A Request

Laurence is very grateful to be at home. He is resting comfortably and slowly regaining his strength.

He had another bone marrow biopsy today. This test will confirm that the chemotherapy treatment is still doing its job and will also give his doctors information about the next steps for the bone marrow transplant. It takes about a week to get the results back.

Laurence did ask me to pass on a request to you. He feels very fortunate to have a number of siblings that can be tested to find a match. Not everyone has options. Check out the National Marrow Donor Program for more information on how you can be a bone marrow donor.

We learned this week that our insurance company has approved the transplant process. In this time of limited health care, we feel enormously blessed with this news. Your prayers are blessing us each and every day! Thank you!!

Team in Training

We received this message from our friend Tom earlier in the month about his daughter, Heidi.

"I thought you might be interested to know that Heidi completed the Walt Disney World marathon last weekend in your honor. She competes with the Leukemia Society’s team in training. We made a laminated picture of you and pinned it to her race jersey. So if you are a little more tired than normal it’s because you just finished a 26.2 mile marathon! You would have been proud of her (as am I). It was freezing cold – even in Florida- but she hung in there and she & you crossed the finish line together."

Thank you Heidi! You are awesome!
You can read more on Heidi's website.
You can learn more about team in training.

Hugs!

God is Good

I forgot to acknowledge another of God's miracles that happened when Laurence was being discharged yesterday. The nurse stopped by and reviewed his list of new medications. She sent the prescriptions to the hospital pharmacy and told Laurence we could pick them up on the way out. She stopped by again a short time later because she thought she should mention that one of his new medicines had a CO-pay of $1800. That was just the co-pay! The hospital has a special program to defer the cost. She graciously signed him up for the program. Praise God!

Laurence is so grateful to be home and is catching up on his rest. It was a victorious football Sunday. God is Good.

Home Sweet Home

Laurence's doctor was pleased with the improvement in his blood count so he discharged him today!! Yeah! Praise God! It is great to have him home.

Laurence is restricted to being indoors for a few more weeks, except for his doctor appointments. We have a little more freedom with the bacteria-free diet at home. A few good spices makes all the difference in the world.

He has another bone marrow biopsy scheduled later this week. This test will dictate the next steps for the bone marrow transplant. His siblings are receiving their information and will be tested to see who will be a match.

It is so healing to have a venue to share this journey of wholeness and faith. Thank you for reading and for your kind words of support. I will continue to share our progress.

I am at a loss to find appropriate words to express thanks for your love, prayers and gracious acts of kindness you have bestowed on us. I know that blessings are returned to you a hundredfold. Thank you for your partnership in faith. "For nothing is impossible with God."

Two Good Reports

Laurence's latest CAT scan showed that his lungs are much clearer and his infection has diminished significantly. His antibiotic was changed from an IV to a pill form. That will enable Laurence to get a better night's sleep, so he isn't awakened when they change the antibiotic during the night. They are continuing to monitor his blood count.

I had a good report as well. I've been having vision problems lately, especially wearing my contact lens. I saw my opthamologist today and he identified the problem. Apparently, my vision has IMPROVED and things looked blurry with my old prescription. We both had miracles in clarity! Praise God!!

Never!

Laurence's doctor stopped by and told him his blood counts are coming up and are looking good. He is still being treated for a lung infection and waiting for results on the latest biopsy.

When the body is sick, we spend time focusing on healing. When we feel better, we begin to be restless. Laurence is feeling better. And a bit restless. He had a dream last night that he was home cooking one of his fabulous meals.

I was walking laps with Laurence and he was chatting and laughing while we were walking down the hall. One of his doctors called out "When are you going to start acting like a normal patient?" We replied in unison, "NEVER!"

Hugs and kisses.

Prayer Works

I was at the hospital this morning when Laurence's doctors came to see him. There are three doctors that visit him everyday from the Oncology Department. They talked with him and listened to his heart and lungs.

They told him that they were concerned about antibiotic used to fight his lung infection. It is a very aggressive drug and can have severe side effects, especially with the multiple issues that Laurence is dealing with. However, before they prescribed the antibiotic, they examined the latest research which showed that a smaller dose has the same impact on healing the lungs without the dangerous side effects. They opted for the smaller dose which Laurence has been able to tolerate.

When they left we looked at each other and agreed: Another dramatic result of the power of prayer. Praise God!

A Good Day

Laurence had a good day after a tough week of health challenges. His fever is gone and his infection is under control.

He invited one of the other patients to walk laps with him and the patient told the nurse that Laurence walks too fast for him. Praise God!

I echo Laurence's beautiful message of gratitude for your prayers and love. Blessings and Hugs.

A Thankful Heart

Dearest Family, Friends,and Loved Ones. I was sitting here today thinking and marveling that even on my toughest days I have always found something to laugh about. Your cards, letters, e-mails, and prayers all find their precious way into my consciousness. Why even today I got a card from the family pet in Amsterdam New York that made me laugh so loud that I think my neighbors must think I am crazy. Often I find myself overwhelmed with a sense of Love and Compassion that it brings me to tears. Your thoughts and prayers and communications really do make a difference. In turn as I walk the halls I spread that Spirit of Joy to my fellow inmates, I mean fellow patients and staff.

