First off, Bill is doing really well (as well as can be expected). This means he is conversational and wants to talk on the phone, do computer work, and venture out of the house and exercise about 10 minutes a day. We go back to the cancer clinic on Friday and will find out when the next round of Consolidation chemo begins. This round will not be as strong of a dose and is more of a maintenance dose of chemo. But, we are told, each round of chemo will take him a little longer to recuperate and get back to “normal”.
We now know that in the National Bone Marrow Donor Bank, three matches have been found. They are trying to locate these potential donors and see if they are still willing to contribute their bone marrow. If they can locate them (sometimes people move, or change their minds) the next step will take about 3 weeks.
In the meantime, Bill and I are visiting the local hotels near the hospital to see where we will want to live for our 100 days of isolation. We must be within 20 min of the hospital and our home is 45 minutes from Loyola if it is not rush hour.
We are also working with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to learn more about their program, and will possibly visit them in January. This is for a second opinion and just to compare what is offered in Chicago verses Houston. We wanted to also check out Fred Hutchison Cancer Center in Seattle, but a third choice is becoming overwhelming.
Our prayers for Bill
Pray that his cancer stays under control while waiting for a donor.
Pray that a donor can be located and God will guide them in their decision to help.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
13 comments:
Slowly but surely our prayers are being answered- 3 potential donors. This truly is the season of miracles.
Praying often
Love,
Paula
May God guide your decisions and may only good things come. Keep up the good work and feeling good.
Love you and Thinking of you often
E.B.
See, good things come to those who wait! Hope the 3 are ready, willing and able - I had 2 of the three - that able thing got in the way! I am sure that God will guide you to the right decision - He's done a pretty good job so far.
We are still awaiting our Christmas gift - Landon is taking his good old time arriving, but I think it will be sooner than later. So many things to be thankful for - we are a lucky bunch, aren't we.
Keep us posted. And enjoy the miracle of Christmas!
Love, prayers, and good health,
Gail
I know that the news that Bill's sisters are not a match was so disappointing...it is for us, too. But there are three others out there and we will pray that they are able and willing to donate. Hang in there and keep your chin up. Waiting is always hard to do. Know that we all wait with you...every step of the way.
Love you,
Ann and Jim Reego
Hi Bill & Nancy,
Hope the 3 donors are able, ready and willing. I know every day must seem like a week to you all. Maybe Bill needs to bounce Maggie on his knees more. They both look as if they are enjoying the play time. I have two really close friends that were very impressed with M.D. Anderson in Houston. They mentioned that everyone there was either as sick as they were or were there with someone very ill. One of my friends from Ashland, Ky. and the other from Mt. Sterling. In fact, they met one day at M.D. Anderson and each one didn't know about the other. Isn't that amazing? It sure is a small world sometimes. Hang in there and roll with the punches.
Love,
Mary Jo
Yea, three donors. I bet they are under 30, 36 D, and blonde!!! Guess what Bill will turn out to look like!!!! Bill, keep up the good work. You are my hero. Nancy, so are you!!! Wish we were closer so we could do something to help, even if it were just making cookies. I know how to count the pieces of chocolate. Love you guys.
Becky
Hooray, 3 potential donors! One step closer to the transplant!
It sounds like both of you really have your work cut out for you in terms of preparation and research. Once again, if there's anything you need at all, please don't hesitate to call. Even if you need something from your house and are in the hotel, I can run it over. Luckily, the boys like being in the car!
How wonderful that you'll be able to spend Christmas with the two new additions to the family. They say that children are a blessing, but grandchildren are doubly so since you get all the fun without the headaches! :)
Take care, Bill and Nancy. You are both such strong people to be able to handle all these challenges with such grace and determination!
Thinking of you,
Janet and John
Bill's amazing people skills may not help him beat this cancer but his solid ability to win out in adverse circumstances will. I have seen Bill maintain his composure and triumph in many adverse situtations. He may have just been practicing for this one. I think you'll triumph again Bill. Best to you always.
Hello Bill & Nancy,
Received your Christmas letter today and was surprised (to say the least) with the news. I have put you both on our prayerchain at church and have forwarded your news to our Drexel friends, Bill Jack and Jim Augustin.
Praying that our God who gives every good and perfect gift will give you that perfect match.
Love, The Staffiera's
The "joys" of the Christmas season. It was so good hearing that there are not one, not two, but three matches. Now we pray these people are still eager to donate. You two stay in our thoughts and prayers. Keep the good news coming.
Love and prayers,
Judy and Dave
Bill,
What a shock to receive your Christmas letter! I called Phil immediately to let him know. (And we thought things were going rough for us just because our truck quit on us this morning)! I know this is such a blow to you, Nancy and your family and we will be praying for you with all we have. Life comes at you fast doesn't it? Fight this with all you have in you so that you will look back at this as just one more huge, coal muddy, crater hole in the road of your life. Keep your blogspot up and we will continue to monitor it and pray for your miracle.
With warmest thoughtas and deep regards, Phil and Carol
Great to hear that there are three possibilities out there. Maybe you can ask to interview them and pick the one with the lowest golf handicap and the largest bladder. You guys are surely going through your share of hell right now. Just take one day at a time, keep putting one foot in front of the other, and keep smelling the roses that are around you.
David Eaker
We're thinking of you both often. Our prayers are for both of you and the donors. Hang in there, God is with you both.
Dee
Post a Comment