We have been given a surprise: Laura is coming home today!

Her good blood counts have jumped into the thousands, her bone marrow DNA test shows 0% leukemia, and her fungal lung growth has shrunk to the size of a postage stamp. It's a fraction of the size it was before.[...]

Same prayer requests today as last week!

- Laura has a CT scan today - hoping for encouraging results.
Still praying that the fungal pneumonia is greatly reduced in size or is gone![...]

We have good news. My mom's immune system has begun to kick back into gear. The fungal growth in her lungs, which was quite large, has diminished to nearly a tenth of the size it was a week ago. It is still there, and still serious, but I cannot even begin to tell you the collective relief that fell on us when the doctors gave the news.[...]

Prayer Warriors, we're calling on you! Keep praying!

There will be another CT scan in the morning (Friday) and then the doctors will present a plan to address the pneumonia.[...]

"Heal me Lord, and I shall be healed…" Jeremiah 17:14.

^^ I love that verse. It's one of my favorites. I quote it over and over, into many areas of my life. Now I pray it over and over for my mom.[...]

Most of you are in the Facebook prayer group (if you're not and you would like to be, send me a note) and are already up to date on the latest happenings. But some of you (wise people!) are NOT on Facebook, and so this is for you. :)

In mid-October leukemia again showed itself in Laura's blood. Laura has been in the hospital now for nearly a month undergoing chemo and then recovery. The chemo went well, but during recovery Laura developed an infection that eventually turned into (or showed itself to be) a fungal pneumonia.

The goal of the chemo was to enforce a temporary remission in preparation for a stem cell transplant, scheduled for mid-December and for which two donors have been matched. Remission was, gratefully, attained. (Thank you, Lord!)[...]

Hello again, everyone! Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.
We found out for sure last Friday that we will not do another round of chemo- my treatment is done! After 6 months, 4 rounds of chemo, and 3 extended hospital stays, no more chemotherapy is scheduled. As of the last bone marrow biopsy in May, I am considered in remission with "no evidence of leukemia." We are praising God and are so thankful!
I will have regular blood tests in the months, and years ahead. It is my plan to move forward in faith and to increase in health and be available for all God wants me to be doing. As my friend and pastor's wife Bonnie Erickson told me in March while I was in the hospital again, "Someday Laura, you will be looking at this leukemia in the rear-view mirror!"
Please continue to pray for continued remission, healing in my body from effects of chemo, and for blood level components to return to normal levels.
Thank you! Each of you, through your prayers and words of encouragement, have been such a blessing to me during this journey.
In the near future, I plan on posting and sharing with you the detailed vision regarding fear and faith, that the Lord gave to me on the morning I was scheduled to enter OHSU last January. It was, and remains, a great gift. I know it will be a blessing to you as well.
Thank you again, dear friends. May God richly bless you! He is faithful and steadfast in His love for us. - Laura[...]

Hello again, all. Here's an answer to prayer: results of the bone marrow biopsy show continued remission and no visible evidence of leukemic cells! Yay! As well, no former DNA abnormalities are present. (The doctor is careful to note that "these results are based on currently available technology.") That is ok- our decision is to listen to and understand what the doctors say...but to stand on what God's Word says! We will go forward with the next round of chemo, believing He has it covered. Thank you for your continued prayers, everyone.[...]

Hello, and blessings to everyone! Thank you so much for your continued prayers, love, and words of support. They (and you!) are such an encouragement to me as I continue on this journey towards health. I continue to pray for each person in this group~ you are a blessing to me! Here is an update. I have been blessed to be home the last few weeks recuperating from the last chemo and hospitalization. What a joy to be back home with family (and the cutest, cuddliest, new little grandson Ezra!), enjoying the great weather, doing a little gardening, taking walks and occasional day trips, visiting friends and family occasionally, resting when needed, and spending time with the Lord. He is so faithful, and I sense His presence and help every day, every step of this journey.
There are many answers to your prayers! The Lord continues to strengthen me day by day. Other than minor infections post chemo that were resolved, I have had no serious complications or side effects from chemo. Financially, insurance has come through well, and after the percentage of our deductible (that we will continue to pay), everything will now be covered 100%. I sense the Lord is giving wisdom to our doctors. His encouraging presence is upon us, giving us peace and stamina. As well, I am so thankful that Ed has remained healthy through this all.
Now it is time to do the next (4th) round of chemo. Ed and I will be in Portland this next week from Sunday the 15th through the 20th. Specific prayer requests would be:
*That results from the recent bone marrow biopsy would continue to show remission with NO sign of leukemia and abnormalities!
*That treatment would be ending soon with no need for a stem cell transplant.
*That my body would be strong through this next round of chemo, and particularly the 3 weeks after, when the body tends to be the weakest and most vulnerable to infection.
*That my body would not succumb to fever/infection this time during the weeks after chemo when blood counts and immunity are at the lowest.
*That the chemo drug (cytarabine) would be conformed at 100% to the remedy my body needs, and that any mountains within this medicine that are harmful to my body would be rendered harmless.
*For continued encouragement, peace, health, and stamina for Ed ~ the best (and most handsome!) caregiver anyone could have. He is a trooper- balancing work, family, and caring for me when I need it.
Thank you again friends, for your support, love, and prayers!
I want to encourage you with Psalm 103:1-5 ~ this passage has been SUCH a blessing to me! May it bless you as well.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, (I will!) bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and (I will not!) forget all of His benefits. For He forgives all of my iniquities, He heals ALL of my diseases; He redeems my life from destruction; He crowns me with lovingkindness and tender mercies; He satisfies my life with good things; so that my youth is renewed like the eagle's."
I am thankful for YOU and pray His blessings upon you! ~ Laura[...]

HAPPY NEWS

Laura's eleventh grandchild was born on April 9, hours before she returned home from her latest round of chemo at OHSU. Four wonderful days were spent with him in her home, and Ed and Laura's house became became a very sleepy and peaceful post-chemo and postpartum recovery house. :)[...]