Day +79 (by Natalie)
Just a couple of things to keep you caught up!
Aaron had his weekly doctor appointment on Monday. He is still struggling with a lot of nausea which is totally not typical, especially this far away from the transplant. Dr. Paquette lowered the doses on some of Aaron’s medication which he has more freedom to do as we get closer to the +100 days milestone. So far, the reduction in medication has not seemed to make any difference with the nausea. So, the doctor talked about doing a scope to check for GVHD, if Aaron doesn’t improve soon. Graft-versus-host-disease can attack the stomach and the intestines but Dr. Paquette doesn’t think that is what it is because Aaron isn’t showing signs of GVHD anywhere else. Aaron lost 5 lbs since last week and he is now 122 pounds. He seems to alternate with good days and bad days. It really is all about the uncontrollable nausea right now. Otherwise, he is doing amazingly well. Everyone is surprised that Aaron hasn’t had to have even one transfusion since he left the hospital. That is also unheard of! Praise God for taking such good care of Aaron (and us all)! Please, keep praying for Aaron to be less nausous. The last few days haven’t been too bad but today he’s having an awful day with it.
Today is Christopher’s 4th birthday, and although I haven’t been up to planning a celebration for him, we are overwhelmed with gratefulness that Aaron can just be with us today. Last year, Christopher only got a few minutes on his birthday to spend with his Daddy because Aaron was in the hospital. Christopher got a huge bouquet of balloons from sister this morning, so I think he’s feeling pretty special!
I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name. As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:2, 3
July 1st, 2007 at 12:29 am
Dear Natalie,
You are such a strong woman! I think maybe 2 years ago, you might not have believed that you could ever do the things you are doing now….and with so much grace! I am so very proud of you! I guess that giving birth to a new immune system must result in a lot of morning sickness and noon sickness and evening….!! Aaron you have been through so much and yet you keep your eyes looking toward Jesus! It amazes me how the two of you are coping. I see Christ in you both. What a powerful witness you two have lived! I will keep praying and believing that God is going to bring you out of this with a marvelous victory! Ginger is supposed to be a good thing for mausea, but since you are not supposed to eat raw food, maybe try a little ginger ale and see if it helps at all. Or look into some accupuncture if that is permissible. They do have those pressure bracelets they sell on boats to help people with sea sickness. Maybe you have tried all these things also. We will lift you up to the Lord and ask for His Touch on your body. We love you much!
July 1st, 2007 at 10:01 pm
i was reading in luke the other day about building on rock and on sand. it is obvious that you have built your house on rock and the storm has not moved it. you are a testimony to the difference that Jesus makes. thank you for living your faith in front of all of us.
here is a verse for you:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as
you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ro. 15:13