April 21, 2020 · from Lesley’s original CaringBridge journal
So I tried to think of a great opening hook, a good bait and switch title but then, no – I just want to shout it out how wonderful God is! He is answering all of our prayers down to the tiniest details with a loud YES. He is at work!
Yesterday I was sitting on my bed with the OT working on this kink in my shoulder/neck. You know, I asked her to feel around for it, she could feel free to just to see where all she thought it was, I didn’t mind if she used a substantial amount of pressure, and I had all the time in the world for her to figure out what was going on. (I hope you see what I weaseled her into here) Then, in walked my transplant coordinator and she said the most beautiful words ever spoken – WE HAVE A DONOR! A donor! not just a match, I already knew we had multiple matches, but a person who has agreed to donate. And it only gets better from there! Now, even my docs here don’t know who this person is, or even what state she lives in – the only information non-medical that we know about her is that she is in the US. After a year has passed I can fill out a form and reach out to see if she would like to connect. She is female, obviously since I keep saying “she”, which is good because they prefer female to female transplants. She is a 10 out of 10 match on all the factors they are looking for. And she has agreed to donate marrow and not just stem cells, which is great because that increases the chances of a more successful transplant. What a selfless act. She is saving my life and she has no idea who I am. Again, I am humbled.
What happens next? So, she and I both have a lot to do before transplant. There are multiple tests and medical workups that have to happen on both sides. The transplant team is amazing – they are coordinating all of this between the both of us so that when it comes time, she will go in and donate, they will overnight the marrow here, and transplant to me the next day. These folks are logistics pros! As for me I have a few extra things than her. Yesterday I started a 14 day oral chemo regimen. This is a targeted therapy for the specific gene mutation that my cancer has. This is good because it is even more targeted to my specific cancer than the other chemo I have been taking. I will be doing this and waiting for my counts to come up to a safe level enough to leave the hospital. This chemo will slow that process down, but that’s okay because it is hopefully killing any cancer bugs that dodged the bullet last week. While we are waiting on my counts to come up we are going to try to do as many of the pre-transplant testing and workups while I am still inpatient. This will be much more convenient. The target date for transplant is mid-May. After all the preliminary work is done I will do another either 6 or 8 day regimen of IV chemo to wipe my bone marrow as clean as can be and then transplant right after that. One thing I learned is that when I get to that point it will be possibly another month or longer in the hospital. They did say that I may get to go home for a week or two in between if my counts come up enough.
Now I hesitate to even mention this because I don’t want to include any bad with all this good, but it is a matter of prayer so I’ll include it. I had a reaction to one of my IV antibiotics and broke out in a horrendous rash. Saturday and Sunday it was itching really bad, but yesterday….woo doggie! It was hot and angry and just painful. I didn’t leave the bed most of the day because it hurt to move my legs. We are hoping that was the worst day of it. I was able to get them to switch me to IV Benadryl and that seemed to do the trick, it works much better. This morning is a night and day difference, both literally and figuratively. I still ask that you pray that it will go away – it looks so bad that if I posted a picture, those filter thingies would probably block it and say it was a graphic image 😉 Even as bad as yesterday’s rash was, it was eclipsed by the wonderful news about the donor.
Also, on a fun note. I got SOOOOO many cards and packages yesterday that it took three people to bring them in my room! I feel so loved!!! I am trying to at least text everyone to let them know that I got their package, but some of them I am not completely sure who they came from. The hospital screens the packages and the nurses wipe everything down before bringing it to me. I think a couple of things have gotten mixed up and some gift receipts lost. But please know, I love each and every thing ya’ll have sent. It is making this stay so much more fun and makes me feel so loved and cared for. Just, if you sent something and haven’t heard from me, feel free to text me – we have had to hunt down a few packages already, especially if they come FedEx.
Specific prayer requests to add to our list:
- Bone marrow biopsy is Thursday – we are asking for NO cancer cells present!
- Rosie the rash to go away
- Ursula the ulcer to go away
- blood counts to get stable and come up like they need to
- This new chemo not to have bad side effects
- start praying for our donor – Lord keep her healthy and strong and for her testing to go well
God is at work. He is doing amazing things – far above what we are asking for or imagining. I am so honored that he has chosen little ol me as His vessel to work through right now. All glory to HIM!
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to HIM be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. AMEN.
Ephesians 3:21
Comments from CaringBridge
Laura Gillespie — 5/3/20
Praise God, for He is Faithful! So excited to hear the wonderful news! Prayers for ulcer and rash to go away. Lifting up the precious donor to stay healthy and strong. Praying for the BEST possible outcome for biopsy Thursday. Your light shines, Leslie.
Denise Nielsen — 4/22/20
What wonderful news! God is good! You and your donor and your sweet boys will all be in my prayers. Stay strong and continue to feel all the love you so deserve! Denise and Mike
Gina Shealy — 4/21/20
Bless you, Lesley… you are a beautiful example of waiting on the Lord.. and in being prayerful as you are going through so much. John and I will be praying for you and for your donor. She is a sweet blessing from the Lord.
Carol Churi — 4/21/20
Lesley you are an amazing woman! Jesus smiles when He looks at you; with your amazing attitude, strong faith and humble spirit. What an example you are to us, reading your posts. Earnestly Praying for you!
alan motter — 4/21/20
♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊🌞🌞
Renee Shelfer — 4/21/20
Such good news this morning. God is being bombarded with prayers and they are working. Hang in there with with Rosie. Sending more prayers.
Becky Holton — 4/21/20
Such wonderful news! Now Rosie and Ursela be gone!! Hugs and prayers.
Lynne Veazey — 4/21/20
You and your sweet family are covered with prayer. Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers.
Elaine Senn — 4/21/20
Woo hoo! Exciting news! I remember when I found out my sister was my stem cell transplant donor! God is working and I will keep you, your family, the medical team, and your donor in my prayers! Each day is a new day of Hope. Fyi…I too had a reaction very similar to yours with an IV med. Found out I was allergic to it in IV form but could take the tablet form with zero problems.
Debbie Butts — 4/21/20
Hallelujah! Prayers continue that God will cover all your needs.
Cathy Del Toro — 4/21/20
Awesome, awesome news. God loves you sooooooooo much!
Gretchen Hitchcock — 4/21/20
Praise be to God!!! We are praying for and with you! Absolutely inspired and in awe of your absolute faith. May the Lord keep you and bless you.
Donna Hill — 4/21/20
Yes! Yes! Yes! God is good! I just want to read your post over and over! The thrilling news is covered in your faith and strength. Press on, dear friend!
Beth Walker — 4/21/20
Your strength and courage shines through like a beacon in this post. You are simply amazing. God is using you through all of this and you’re knocking it out of the park. I will pray specifically for everything you listed. Can’t wait to see what God has in store for you once all of this is over! Thanks for being an inspiration to me and so many others!!
Cancermamma 