August 9, 2018 - DAY 100
The longed for Day 100 is almost here. We have tickets back to Alaska on August 9th. There have been lots of medical tests and classes in anticipation of returning home next week.
The results of last week's bone marrow biopsy was excellent showing no Jak2 gene mutation and the scarring that was in Samuel's bones is continuing to be healed. Our orange team of caregivers at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is very pleased with how these first 100 days have gone. We are transitioning from watching for any acute graft vs host disease which shows up in the first 100 days to being aware of any chronic GVHD that could show up in the first year. Some meds and protocol is followed until 6 months post transplant and some for a year (and longer if there's GVHD. The year mark is a big deal for transplant survivors so looking forward to celebrating on May 1st 2019 as well.).
While the terrible bone pain from the myelofibrosis is totally gone, Samuel is experiencing chemo neuropathy in both of his feet. Samuel has dealt with foot pain particularly in his right foot which has had a couple surgeries, but this is in both feet. Our hope is not in the doctors words which is that sometimes it goes away and sometimes it doesn't. We so appreciate all the prayers on our behalf these past 4 months. We're thankful for all that has taken place this summer and we look forward to more healing and trust we will gain strength as we continue to walk through this.
We find great encouragement from today's entry in "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. Perhaps it will encourage you too so I'll post it here.
"The Teaching of Adversity
By Oswald Chambers
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. —John 16:33
The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling…” (Psalm 91:1,10)— the place where you are at one with God.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment— “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life…” (Revelation 2:7). If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Our temptation is to face adversities from the standpoint of our own common sense. But a saint can “be of good cheer” even when seemingly defeated by adversities, because victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God."
If you are still reading...the pictures above are from a visit to the Japanese Gardens this past weekend. (Thank you, Andrew Hibshman, for mentioning the gardens. It was a beautiful place to visit.)
Comments (24)
How wonderful to be nearly home again! But I'm so sorry that I'll miss you this time.... I'm going through Seattle on the 10th! I've always appreciated Oswald Chambers' insights. Such a good reminder!
I'm sorry to miss you too! Will never forget your visits this summer, thanks so much! Love you!
I was just talking about you today while were processing basil. I said you only had a few more days, and then it would be August 9th and you could go home!!!!! Praise the Lord, what a great testimony . I wish we could all be there to welcome you home. I was very touched by today's O.C.entry, particuarly the line, you are not called to have an overcoming life, but gives us life, as we overcome. Samuel and Karen, you are certainly products of this statement. Looking forward to the day when we get to see you face-to-face and rejoice with you. Love to you both and your family.
That line stood out to me as well! We were rereading our cards today, and appreciate the cards you sent. Looking forward to seeing you too, whenever that may be.
I am so very thankful Samuel has reached Day 100 and heading home. It will be wonderful to have you back in Alaska.
Thanks, Kelly!
It's been so encouraging to read about your journey and particularly to see God answer your specific requests over and over. We are rejoicing with you that you can go home again soon and with such a good report. We'll continue to pray for a full and perfect healing. Lots of love! ❤️ -Josiah, Joy and kids
Thank you so much!
Thank you for continuing to share your and Samuels journey. I continue to pray for strength, hope and love to be upon you both. I also loved the reading from “The teaching of adversity “ and plan on picking up a copy for myself and to share with other. Love to you both. ❤️
Thanks, Bev! We were just encouraged the other night rereading your letter about faith. Yesterday I heard a preacher on TV talk about unconditional faith. It was a good reminder to not base faith on what we see (or feel). We're praying for you too!
Continuing to pray for this healing to be complete with nothing lingering. So glad you got to wander in the gardens. They are lovely and a favorite around here. Love you both! Lael
Thank you, Lael! We sure appreciate Andrew's contribution to the caregiving this summer. Love to you both.
Love to you both!! We continue to keep you in our prayers!!!❤️
Thank you, Lisa!
Looking forward to seeing you guys in maybe a few weeks!!
That would be great, Dave!
We continue to stand with you. The sign in the garden was appropriate; stay on the path! Living with continual pain really gets you to dig deep and strengthens your faith and trust in Him. We will continue to pray and believe for this pain to go; Tim is in the same postion and our prayer for him and you is, 'Lord, take away the pain and until you do, give the strength and grace to endure.' We love you both so much. Take care and God bless.
Thank you, Michelle! We appreciate all your cards and encouragement this summer. Yes, that garden sign was a reminder to keep thinking exactly like you said here. You and Tim are in our prayers too.
Wow! Thanks for sharing Chambers' excellent words. I needed those. I'm going to need them in the future as well--and I don't have cancer or GVHS to worry about ! BLessings on you, Samuel and family. May God heal your feet so you are free of pain.
Thanks, Deb! I was hoping this would encourage others too. We are often encouraged by Oswald Chambers' writings.
Homeward you go! It’s interesting how much we can learn from Japanese culture.
It sure was a beautiful place to visit!
I feel honored to have been able to follow your path to healing over the last 100 days and am so thankful you are doing so well. Your continued positive, faithful view during times of great hardship, pain and uncertainty leading up to and throughout your transplant process has been such a source of strength to me. It is a wonderful gift that I hope you never loose that is infectious to those who know you and your family. Looking forward to complete restoration of a healthy body for you! So glad to be your friend!
Samuel's smile is undiminished! Love seeing the joy that still radiates from both of you - a testament to your unwavering trust in God. Love to you both and so very happy that this milestone is w/in reach.