...Day 57 !!!!!!

Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and cards and encouragement !!! We have the best support group ever !!!! Jared has had an OK week..it changes daily !!! He saw the doctor Tuesday and everything was "holding" and said that he would see him in a week...but on Wednesday he started running a temp and had to go back to the clinic on Friday by then his counts were dropping and they did some cultures and ran some other tests...turned out to be a long day...he went back in today and his numbers had dropped even more...so he and Christina are there today getting pumped full of all the good things! The cultures did come back positive for strep...they are not sure "where" it is but they started the antibiotics yesterday and he is getting blood and platelet's.They have wanted to "keep" him but Jared really wants to be home, even though it will be taxing going in everyday this week...but hey who knows by Tuesday it can all change again!!! The doctor did say for all that he has going on today they would expect him to be a lot sicker than he his...but that's Jared !!!
So again we asking you to keep us in your prayers, we know this will be an up/down time until his system kicks in and he gets stronger but that does not make it easier for him or us !!

Please pray for - no more fevers
- counts to get up/stay there
- strep and any other infection to respond to the medication
and for Christina as she greets her 15 second graders on Monday morning !!
My prayer for Jared is that the Lord would set his feet on the road to recovery and he could get about the business of getting stronger and staying healthy !!!

The Waters !!!

Half-way there!!

Today is day 50! We are half-way to being 100 days out of the transplant, which is a big marker in the process. I am continuing to get stronger everyday and my counts are still holding steady. I am eating well now, thanks to steroids. Life almost seems too normal!
My major source of pain is still my right eye. I continue to need prayers with this.
On Monday Christina goes back to work. We appreciate your prayers as we try to figure out the logistics of this transition.
Love you,
Jared

Steps Forward!!!!

I went to the Dr. on Thursday and was surprised to find out my white and red blood cells and platelets are all holding steady on their own. This is excellent news! I did not need any transfusions and do not have to go back until Monday. This gives us are first free weekend in long time!
Aubrey came yesterday afternoon and couldn't be more beautiful! We are looking forward to spending time with her, Aunt Marylyn and Grammy this weekend.
I had a great birthday. Your generosity is much appreciated! I love you all so much!
Jared and Christina

No news is good news!

This has come to be the family motto. This is the eve of my 29th birthday. We have spent all of the last 5 days driving back and forth to the hospital to get antibiotics and blood products. My kind doctor has given me my birthday off and I couldn't be happier. We are hoping this phase of treatment is almost over because we are driving 50 miles a day round trip. My biopsies from last week show I have CMV and Graft-vs-Host disease which has caused me to have to go back on steroids. This makes Christina and I nervous and appreciate all your prayers for protection and coverage over my body. Also, please continue to pray for my eye and stomach issues. I would love to be able to eat again soon!
Baby Aubrey will be born anytime now. So our family is anticipating this joyous occasion! I have my fingers crossed she will be born tomorrow for this is the best birthday gift I could ever ask for.
Thanks for sticking with us. Love you.
Jared and Christina

Surprise, Surprise!!!!

Huge News! Jared's main oncologist just walked in and said "What are you still doing here???" He is sending us home!!!! He said everything Jared needs can be taken care of in the office. Thank you Lord, we are ready to go! Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be long days in the office getting meds but then hopefully we will only need to come in twice a week after that.
We are excited!!!!
By the way today is day 34 post transplant and the transplant is considered a complete success at day 100. Please pray for us as we approach this landmark on our journey.

Love you! Christina

Home Bound Praying

We have had many scares this week, including free air in my stomach (which is why I had the stomach surgeries) and my brain is bulging though a hole left by the port in my head.
After numerous tests and procedures this week it looks like things are falling into order. The air turns out not to be there(Praise the Lord!), I have ulcers, and the brain is okay for now, possible a surgery later when stronger. I have a lot of pain in my stomach and still my eye. I saw the eye doctor on Monday and there is nothing we can do, just wait and pray it heals.
The transplant went well and all my numbers are doing great. The oncologist said today we can start aiming at Monday to go home. This is what we are praying for. I am hoping to be able to keep the pain under control at home.
Thanks for all the support!
Jared