update...again!

Good morning everyone....thought you might like an update on Gary...


Hello Everyone, Gary's counts continue to come up daily. Some of the increases are so significant it has been almost unbelievable. The good news is we are being released from the hospital tomorrow (if counts continue to rise as they have been) and will return to the bone marrow clinic on Monday for another blood count. The doctors will continue blood counts if they should see anything questionable. Then the following Monday, April 27th, we will return for the (long in coming) bone marrow biopsy. This biopsy has been delayed because of the really good response Gary's body is doing in recovering. The doctors expect the marrow to be clean, however, we all know there is a possibility they may find leukemic cells and he would return for more chemo. HOWEVER, we know God is in control and we continue to experience His Presence and Power daily. Once the bone marrow has been found to be clean and clear, we should hear those wonderful words "Remission"...then as God wills, with the timing of the donor and the availability, on to bone marrow transplant.

The question has been asked if once in "remission" would Gary still have MDS. The doctor's have said that in most cases the remission of leukemia doesn't reverse the MDS, however, it has happened, it is just a very small percentage. Wouldn't that be amazing. The Clinical Research staff are telling us the doctors are simply flabbergasted at how well Gary has done and is doing. Of course, whether the MDS is reversed or not is all yet to be revealed in God's timing and plan. I am trying to remember Ps. 18:30 "God's plan is perfect" (Isn't that right Patty?) I do believe I am learning just a little bit about miracles. Often we pray and don't see God's answer or His answer is not the one we want. Therefore, we feel we have not received the "miracle" we asked for. I am coming to realize that every day is a miracle. I am sure we miss many of God's daily miracles. It will be my continued prayer that God will open my eyes to HIS work and help me to trust Him and recognize that life is a daily miracles. We feel we are so blessed and will continue to acknowledge our heavenly Father as All Knowing, All Powerful and Forever Present. Though we may not understand His sovereignty, we will continue to live daily to the fullest realizing just how precious life is and how special our loved ones are to us.

In His Grip and Holding on,

Shirley
PS. For those of you who may be interested...my son, Nick and his wife Samantha, found out our 9th grandbaby is a GIRL! Another miracle! I know the name but I'm afraid to tell without permission...maybe next update. Yes, we do have the new license plate "9 Grans"...awaiting for us at home. Smile!

Some cutie pies!

I'm not sure why God gave me such adorable kids....but He did! :) I sure wouldn't trade them for the world! We were down in Waxhaw on Saturday for me to take some pictures of the Blackson clan and of course I took some of my kiddos too!....look how big Eli is getting! :( He is ALMOST sitting up, and has decided to roll over FINALLY! He loves his toes and will "talk" to you about anything! He is an expert at using the mouse...heeheee and the remote control!(somehow he always finds the volume button! He only cries when he thinks he is alone...as long as Emma, Ian or I am in sight he is a happy and content baby! He WON'T take a bottle to save my life!....lol...but I think soon, he won't have a choice....hmmmm, should be interesting He has taken to food well, LOVES to eat...yep, he's all boy! I have been taking it really slow w/ him and food....maybe I'm being lazy, but I just don't see the need to rush it, so we are only eating once a day for now, I think I'll bump it to twice a day soon....we'll see! No teeth yet...but they are there...and so close, it should be soon...but don't let that fool you, he bites well w/o teeth!heehee!

Enjoy the pictures!

News from last night!

I promised to keep you updated...I never dreamed we would have more news so quickly...but this is the kind of news I LOVE sharing....enjoy a "touch from God"




Dear Friends:
There is a verse in Philippians chapter 1 verse 19 that has spoken to me today. It reads "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ"
Tonight we have received GREAT news. It appears that the chemo has eradicated almost all of the Leukemia and that the cells that remain may actually be being produced by my own bone marrow. In light of this the chemo I was scheduled to begin at 9PM tonight has been cancelled and they will monitor me for another week then do another bone marrow test.
Based upon those findings a plan of action will be given. Now, they say there is still a chance of temperature spikes, etc..but what they found out today just "doesn't normally happen". It is recognized as a touch from God even by the medical community.
Let's just Praise The Lord together for His special grace and look forward to daily blessings.
Shirley and I are convinced it is through your holding us up in prayer that enables God to do such wonderful acts.
We love you and will keep you advised.
Shirley & Gary

I am still here!....sorta

Ok...so I must say I am so sorry for not doing a better job at keeping everyone updated on Gary....this last 2 weeks have been extremely crazy! So before I say anything else...here is the email my mom send out last night about what's going on w/ them...


Good Evening Loved Ones,
We have just received the results of the bone marrow biopsy. The bone marrow was not completely empty of cells so tomorrow Gary (we) will continue with 5 additional days of chemo. At this time, Gary will be monitored very carefully and also daily blood work. Once his blood levels return to a safe level(three week process) we will then around day 35 do another bone marrow biopsy. This biopsy will then determine the next step hopefully we will move into the transplant phase.
Yes, we are a little disappointed but are rejoicing at what the initial chemo did accomplish. God is good, all the time...all the time God is good. We know that with God all things are possible. We have definitely experienced His presence and His love abundantly. Words simply cannot express how much we and our family appreciates your love and continued prayers. This morning one of my devotions was on the hymn "My Hope Is Built"...what a perfect reminder that it is indeed "On Christ the Solid Rock we Stand, All Other Ground is Sinking Sand"...so you see this too is part of God's plan for us. Please pray and feel our hugs and prayers coming back to you. Love Shirley


So, I was up in Durham again yesterday, but not able to stay until the news came in....again, I found myself there, but yet not there when needed....nice! I am so frustrated about that, but then God knows best, He knew I had to leave by 4 and I have to trust that as much as mom wanted me there when the dr's came...there was a reason I wasn't! So, we start round 2 for chemo, not a complete surprise, but like mom said, a disappointment all the same! It adds 3 more weeks to them being gone from home...and right now I know they are both craving to be in there house and their bed...pray for their strength!

I was actually blog reading this morning...no, I haven't gotten caught up by any means...but I feel SO SO SO behind now. Two of my friends that have babies the same ages as Eli have posted their babies "6 month old" post...and Eli...poor guy...he's got nothin! lol...although he did turn 6 months old and is growing like a weed! We went on vacation this past weekend...lol...camping w/ 6 kids and a cold morning deserves it's own post!....I have SO much to do and this week is crazy again! We came home early from camping, which allowed me to go to Durham, unexpectedly, Alex took off and kept the big kids for me, my cousin Morgan went w/ me to keep Eli for me...she is SO awesome!....thanks Morgan, you have been a life saver, when can you move in? :) I haven't even announced that I am going to be an aunt again! In September....Savannah will be a big sister! We are getting closer and closer to fall and starting school...Emma is SO excited...me, I think scared silly is a good way to describe it! Life is a whirl wind right now...and I am just along for the ride...hanging on tight! I am hanging tough and never stop being amazed at the peace that God give...especially peace in the moment! We are nearing the 7th year anniversary of Dad's death, and so much is going on....but I am thankful for my Saviour and what HE did for me on the cross, that HE is always w/ me, and I know for a fact HE is walking w/ me through these moments of my life....just like HE did 7 years ago. I can feel Him, and His arms wrapped around me...no matter what happens I know because of Him, I will be ok!

SO I can't promise I will be back soon...it might be a while, but I am asking that you won't stop praying for us!

One last thing...I want to say thank you for the emails and love everyone has sent my way...there are WAY to many to answer at this time, but to everyone, please know how much I have appreciated the thoughts and prayers...and that I love every one of you...even if I haven't had a chance to talk to you personally!