Miracles and Medicine: an update

As I write this update on Beth, we are still overwhelmed and blessed by your prayers, encouragement, and support.  Thank you!

We strongly believe in God's power to heal -- by miracle and by medicine.  And while we are desperately and persistently praying for the former, we have to prepare for the latter. We know God gives the victory; how He does so is up to Him (Proverbs 21:31). The uncertainty and waiting are tough and often God gives only enough grace for one day -- today.  So here is we are as of today:

• Physically Beth's white blood counts (infection fighting) and platelet counts (clotting; healing) are low.  Both counts have dropped even further this week (this is our most immediate concern).  She has to eat a low microbial diet and take other precautions (like lots of hand washing, house cleaning, etc.) to guard against infection.
  
  
  
  • Pray for her counts to stabilize and increase as well as her to be protected from infection.
  
  
  
  


• While we know that Beth has MDS, we do not know how quickly it is progressing.  The nature of FA makes this whole thing more complicated.  We have another bone marrow biopsy next week and the doctors are acting like it is progressing quickly.
  
  
  
  • Pray for this biopsy to be pain-free for Beth.
  
  
  • Pray for this biopsy to show RADICAL and COMPLETE healing, only explained by the Hand of God!!
  
  
  
  


• She has been matched with 3-4 would-be donors who are all "10 out of 10" matches -- GREAT NEWS!!  Now one of these individuals must agree to additional testing and then the actual transplant.  If this goes as planned, the transplant process could begin in 3-4 weeks ... more potential great news!!
  
  
  
  • Pray for the matched donors to say "Yes!" and for the transplant to occur as soon as possible.
  
  
  • Thank God for those who are willing to be bone marrow donors! Their decision really is a "LIFE GIVING" one!
  
  
  
  


• Our doctor, Dr. Boulad of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, continues to be an answer to prayer. His compassion, expertise, and "hands on" approach to medicine gives us a lot of confidence and comfort.
  
  
  
  • Pray for Dr. Boulad and for God to continue to use him daily and if necessary to eventually heal Beth through the miracle of bone marrow transplant!