In Christ Alone

A friend of mine posted a video to this song on facebook and it got me to thinking.  It could not have come at a better time for me in my life. My life has been nothing but an emotional roller coaster. Emotional on so many levels. From still not believing that my brother has a son (I just can't believe it) to actually realizing that he is finally home (I still can't believe this either)!! I honestly thought that it would be smooth sailing from here. It's not. A friend told me that "What does not kill you makes you stronger." To which I replied, "Well, if that is the case then I'm a lot stronger than I was 3 years ago (when Will was diagnosed with CML).

Through God's faithfulness, we will get through this trial!! Please pray for me!! Thanks!!

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
 

Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand

Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

Update on Will

Friends,

For those of you not on FaceBook below is what Amy posted today. I thought you’d like to see it. He is not out of the woods yet as he has another four to five months of recovery. He can still easily get sick as his resistance is way down, but the danger of fever and infection from the transplant has passed. I cannot come up the words to express my thankfulness to God!

The doctors have said he will come home in a few days. I am excited about that prospect to say the least.

Praises to God!

Debbie

I am so thankful to all of you for your prayer and support. My sweet husband feels so good he is hard at work like nothing ever happened. We are blessed! His count starting going back up today so he is out of the zone where fever and infection could have occured. Now we pray the new cells keep working for him and not against him.

Update on Will

Friends,

This is Day 2 post transplant and I stand amazed in the presence of God. Will was supposed to have really bad side effects from the chemo but he only had one bad day where he threw up a couple of times; no sores in the mouth, no rashes, nothing. If there has been anything they haven’t told me. His counts are going down and will continue to for five to seven days post-transplant. He is supposed to be feeling worse and worse. But this morning Amy reports he is “chipper and doing fine”. Brothers and sisters in Christ, our prayers are working. God has given me such a peace about this. I have never doubted we would pull through but I thought the road would be so much rougher! He is not out of the woods yet, he still has a few more days of an uphill battle before the turn–around. So we still covet your prayers.

I was mistaken on some of the time-line. I now understand that it will be two to four weeks post-transplant before we know if the graft has taken so that is still on our prayer list. Also continue to pray that God will maintain a shield around him to protect from all germs that can cause infection. We are all doing our best toward that end, but only God is fool proof so we continue to depend on him.

I stand amazed in God’s provision of a sibling donor. Before this I would have thought that probability rather high but many of the medical staff are saying we are blessed to have that. They say it is still unusual and have told of several that had five and six brothers and sisters but no match. Even one that had eleven and no match. Many wait on an unrelated match and never get it. One man found a match that had to fly from England. Not only am I speechless, but even my thoughts are dumbfounded on consideration of God’s provision.

I stand amazed at the number of people praying for Will, Amy and Anna & for us too. So many of you have added them to your church or prayer group list and also forwarded the emails. If it were possible to count them I know the number would be in the thousands. Again God provides.

Please know that even if you feel your prayers are inadequate they are not because God has provided an intercessor, Jesus. He sits at the throne of God interceding on your behalf and he translates the prayers to the Father so that every prayer is the good and perfect prayer. You cannot pray an imperfect prayer!

Again, thank you from the depths of my soul and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I thank God for our friendship.

Blessings,

Debbie

Update on Will

Amy reports that Will made it through all of his chemo today with not side effects. This was the first day. Thanks again for the prayers.

Thomas will be flying in tomorrow from Alabama; Drew and Lia from North Carolina. Anna and I are looking forward to being with them.

Blessings to you all,
Debbie

Update on Will

Friends,

I had a safe trip out here and we have been knocking out a to-do list.

Will is feeling fine. On Friday, instead of a port, he got an inline catheter. The advantage of this is that he can both send and receive whatever his body needs via this. He will not have to have iv's on his arm so will have more freedom of movement. He did not go into the hospital today, but will tomorrow. His first chemo will be on Tuesday. Amy hopes to set up a Caring Bridge site while they are having down time in the hospital. If she does, I will pass along the link.

