From NYC: An Update on Beth

We have much to thank God for as we approach 4 weeks since Beth's bone marrow transplant and much to continue to place before Him in prayer.  Beth received her donor's stem cells on Dec. 29th, she engrafted on Day +9 from transplant, and was released from the hospital on Day +20 (last week).  These milestones occurred sooner than any of us expected, and for that we thank God.

Beth is currently in an outpatient status and returns to the hospital's day clinic 2 times a week for a check-up and lab work.  She continues to get stronger every day and her appetite (and taste buds) are returning.  Her blood counts are stabilizing and starting to increase.

Because of the risk of infection Beth is limited to the apartment and (weather permitting) to walks outside in open, non-crowded places.  Additionally, she remains on a low microbial diet. The doctors continue to stay vigilant to prevent Graft Versus Host Disease which can show up at different times in the post-transplant phases.  For these reasons Beth must remain near the hospital through May or June.  We hope she can be around our boys sometime in early Spring as her immune continues to strengthen so we can bring them to the Big Apple to see their Mommy :)

Prayer Requests:

• This Thursday Beth has her first bone marrow biopsy since the transplant. This is to verify that her old cells (and the leukemia cells) were killed by the radiation and chemotherapy and that all of her blood cells are donor cells.
  
  
  
  • Please pray specifically for 100% donor cells!!
  
  
  
  


• For continued protection against infections: bacterial, fungus, and viral.


• For NO Graft Versus Host Disease.


• For her "cabin fever" to be at least manageable :)

Again, thanks so much for ALL the prayers and encouragement.