Do you ever get sidetracked? I certainly do.
As you know, I have been working from home since I left the hospital on December 8, 2021. In spite of being active, I’m beginning to realize that too many days seem the same. Other than visits to the doctor’s office and picking up food at the drive-thru occasionally, I’m not getting out much.
I’m enough out of touch that I just realized it’s “Good Friday”. That occurred to me when I logged into work and no one else was on the network. Surprise!
It also hadn’t occurred to me that I hadn’t brought you up to date in 3 weeks. I’m not sure where the time goes. I apologize. Over the past couple of days, we’ve had people get in touch because they were concerned that no news meant things were bad. Things are not bad. I’m good. I’m still in full remission.
I’m good. I’m still in full remission.
I appreciate that you care.
Fortunately, I’m feeling good, so I’ve found it easier to work more lately, so I’ve let those things fill my day. All normal stuff that needs to be taken care of.
I’ve spoken to more friends in person the last couple of weeks than I had in a while, although I’m still keeping my distance. And we were fortunate to have Tiffany and Abby, along with the younger grandkids up last weekend into mid-week. It was good to have some normalization in our lives.
My labs are continuing to show very low numbers that mean I won’t be venturing out much any time soon. My ANC, absolute neutrophil count, is extremely low. To put it in perspective, if my count is lower than 1,000, I have antibiotics I need to take, my count on Thursday was less than 40. I’m taking the antibiotics and I’ve stopped my oral chemo for now.
Here’s a definition for context: Neutrophils
Neutrophils help your immune system fight infections and heal injuries. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell in your body. An absolute neutrophil count identifies whether your body has enough neutrophils or if your count is above or below a healthy range.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22313-neutrophils
Latest Testing
On April 5, I went to AHWFB for five scheduled appointments involving several tests. There were blood tests, x-ray, pulmonary function, echocardiogram, and EKG. It was a full day. From the results I’ve seen, I’m good to go. The only test with a serious question was the echocardiogram, which showed an ejection fraction of 40-45% on the left ventricle. That actually meets the standard for the BMT procedure. Out of an abundance of caution, I have an appointment with a cardiologist for review.
We’ll go the extra mile to assure all is well. As I like to say, there’s nothing wrong with a belt and suspenders. It’s just not much of a fashion statement. 😊
We’ll be cautious.
Another Change
Just after lunch today, I got a call from my Nurse Coordinator. After reviewing the appointment for the cardiologist and the schedule for acquiring the stem cells from the donor, we’re moving the schedule out a couple of weeks. The new, very tentative, schedule calls for a bone marrow biopsy on May 5 and begin treatment on June 1. There are still a lot of pieces that need to fall into place. I’ll let you know if things change.
Another Opportunity to Learn
Let me ask you a question.
Have you ever been in a situation where you weren’t really comfortable and absolutely knew you were not in control?
How do you find peace in that situation?
In most settings of my treatment there have been unknowns. I haven’t known the people. I’m not familiar with the setting. I’d never spent a night in a hospital except with another patient. I’ve never been seriously sick. Since November, I’ve been in uncharted territory, and yet, I’ve been at peace.
I only know one answer. That’s where God comes into my picture.
I’ve come to understand the passage in Matthew 6 (from the Sermon on the Mount), beginning about verse 25, where Jesus tells us to not worry about anything.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A25-34&version=NIV
Trust Leads to Rest
God has provided for all our needs. Our job is to trust and accept. That’s it. In accepting salvation, you got the whole package.
You don’t have to be comfortable with your surroundings, or the people you are with, or the location. You only need to trust God. That’s why Paul could say in his letter to the Philippians, that he was content regardless of his circumstances.
Philippians 4:11 (NIV84)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
NIV84
Jesus offers that same rest or contentment in every situation, including when we KNOW we are not in control, by allowing us to know HE is in control of all those things IF we surrender control to Him. That’s a HUGE IF.
That resting at ease is what comes from relationship with God, through the finished work of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
It’s not rocket science. If it were, I couldn’t achieve it. It’s beautifully simple.
TRUST and be at ease, resting in Him.
Can’t wait to see what’s next.
And that’s where I am. I’m feeling good. I’m patiently waiting for the next answer, knowing Jesus gave all so I could rest in His finished work. That’s the gift we celebrate on Easter Sunday and every other day.
Happy Easter! Celebrate the life we’ve been given.
In His Love,
Wayne