We went to church this morning with Amy and Will. The praise and worship is not quite what we are used to, but the message was a blessing as always.

On Wednesday, Lia and Drew will fly in from North Carolina and Thomas will fly in from Montgomery. We have been invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with one of Amy’s aunts and her family. Kate will be with some childhood friends.

Again, thank you for your love and your prayers. You are such a blessing to us all.

Debbie

Update on Will

**Update**

My brother is out of surgery. Well, I dont know if you would cal it that since they did not have to put him under but, he is out and doing great. They put the port in today!

Will is having surgery today to insert a port! He will be receiving chemo trough this port! Please pray that it is successful!

Life's Ups ..... and Downs

My up moment: When my ex-boyfriend told me that he "tried" to love me, it was like a light bulb went off and I thought: I don't need a boyfriend anymore! I don't need the drama!! There is a lot of drama going on and I don't need a boyfriend in the mix!! Heck, I have school that I am trying to get done with and I have volunteering and I have work on the farm!!! Besides, I dont need a guy who "tries" to love me!! Either you love a person, or you don't!! I personally would love to have a person who loves me because he wants to and not because he feels like he hass to! Does that make sense??

My down moment: When I watch romantic movies ..... I start reverting back to the old me. I say: "I wish I had that" or "That is so romantic" and I start crying because I feel left out. I then start crying out to God and asking why!!! Why don't I have a boyfriend? Why aren't there guys lined up at my back door?? When I have a boyfriend why does he "try" to love me!! When is my time coming??

I know that I have said this before but, I just feel like the reason why I dont have a guy is because God is waiting on me to grow up just a little bit more.

My up moment: Its so wonderful that my brothers meds are working! He is going to lead such a healthy life!! Gee, I wonder when I will get to see him again .....

My down moment: WHAT??? His meds stop working?? He needs a bone marrow transplant??? Thank goodness my older sister is a match!! Will I ever get to see him again?? I'm so scared!! I don't want my brother to die!!! Lord, please take care of him!!

If only people really knew that I almost cry over my brother. No one knows how scared I am because I put on a happy face. There are times (like during prayer or during a church hymn) that I cry for him. I just want him better!! He wont admit it but, I'm sure he is suffering!

Philippians 4:6 ~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Lord,
Please continue to help me to not think about what I don't need right now! I know that I don't need one and I know that Your timing is impeccable and I also know that good things will come to those who wait!!! Please continue to help me be patient. Thank you for NEVER giving up on me!!

Lord, please be with my brother as he goes through this trying time in his life! Also, please be with my Dad, Mom, Sister and sister in law. Father, help them through this! Lord, be with me, here on the home front! Be with everyone that I care about, Lord. In your name I pray, A-men!!


Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope that it is not boring!!

Update on Will

Friends,

God is so good! Prayers for better housing were answered today. Lots of pieces had to fall into place as only God can do it for this to happen. A three bedroom-two bath home has been found for them to rent. Amy’s parents will help them move this weekend from their one bedroom, second floor apartment. They have plenty of furniture b/c Amy had a two bedroom apartment before they got married. All her stuff, except for a piece or two has been stored at her parents. Now we can stay at their place rather than spend money on a hotel when we are out there. Over the next six months, these savings could amount to thousands of dollars.

Not only did all the pieces fall into place to make the home available, but according to them, it couldn’t be more perfect for their situation. Built in 1997, it has all appliances (new or relatively new), window blinds, a fenced back yard (for Paxton, the dog) and many features that Will is going to need during his recovery like ground floor access, hardwood floors, his own bathroom, enclosed garage. As a bonus, it has a split floor plan, one bedroom on one end and the others on the other end. The master bedroom even has a sitting area! Will can be as isolated as he needs to be. The vaulted ceilings will hopefully keep Will from feeling so cramped in as he recovers. All this and it’s in a great neighborhood with quick access to the main thoroughfares to the hospital and Amy’s work.

