We are picking up speed here. I’ve completed 7 of 16 radiation treatments, my stem cell donor has been screened and approved, and my calendar is filling up with lots of tests: MRI, CTs, PETs, EKG, echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, labwork, etc.
Today I will have an MRI to see if I should have intrathecal chemo (it is inserted like an epidural during labor and delivery) and would treat any lymphoma that is lurking in my central nervous system (which normally chemo doesn’t reach because of the blood/brain barrier). Please pray for wisdom for the radiologist and my lymphoma team to know what is best for me.
We haven’t had any luck with medical housing for our large family, but we think we are narrowing down on a 3 bedroom apartment near the medical center that can be furnished with a rental package. We are estimating that we will be here until mid-June. We are looking forward to being 
reunited with our kids and my parents, and things are finally coming together so that we can move forward with that.
There are many important medical dates approaching, but the most important are my admission into the hospital on March 10th and the actual stem cell infusion will be on March 17 or 18th. I am so thankful for a perfect match donor who is willing to do this for me despite me being a complete stranger – I do have to say I’m really curious about who this is. It’s amazing to me that we have more stem cell criteria in common than my own sister. I’ve heard from another patient that I can learn who the person is in 2 years.
Please be in prayer about this procedure. It comes with short-term and long-term risks, but the possible benefit of a new immune system that will fight the lymphoma in my body weighs more heavily than allowing this cancer to possibly pop-up in different areas of my body with my broken immune system.
We feel overwhelmed, of course, by all of this, but at the same time we feel blessed. I’m grateful to have treatments available, insurance that has approved my treatments, an unknown donor who is willing to help me, a husband who can work from anywhere, a family that would do absolutely anything that is needed, a school and church here in town that is reaching out to us in addition to our own church family back home, a beautiful and quiet home that has been opened up to us for these last couple of weeks while we get our feet on the ground, and all of you who are praying for us and giving us encouraging words. AND did I mention that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is holding us in His hands, Jesus who has given us a beautiful eternity to look forward to and the Holy Spirit who fills us with inexplicable peace when the anxiety starts to well up? God is good. All of the time. We must trust Him even when we don’t like our circumstances. So, day-by-day we must make a choice to hand it over to Him. Easier said than done, but we are a work in progress. 🙂
Please consider being a stem cell donor. It is a very simple process. Go to bethematch.org, they will mail you a swab for your mouth, and you mail it back. Please help me to pay it forward.
Just wanted to say praying for you and hoping things are going smoothly.
April,
I have kept up with your journey through this wonderful blog. You truly have a great writing gift. I love how you share all aspects of your journey and am so awed by your joy and sense of humor through it all. Know I am praying fervently for you. I wept at your recent news but am confident in God’s plan for your life. He sees you and he is with you. Much love to you and your family!!
Dearest April, Jonathan, and family,
We are sending our heart-felt love and support to you all. You have been through so much already, and we are amazed by your strength and positive energy as you are dealing with another chapter. Please know that through this long winter and across all of the miles, we love you so much and keep you, April, and your entire family in our hearts. . .always! XOXOXO
Much love from Martha<3, Dave<3, Carlie<3, Chelsea<3, Joanne<3, and Augie <3
Jen is right. You have become a gifted writer. All of us here are praying and keeping you and The Family in our thoughts daily. Our extended family in other states have you in their prayer chains also. Glad to hear you and Jonathan can still have some fun.
Love, Becky & Jay
love you love you love you. you’re becoming such an eloquent writer. so proud of you for every bit.
You are such an inspiration and you bless so many. Our family is praying for you daily and for your wonderful family.
Today I am praying for guidance for your medical team. May they use all these resources to restore your body to health. Your spirit is so strong and will serve you well during these treatments.
Darling, Your body maybe difficult but your mind is awesome! And I love your sense of humor for we are here in the Nashville area where it is 16deg and snow and ice all over everything.
Your lovely children, of course, love to go out in the snow and ice and have fun – that means I go out some also and enjoy things I never would otherwise.
We do pray for you unceasingly and think of you constantly. See you down there soon!
Love you so much, Dad
PS: (your scripture and spiritual insight is wonderful – but would share Psalm 103 this morning)
April, I continue to pray for you and your beautiful family. I am so glad you have a stem cell donor and that your family will all be there together. I miss you, and look forward to another girls trip one day!!!! I am sending you love and prayers!! Love, Caroline
We are keeping up with you through your Mom and Dad and this wonderful blog. What courage, faith and grace comes through in your writing and in your life! You and Jonathan are a living testimony to the reality and peace of God, that truly does ‘transcend all understanding’. All of the Solomons, Stickles and Butlers are holding you up in prayer, as are so many other family members and friends. We trust you can feel all those prayers. Looking forward with you to the time when you can be with your precious children and your faithful parents. We love you. Keep being ‘Strong and Courageous’! Len and William
April,
You have been gifted with such a beautiful gift of writing. I felt like we are sitting down over a cup of coffee as I read your beautiful email! And, yes, God IS good! And He has the best plan in place – so, as we have spoken of so many times – and you confirmed today, we CHOOSE to wait, to trust and to obey.
Prayers for your family, your medical team and for you and Jonathan as you follow God’s leading in getting ready for your family to join you.
Enjoy the 55 degree weather!
Blessings,
Joyce
Thanks for the update, I’m glad that the housing possibilities are coming together. I will be happy to read on your blog when you and the kids are all together again! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers regularly. Sending lots of love as you continue the radiation and approach the stem cell transplant. XO
Thank you for your inspirational words and for keeping all of us updated! Hugs and prayers (and not just side hugs- the real thing! ;))