Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tuesday,

Leukemia, lymphoma, treatments and transplants limits one’s planning ability, including last minute plans. What we thought would be a day of transition and discharge from the hospital all changed and were postponed. Yes, we were planning to move Bonnie to outpatient housing today, but in hindsight, we are grateful for cautious doctors.

The rash on Bonnie’s face has gotten a little worse compared to yesterday and the physician on rotation without much debate said “let’s keep her for another day of observation”. In other words, they are concerned about rashes, as that can be a sign of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) which is essentially Bonnie’s remaining cells fighting the donor’s cells. The doctors wrote an order for a steroid cream that will confirm whether or not what she has is indeed GVHD. If the rash goes away using the cream, this is an indicator that she has GVHD and they will keep her here longer and give her some form of steroid IV. If the rash remains using the cream, it is just a viral issue and they will discharge Bonnie. It seems odd that if the rash goes away “we’ll keep you” and if it stays “you’re free to go”. Bottom line is the doctor’s objective is to minimize the GVHD and keep it out of Bonnie’s GI tract.

It is a little challenging contemplating how to pray for this specific situation, so we are just praying and asking God to do His perfect will that will glorify Himself and at the same time to help us to be content with either outcome. Contentment is easier said than done, yet we know that is what God expects from us no matter the situation we face. We’ve said this more than once, with God there is no such thing as coincidence. Just today I (Steve) read in my daily Bible reading for October 27th, 1 Timothy 6:6-8:

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

We have very gifted and competent health care professionals that God has provided to care for Bonnie, and in this “we shall be content.”

Steve & Bonnie
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2 comments:

  1. MurfOctober 28, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    I read that verse this morning (McCheyne bible reading plan). It's a verse that is easier read than lived, especially in a difficult situation such as yours. Since they want her to have some GVHD is it better that she has that now, or better if that is put off a little while? You're right, who knows what to pray in this situation.

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  2. The Raff FamilyOctober 28, 2009 at 7:43 AM

    Steve and Bonnie,
    I entered a comment yesterday but I don't see it listed so perhaps it disappeared in the "ether!" We're disappointed that your discharge date has been delayed because we KNOW how eagerly that day is anticipated by all who are ready to go home and get on with the next phase of recovery. This, too, will be sorted out. Keep your spirits up and hang in there. It will be so worth it for you to go to your temporary hoe feeling confident an comfortable that you are indeed READY to be discharged.
    Gil and Karen

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