We are always pleased when God provides, but when he provides to this degree, we are reminded of what a great God we serve. His timing is impeccable! He knew of this need and he brought things about in order that it could be accomplished just when the time was right.

I know God doesn’t always answer all our prayers the way we want. We have some friends who are going through some tough times right now and our hearts go out to them. We keep them in our prayers. We know we, too, have a rough road ahead, but we have to trust that God is there in the good times and the bad. That He is working all things for our future good.

Thank you again for all your prayers and know that you are in ours.

My Essay

I'm writing a essay for school and when I am done, I am wanting to post it on here.

Things are the same but, things continue to look up. We just keep praying and asking for answers! God is so good!!

The prayers are working so, please dont stop!!

With that said, we are still having to do the transplant but, I'm talking about all the little details that are slowly taking shape!!

Rambling??

I've been trying to rake my brain for something particular to write about but, I cant seem to find what it is that I want to right about. So, I'm just going to write about random things. They will be put into paragraphs.

For the past few days, I've been helping Mom pick up pecans in a yard across from our house. I think that I have overdone things with the picking up of the pecans. I've not felt good lately. I have figured out that the scars from my appendectomy do not stretch. I suppose that I will pick up pecans tomorrow as well!!

My brother. Alot can happen in a year. This past February had been a year since he was diagnosed with CML. In September I learned that the meds that he had been taking that kept him in remission had quit working. He now needs a bone marrow transplant. The good news is is that my sister (who lives in NC) is a perfect match!! God is good!! Yesterday (Sunday) was their (my brother and sister in laws) one year wedding anniversary. In fact, it seems just like yesterday that they were getting married in the beautiful mountains of Angel Fire, New Mexico!! Oh, it was so pretty!! I want to go back and perhaps maybe one day I will get that chance!

Since my surgery, I have not been able to participate in harvest at all. We are almost done picking cotton. I had to sit that crop out due to it being such strenuous work. I mean, with the pushing and pulling that I would have to do in order to work the cotton module builder. Next is peanuts!! I can do peanuts easy!! All I will have to do is drive a truck (that weighs 3/4 of a ton) puling a peanut trailer (that weighs about 8 tons)!! If y'all think I am scared, believe me when I tell you that I am not.

I must admit that when I started writing this blog that I felt so down and out but after to talking to a very special and dear fried, I feel a whole lot better!! Thanks, Melanie!! Such a dear friend!!

Anyway ........

My life. It is busy to say the least. Would I have it any other way? Of course not. It is hard sometimes when I think about certain persons and I wish upon every star that things could be different. Then I realize that there is no such thing as a "fairy tale" relationship Things will get better though! I just have to keep believing. Alot of tears have been shed. Especially when I see a couple who is so much in love!! My heart aches because I want that. In the Bible, it says that God gives us the desires of our hearts. God knows what I want so, I really don't have to tell him. I really do think that God is waiting on my to grow up!!

What is my schedule like? Well, it consists of me doing the following: Mondays: Volunteer at a local hospital, Tuesdays: school, Wednesdays: volunteering at a local hospital, going to church and teaching GA's, and Thursdays: going to school!! Fridays and Saturdays is my free day to do whatever. Sundays are reserved for going to church!

Speaking of church, this past Sunday was the first time that I went to a particular church for several months. I was able to hear the testimony of Siran Stacy! If you dont know who he is, I urge you to look him up!! Tomorrow (Wednesday) I will be going back to teaching GA's for the first time since my surgery!! I cant wait. I hope that I will not be disappointed!!

Thanksgiving? Will we all be here together?? Who knows! We are waiting on God's perfect timing!!

Well, I think this is every thing that I wanted to say!! Oh, sorry about the randomness of everything!! I shall write more when I am not about to conk out!!

