June 12, 2020 · from Lesley’s original CaringBridge journal
Well, folks, I am busting out of this joint today! Yesterday Dr. Kota told me that he really wanted my white count to be at least one to send me home, but he would probably be okay with 0.9 if everything else looked good. My trend this week was it coming up 0.2 every day so I figured the 0.9 was likely but who knows. I prayed for it to be 1.1, just a little more so that there wasn’t a question. It was 1.2 this morning – it was as if God winked and said, “sit back, I’ve got this.” He loves his children and loves to give them good gifts, and even more than they ask for – this is his character! It’s like getting a double scoop when you only expected one. He is constantly showing me in tangible ways how much He cares for me and is working to heal me right now. I hope that all these details that I see Him working in impress themselves into my mind so deeply that I never forget them because I know there will be other trials ahead and I will be having a hard time trusting – I need to remember these things then. Right now we are in the process of all the discharge paperwork and such. Also, I got a little surprise – they are going to try to take Captain Hickman out today!!! I was not expecting that but I am glad – it is quite an inconvenience. I hope they can squeeze me in the schedule for that today.
One thing Gus said over and over the two weeks I was home was that when I was coming home this time he didn’t want to know, he wanted it to be a surprise because the last time that surprise was so much fun. This time though the big boys know – I have threatened them – they better not spoil his surprise! OH, I am so ready to see all my boys!
So what’s next you ask… I will come to the clinic for bloodwork twice a week for a while then once a week. They will adjust my anti-rejection meds and supplemental meds accordingly. So many factors they are watching. I will have another bone marrow biopsy at day 100 to reassess the disease. I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed mankind to figure all of this out! And again, I am so thankful my feet hit the floor this morning. Every day is a gift and I truly want to treat each one as such – not take things for granted, not make minor things major things, and above all show Christ’s love to everyone I encounter, even those hard to love ones (who sometimes seem to be the ones under my same roof). Oh but I am human and know I will mess up – also thankful that His grace is sufficient and He is merciful to me, even when I forget how lavishly he has given gifts to me.
A quick housekeeping note: I know some people have sent packages or cards to the hospital that have not arrived yet. Fear not! They will call and let me know and I will come to grab them on clinic visit days since I will be up here twice a week for a while. But anything you haven’t sent, please just send to the house – I still like surprises there 😉
That’s all I have for now. I have quite a bit of packing up to do. Thank you for continuing to walk this path with me. We need to continue to pray that the new immune system takes over and doesn’t go rogue on me as the last one did. Pray for no infections as I am still very immunocompromised. Pray for those dark thoughts to stay away – that I can bring every thought captive to Christ. Just pray that my body gets stronger and healthier and that I get to watch my kids grow up – and getting to play with grandkids would be a great bonus too. On paper that looks like too much to ask, but that paper doesn’t know my God. I’m praying like a toddler, believing and hoping for all of those things!
Lesley
Comments from CaringBridge
Gale Roberts — 6/13/20
God is so good! Bless you! Love you!
Mama Gale
Emilee Frincke — 6/13/20
I am SO very thankful that you are going home! What you write is such a beautiful testimony. I dwell on your words and am trying to remember them for the times I need them.
Blessings, Emilee in Knoxville
Hayley Pate — 6/13/20
We’re thanking the Lord for His love mercy & rejoicing with you!!! SOOOO grateful He’s brought you through this & you’re able to go home! Praying for a BLESSED reunion with your precious family!!!
Joanna Collins — 6/13/20
Oh Lesley! So VERY excited for you and your precious family . Thanks for being an amazing vessel for His light to shine through! What an incredible testimony! Praise Him!
Erica Lamar — 6/12/20
I’m spiritually and mentally sending you love and hugs although I can’t wait until that day that I can physically hug you (Well of course if the social distancing hold is ever lifted 🤦🏾♀️). You are a strong fighter who is favored by God and you don’t forget that. I love you my friend! ❤️
Gina Shealy — 6/12/20
You are a walking testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness, Lesley! I will continue to pray for you, and for your sweet family!
Diane Tucker — 6/12/20
Lesley Letson, praising God for this news! I’ve never met you but you are my sister in Christ. I love you and will be continuing to pray for you.
Shannon Miller — 6/12/20
I am so glad you’re writing all this down so that one day soon when all of this is in the past, you’ll have it to look back on and to share with other people walking their own hard paths! And I am so, so grateful that you are heading home!
Cancermamma 