact, we thought it would be close to 0 because of the intensity of the chemotherapy during Don's hospitalization. However, our doctor advised us that it would be unlikely, as far as the medical expectations go, that it would ever reach that low. They are hoping for a .5 or below to be maintained for the foreseeable future. We should know whether this has been accomplished when the cancer number is measured at Day 90. We have been told from the beginning that Multiple Myeloma is not curable but it is "manageable." Of course we continue to trust God for His will to be done! We believe that God has really touched Don's body; his pain level is down significantly. In fact, he has not had to take any "break-through" pain medication for nearly 2 months. He is exercising regularly and even starting to jog without the aid of his walker but with the help of a couple of friends. "Jogging" of course, is a relative term! For most of you his "jog" would equal your fast walk.
Don still has to be cautious about falling because the bones in his back and hips are still compromised by the cancer. So if you see him occasionally still using the walker or his cane...be kind and don't make fun!
CHRISTMAS JOYS:
We had a wonderful time with our children and grandchildren during Christmas week! We truly wish you a very blessed New Year and pray that you will join us in anticipating 2013 as a year of celebration, healing and spiritual growth. We will keep you updated knowing that we could not enjoy these blessings without the continued prayers and support of all of you, our dear friends and family.
PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:
- Please pray for continued healing in Don's body; for the neuropathy he still has in his feet and legs and for his bones to be strengthened and rebuilt.
- That the cancer would stay in remission.
- That Don would have wisdom regarding his schedule, allowing for plenty of rest. as he returns to more active ministry,
- For me, Don (vainly speaking) :) that my hair would grow back!
Don and Marcie
Don and Marcie: THRILLED to read your latest post!
ReplyDeleteThere are not enough words to express my praise and thanks to God for the continuous miracle healing you are experiencing. Having Marcie by your side every step of the way is a blessing beyond compare. Just reading your blogs allow me to "see" the light of Jesus shining through and the true exercising of your faith muscles. There is nothing too difficult for God and your arms were and are not too short to box with God. I look forward to hearing from you both as the miracles and blessings keep flowing.
ReplyDeleteDon: don't push yourself too hard. The race is not for the swift. Be wise (as I know you are) and give yourself plenty of time for rest. BTW, get over the hair thing. At least it's cute on a guy. It's worse being a bald woman but I accepted it and embraced it as part of my journey. When you get your hair back, you will remember often the times when you were 'hairless' and chuckle giving thanks to God at the same time. You are just a wounded warrior and you are redressing to get back into the battlefield.
Marcie: I love you so much for taking such awesome care of our friend and brother. You have expressed your love in more ways than words could say.
Sorry for the long response. Just wanted to share my heart. Love to you both and I will keep the prayers going.
Why hair - you look great? However, I do understand. Miss you!
ReplyDeleteDear Dr. Lichi -
ReplyDeleteI took a moment, this afternoon, to google some old, Ohio friends, colleagues & acquaintances, & found your blog in the process. I am so sorry to learn of your current health struggles, but am not surprised to see how God's strength is sustaining you & your precious family.
After 20 years in Ohio, my husband's job returned us to Texas -- the land of our birth. We've been very happy being back home & I plan to begin work soon, on studying to take the NCE, in order to get my license transferred to Texas. I am very grateful to you & to many others, at both EMERGE & ATS, in helping me obtain my Ohio PCC.
Blessings to you, dear brother, & I will keep you in my prayers.
In Christ,
DeLaine R. Stehle
ATS/EMERGE 2002