My Brother

As many of you know, my brother was diagnosed with CML back in February of 2010. CML is = Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. My brother has been doing really well the past year and a half. In fact, his WBC (white blood cell count) has been less than 5%! Recently, they tested him and his WBC was at 25% and then they tested him again (even more recently) and his WBC is at 39% now.

My Dad, Mom and I are going to see my brother next week end so, I will write more when I know more then.

Here is the first entry that I wrote about my brother while I was in Texas in 2010.

Reflection

January: of this year (2010) I had the privilege of flying with my friends Kim and her sister Kris to Erie Pennsylvania to see a friend of ours: Kayla Hughes. Read about our trip here: Erie Trip and here: Erie Trip Part 2. It was a lot of fun.

February: Two weeks after I got back from Erie, it snowed in Alabama!!! That is a rare occurrence for us!!!!! Then about a week later my brother had a appointment with a doctor b/c he found a lump on his chest. Mom wanted to be out there with him for the results. Mom and I drove to Texas. Read about it here: Texas Adventure ~ Day 1 and 2. For those of you who do not want to click on the link: My brother has been diagnosed with CML = Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Its the good type of cancer to have!!

March: Nothing exciting really happened .... Except my brothers WBC = white blood cell count went down considerably. You can read about it if you click here.

April: I got my first ever job (besides working for Daddy during harvest) working at a vet office as a receptionists. I sometimes got to hold the animals and occasionally watch them do a surgery I loved watching them do that!!!!!

May: Read here

June: Read here

July: Click here to read

August: I was reading a book on courtship in America. Its a very interesting read. Click here to read the introduction to the book

September: My brother brought home his fiance (now wife) to meet us!!! When I first saw Amy I loved her!!!!! I really loved her!!!!! I was so happy that she was going to Marry my brother!!!!!

October: I jack-knifed a peanut trailer!!!!! We had a wedding to attend!!!!! It was so beautiful!!!!! I'm so happy that I went!!!!!

November: We had a family Thanksgiving!!!!! It was a blast!!!!!

December: We had a great month until Mom and I got sick on Christmas Eve!!! We have been sick ever since!! It is true that there have been times when we felt great but then, we had a relapse So, I guess we will be sick on New Years Day!!! Isnt that a bad omen or something???

Anyway, I hope that you had a good time recapping (proper word usage) and reading about our year of trials and triumphs!!!!! Have a Happy New Year!!!!!!!

P.S. Here's hoping that Auburn Wins the BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!! GO TIGERS!!!!!

Update on Will

This was written by my mom:

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let everyone know Will has reached the second level of remission. The goal for this level was three to six months and he reached it in three. God continues to bless!

He is doing very well..enjoying work (most of the time), active on his bike and active in his church.

He saw his doctor yesterday and he suggested we consult with a bone marrow transplant (BMT) specialist. This is not because there are urgent problems. The meds are working and could continue to work for years, however there is always the possibility of things changing. It is much better to get the transplant when you are in remission than when in a crisis situation. If the BMT is successful, he would be able to get off the meds. Although Will is doing well, there are several advantages to getting off the meds.

We had to discuss with the doc the pro’s and con’s of doing the BMT here or in B’ham and have decided that we will pursue that here.

They thought we might be able to see the BMT doc this week, but it didn’t work out. Will is going to be home (Alabama) week after next and I’ll have my granddaughter, Lia, the next one. We are going to make the BMT appointment for the first week or so of July so that I can come back out.

I fly home tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your prayers. We continue to feel God’s goodness in all of this.

Will Update

Mom called me and told me that Will is fine. He will be seeing a bone marrow transplant specialist the beginning of July. Things are looking good so far. We will have the transplant done as soon as we can...and as soon as we find a donor match. Please pray that my sister and I are donor matches.

I have not been trough this before and neither has my sister so, we will need guidance as we pursue this. Thanks for all the prayers!!!!! You guys are truly special!!!!!

Reflections on the past year

Well, a year ago today my Granddaddy passed away. Its hard to believe that it has been a full year. It seems like it was just yesterday. I miss seeing him and I miss talking to him and I missteling him that I love him. I love you Granddaddy!!!!!!!!!!

Will Update:

Mom is flying to Texas next Tuesday and is coming back next Thursday. Will has a appointment with his leukemia doctor June 2 to discuss dong a bone marrow transplant so, please be praying that the doc will have some good news!!!!!

Another Update ..........

I dont know how many of you read my blog but, I pray that a few of you might.

My brothers doc called my mom or my mom called my brothers doc (I dont know which) and they are discussing the option of my brother having a bone marrow transplant. Now, this means that my sister and I would have to have a "screening" and that means that someone would have to swab our mouth to see if we are a donor.

I'll let you know more as updates become available to me.

Please pray that if necessary we can find a donor within the family!!!!!

Will update ~ March 4

Dear Friends,

It’s been a few days, but, rest assured, no news means good news. Will’s blood work continues to improve and we continue to be thankful for your prayers. He, and we, are dealing with the reality of CML better and better every day and continue to be grateful to God for his blessings.

I made the trip home from Dallas yesterday and have spent the day putting out a few ‘hot fires’ and resting. I had an unusually good trip home for which I am thankful. It is good to be home, but it was ever so hard to leave him in Dallas.

We are still praying for hematologic remission (blood looks normal) by mid May, cytogenic remission (marrow is normal) by mid August and molecular remission (bone marrow stem cells are normal) within a year.

Barring any crisis I won’t have anything to report until we reach those goals. So please keep him on your prayer list and consider no news to be good news. You will be the first to know as we reach each and every goal.

Again, we are thankful from the depths of our being to a great and mighty God who holds us in His hand, and to all of you, His children, who have lifted us up in prayer over the last couple of weeks.

Love,

Debbie….and Thomas & family.

Hallelujah!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!! He is worthy to be praised!!!!!

Will's blood work continues to improve!!! His wbc (white blood cell) count was at 230 and now, it is at 164!!!!! For those of you who do not know, that is very, very good!!!!!

Will Update ~ Day 9 ~Feb. 26

Another good day today. First my apologies. I think I got the date wrong on yesterday’s report. It was the 25th, not the 24th.

We got the results from the draw taken yesterday (Thursday). Will’s wbc continues downward and uric acid was in the normal range for the first time today.

The doctor is pleased and says Will can go back to work next week if he feels like it and I should be at ease about leaving him and returning home. Note the word “should”

Right now, we are enjoying having Thomas with us. He will fly back Sunday. The plan is for me to stay and make sure Will has a good day at work on Monday then I will return home on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If things keep going this well, I won’t be updating so often, but keep us in your prayers. The goal is to have hematologic remission (normal blood analysis) in three months or less. Thanks to all of you again for all your prayers. God is good and we are blessed.

Will Update

"Seems" was the operative word in the yesterday's report. The WBC in yesterday's test was off the charts for the doctor's in-house equipment. It has been all along. That's why we have to wait on LabCorp. We finally got it back and the WBC had risen on Monday. It has risen in today's sample also. It’s gone from 205k on the 11th to 244k on the 22nd and, now, 263.
Dr. Mirtsching does not seem too alarmed. According to his nurse, it sometimes takes a week to start working. Looks like I will be here another week after this. I will stay until the doctor says it is ok to go.
I hope everyone is getting the emails. My outlook does funny things when I send to long lists. I am attaching a read receipt to this one so I will know. I have thought of setting up a Caring Bridge account. It would be easier for me, but Will says to let him think about it. I will honor that.
We have lost count of all the churches who have put Will on their prayer list. Please know we are so thankful for each and every prayer that is lifted up. We most definitely feel them.
Praise God, Will is still not having bad side effects from the meds. If you’re on Facebook, you know his spirits are still up. God is good! We are still trusting him to work this all out in His way and in His time.