THANKSGIVING AND ANOTHER LITTLE BLESSING

Yes, it has been a while since there has been an update. This has been a time of adjustment and another period of working on my patience. The last post mentioned potential non-related donors; however, the most appropriate donor became unavailable for 10 months. The other potential donors from that time turned out to not be suitable once additional testing was performed. The doctors at Johns Hopkins then suggested the transplant be pushed back. So, in the meantime, I have continued my course of monthly treatments of Vidaza; and continue to pray for complete healing of this disease in whatever manner the Lord has planned.

Since the last post, we have welcomed another little blessing into the family. My daughter, Meredith, and her husband, Knut, along with "big brother", Bekan, welcomed a baby boy, Rowan, into our family in July. Rowan is my third grandchild and he is thriving very well. Bekan has welcomed his role as a big brother and remains very helpful with Rowan's care.

In October, the family also celebrated the one year birthday of Eva, my second grandchild. It was wonderful to be a part of the celebration. Eva is now walking, and keeping Aprille and Brad very busy.

During this time of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I hope this finds everyone well. I give thanks daily for each day and for the love, support and care of my family and friends. They are all truly a blessing. I would also like to thank everyone for their continued prayers for my complete healing.

If you have not already done so, please consider giving the gift of life to someone through either a blood donation or through being tested to be a potential bone marrow donor. In addition to myself, there are thousands of people waiting for a bone marrow match to save their life.

Blessings to everyone; and once again, thank you!

Margy

Matching Donors Found! Waiting for one to accept...

We received some very excellent news in the past month or so. There are several donors that match Margy's typing. One is a full match and the others are a one allele mismatch, which in layman's terms is something like a 90% match. The doctors say they can cure Margaret's cancer with these donors. Today we found out that their first choice match is not available until next year, so the doctors are pursuing the other donors to determine if they are healthy and willing. Please pray we find a donor soon. We are all hoping for a transplant as soon as possible.

Luckily, Margy's bone marrow function is still responding well to her monthly interim drug treatments of Vidaza. This has provided extra time during which the new possible donors were put on the national registry and identified. Perhaps all of the delays and frustrations over the past year were part of God's larger plans for her. She is feeling relatively healthy for a person with bone marrow cancer. We are praying that one of the new potential donors will answer the call for help.

In the meantime, Margy has been enjoying getting to know her most recent grandchild, Eva.




On another note, the transplant manager with whom we have shared a close relationship the past year and a half is being promoted to another position. We will all miss her dearly, as she has been the personalized and familiar face of the cancer team. She's a very caring person and will be very dearly missed. Good luck to you, Lori!

A Wonderful Little Blessing

Since late October, the entire family has been enjoying a wonderful little blessing - Eva Josephine Jordan! My older daughter, Aprille, and her husband, Brad, became the very proud parents of a beautiful baby girl. Eva arrived to us weighing 6 pounds 9 ounces and was 19 inches long. She is thriving beautifully and bringing joy to everyone. Their dog, Charlie, who loves to lick faces, keeps trying to "get his licks in" with Eva; but so far, Aprille and Brad have been able to keep him at bay.

This makes me an Oma for the second time, and I am so thrilled! It has been thoroughly enjoyable being able to hold and love this new addition to our family.