This dance has its hard moments, but I get through them knowing that I am not in this alone. I know that the Blessed Father in the Name of Jesus his Son and through the power of the Holy Ghost that we all are changed for the better. I love you all very much and am grateful for your presence in my beloved and my lives.
Peace now and Always
Laurence

Power of Prayer

The doctors figured out why Laurence's fever would not budge when his CAT scan showed pneumonia. They debated among themselves what meds to give Laurence that would have the greatest impact and least side effects. The first antibiotic dose took effect very quickly and his body responded positively. His fever is finally gone. There are more antibiotics and tests to come.

The doctors explained that we all have bacteria or viruses in the body. A healthy body is able to fight off the bacteria and maintain balance. Chemotherapy does a great job of killing the cancer cells but it also weakens the body's immune system. Laurence's infection is not necessarily new but the body doesn't have the ability to fight it off.

Praise God for prayer! Prayer is the one healing treatment that works regardless of history, symptoms or dosage. You can never have too much and it doesn't matter what kind or when it is delivered. It is written in Philippians: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Thank you so much for your healing prayers. You are a blessing.

Persistent fever

This is a stubborn fever! Laurence had a few hours of being fever free before it started to return. He manages to maintain a great attitude and a beautiful smile in the midst of fever, chills and flu symptoms.

While the staff is attacking it with antibiotics, I am grateful we are attacking it with prayer. Thanks so much.

Healing Process

When I was visiting Laurence today, his nurse told me that fevers are a natural part of the treatment and healing. If I'm repeating myself, it's because I am trying wrap my brain around that fact. It might be a natural part of the process, but seeing your loved one with a fever and flu symptoms is still hard to take. Laurence's fever just plain wore him out today. I just called the nurse's station to check on him and his fever finally broke and he was doing better. Praise God!

It is a comfort to know so many prayers are being whispered all hours of day and night. I am so grateful. More than you know.

Sports Highlights

Laurence had a good weekend. His football teams won today, so that's a good thing. The Cardinal's beat the Packers in a wild OT finish and the Patriots disappointing loss was a shock to their fans.
(OK, I looked it up on ESPN. I have no clue what happened in sports today but I thought my sports reporting would give Laurence a smile:)

Laurence developed a fever late this afternoon, but it is expected as part of the healing process. The staff is very efficient in following protocol when a fever shows up. They took care of him immediately. His doctor told him he is still a boring patient. Praise God!

I am so grateful to all you lovely angels who have been checking in on me, bringing me delicious meals, taking me out to eat and sending email hugs. Thank you so very much. I feel very loved.

Oodles of hugs back to you. I know your prayers and blessings are returned to you multiplied! XOXOXOX

A Good Report

Laurence met with his doctor this morning and his doctor reported that his latest bone marrow biopsy showed the leukemia to be in remission! Praise God!

Although chemotherapy was able put the leukemia in remission, it did not alter his original blood disorder called polycythemia vera. The doctors will continue to monitor Laurence and ensure that he is receiving blood and platelets as needed. The goal is to have him regain his health and strength so he can prepare for the next step in the process which is a bone marrow transplant.

We are thrilled with this news and send hugs to each and every one of you for your prayers and good thoughts.

Message from Laurence

I spent today watching a pair of Bald Eagles and a pair of Red Tail Hawks riding the thermal waves. They glided and lifted themselves higher and higher exerting precious little effort. They tipped a wing and suddenly were rising higher and higher into the sky.

I felt like them, knowing that so many prayers were lifting my beloved and I higher and higher. Propelled by the grace and love of precious friends and family. I am strengthened in faith and courage by the love of my wife and the love of my beloved friends.
Laurence

Boring is Good

Laurence is feeling much better. His fever left and so did his flu symptoms. He was a little tired tonight but that is to be expected.

His doctors told him he was a boring patient today and to please stay that way. He was glad to hear that and so was I.

Hugs from us to you for your prayers and good thoughts.

Restful Sunday

One of the side effects of chemotherapy is a neutropenic fever and flu-like symptoms. It is how the body responds to the chemo and low white blood cell count. Laurence's fever and symptoms developed yesterday. The staff ran several tests to make sure he doesn't have an infection and they put him on an IV antibiotic.

When Laurence was first admitted, Nurse Debbie explained how important it is to notify the staff immediately when the patient experiences any aches, pains or even minor changes to the body. The sooner the staff knows of a problem, the faster they can address it.

Laurence is feeling better today, though still very tired. It's Sunday and that means there's football. So he is resting comfortably in front of the TV.

I miss my best friend not being here at home. Our house was so quiet, I turned on the football game in the other room so I can function:)

Laurence will mostly likely be at OHSU another two to three weeks. We are grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. Thanks for your love and support.

A New Day

Laurence agreed to let me take his picture today to publish. I thought it was important for you to see his smiling face.

He finished his first week of chemo yesterday. The nurses continue to monitor his vitals, giving him blood or platelets when needed. The doctor will perform a bone marrow biopsy sometime this week to examine the effect the chemo has had on eliminating the leukemia cells. I know we are in agreement in knowing the chemo worked perfectly in eliminating the disease.

The wonderful staff will continue to observe Laurence and his progress to make sure he is clear of infection and any side effects from the chemo.

My faith is renewed each day in knowing all the prayers that are being said around the country. Thank you for your loving support.

From Isaiah30:31
"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary."