Dan’s Victory

Thank you, Lord, for the night sleep and the few times I was up! Thank you also that I woke at 3 a.m. and could take the mediation and start the hydration and then get back to sleep until 6 a.m., have the first breakfast and then be able to get back to sleep until after 7:30 a.m. That was wondeful! Also, thank you for the warm weather and sunshine and for being able to go to Tacoma and get some stuff from home and then go to Jane’s brother’s place and visit with his family and Jane’s mom and dad. Thank you also for the good care that Scott is giving our yard. Also thank you that Jose’ now has a new home with Jane’s brother and for a while Coco will also be able to be with them. Thank for all the time since we have been here that the Summers have taken such great care of Coco.

So with the great weather and a day off we decided we could do just a couple hours of visiting - I drove down, I napped on the way back! It was hard after we got back here to think about being gone again for a while - although we are hoping to get back briefly next week or maybe this week, for some stuff Jane needs. I dare not stay at our home as I want to immediately do stuff outside, but the doctors have said I can’t be pulling weeds, gardening etc. for a full nother year. And I miss Coco!

We were able to play some games on the roof garden and at dinner time. I won one and lost one. I did walk the 6 floors of steps both down and up and did pretty good. The evening went well - we enjoyed one of the meals sent with the Garretsons. Before dinner I started getting nauseas again and i should have taken something but didn’t so had some upset stomach the remainder of the evening. God heal me of that!

It is always good to hear some comments from those of you who read this! Thank you!

Dan

“I ncline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.” (Ps. 31:2) ” You are my hiding place; you will preserve me from trouble; You will compass me about with songs of deliverance.”(Ps. 32:7)

Friday, May 29, 2009

Ever since I have been starting my hydration early in the morning I have been up less at night going to the bathroom, and I am getting used to the 3 a.m. wake-up to take one of the medications. I also am done with hydration by 11 a.m. or so!

We were able to see the nutritionalist, so Jane was giving a lot of ideas of foods that will not only help me keep my weight up (I lost 6 lbs in the last week-and-a-half), but help get rid of the nausea so I will eat better at dinner time, and eat what will keep the blood levels up where the doctor wants them. We then saw the doctors and nurse (usually it really is two doctors and one or two nurses). We talked some about the need for a small amount of Graft Vs. Host Disease (GVHD). I told the doctor that I will have you all pray that I will get a little bit of it but that is all, not more. He laughed and said “Well, whatever we need to do!” So be praying in faith believing so God will get the glory when that happens, because i will be sure to remind the doctors and nurse what God had done. He will answer our prayers. Be strong in prayer for this, please! I also found out my shoulder problem is all arthritis. The doctor said usually physical therapy in very helpful, so I’m glad I am doing that again. The kidney ultra sound turned out fine. They still want me to meet with the kidney doctor at The University of Washington Medical Center next week. Also I am going to be having another bone marrow biopsy next Monday. If I still feel nauseated and am still losing weight, they will send me to a specialist who will take a biopsy of my intestinal tract - they would put me out for that! So whatever God’s will is, I am ready to deal with, knowing God will give me the strength and patience needed
So that was the doctor’s report.

Jane and I walked to and from the Pete Gross House and The Hutch - so we got that walking in. Then it was good to have Merle and Marlyn Garretson come here sharing their lunch with us and having some relaxing time with them. Also thank you very much, those who made a meal for us, which they brought with them. We look forward to enjoying those meals. Ask Merle and Marlyn what our apartment is like and our roof garden!
After they left we had a great nap. I really zonked out! We will be relaxing with DVD or TV and I will be paying bills etc. and try and fill out insurance stuff.

I know some of you are going through much more than I am. I want to encourage you with a couple Bible verses: “Truly my soul silently waits for God. From Him comes my salvation.” (Ps. 62:1); I waited patiently for God to help me; then He listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path, and steadied me as I walked along.”  (Ps.40:1-2)

Dan

Thursday, May 28,2009
What a wonderful day! God is great! Nice warm day. Energy level getting better. Feet pretty sore - I didn’t walk that much? Usual night of sleeping and starting hydrating just after 3 a.m. which means it gets done much earlier. It takes about 8 hours, so I get done about 11 a.m. Just had a blood draw today - 9 viles; 5 for checking how I am doing and 4 for research purposes. Jane and I walked to and from Fred Hutch which is about one mile total. Later she did curves and I did nap! My meals have gone well today; have not had to take any nausea pills. After lunch we took the street car downtown and then walked the other 5 blocks to Pike Street Market. Didn’t stay very long as there were a lot of people there and I’m supposed to avoid crowds. That was another 10 blocks of walking, plus it is 4 blocks to the street car pick up place, so that was another 8 blocks. I guess my feet had the right to be tired! We both took naps when we got back. Turned out I did need some nausea pills as dinner didn’t go too well even though it was good food - but it did stay down. Fun, huh? We’ll be enjoying the evening probably watching a DVD movie. And, goofed up and were in too much of a hurry this morning to get to The Hutch that we missed our Bible reading time; but we will be able to have our night time reading. Usually Jane does the reading in the morning and I do it when we are ready for bed. We miss it when we don’t have the time; it is special time to hear His Word and the message with the reading. So thank you for continuing to pray for me, and for Jane too.

“O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.” (Ps. 71:5)
“I find rest in God; only He gives me hope, He is my rock and my salvation. He is  my defender. I will not be defeated.”(Ps. 62:6)

Dan

Dawn, Michael, Danica, and Hannah - enjoy Hawaii!

Good evening to you all! Randy said today that I have done much better than I did last week when he was here. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you for your believing prayers!

Had to eat before 6:45 a.m this morning. I had slept pretty good, and took my medication at 3 a.m. as I am supposed to. If God is going to use my doctors and nurses then I must do what they tell me to do! I actually hooked up the hydration again about 3 a.m. since I was awake anyway and had everything all set up. As usual I used the couch to sleep the rest of the morning; woke at 6 a.m. and had breakfast; made sure Jane was us at 6:30 a.m as she wanted me to wake her then. I wasn’t to eat for 4 hours before the nasal wash and ultasound on my kidneys. But the nasal wash didn’t start until 10:45 a.m., so Jane left to go to Tacoma for a doctor’s appointment (back problems she had checked which was artheritis and nothing more so the exercise etc. is keeping it pretty much at bay.) . Randy had already arrived and shortly after Jane left Randy and I walked to Fred Hutch. I won’t know the results of the ultra sound until Friday when I see the doc. Then Randy and I walked to the West Marine store and he was able to get some stuff for his sailboat. Then we walked back to the apartment. Had a good nap and then a good lunch. (So I’m doing better with the eating.) Randy said I walked much faster than I had last week! Prayers being answered. Randy and I had a good dinner; Jane got back from Tacoma (hadn’t even gotten to our home, as she wanted to get back here with me, and make it so Randy could go back home.). Oh, I played cribbage with Randy and got skunked! Not good! Enjoyed the evening with Jane and watching a DVD movie.

Wait and trust the Lord. Don’t be upset when others get rich or when someone else’s plans succeed. (Ps. 37:7)

I am countiing on the Lord; yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long  for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. (Ps.130:5-6)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

An interesting day! Only one breakfast and that was before 7 a.m. as we had to be at The Hutch for a blood draw at  Fred Hutch at 9 a.m. I had started the 2 liter hydration before we left. After that we met with the doctor and nurse. That was helpful as the doctor was concerned about my shoulders - checked them out and then set up an appointment with physical therapy, so I would have some idea how I could get that to be healing. I was also sent to x-ray to have my shoulders checked. Will probably find out about that on Friday when I meet with the doctors and nurses again. Also went to the center where I could make copies of forms I need to have some of the costs here

covered that insurance doesn’t cover. Although tired and my back hurting - and shoulders - we drove to Curves so as Jane worked out I slept in the car. Then we went to Safeway to shop - I got in some walking then. Needed more stuff to drink since I’m not to be drinking water yet have to put down 100 ounces a day, We were called by phone while in the car and found out I could have physical therapy today at 1 p.m. So we went back to the Hutch to get evaluated and given things I can do to help my shoulders and not mess up my back. When we got home we were able to relax some. After a little nap I decided it would be good to walk the stairs, so I walked down the 6 floors and back up. Easy going down. I decent speed going up but rested every two fights of stairs. It looks like I’ve lost some weight in the last week or so. I was 164 and now I’m 158 lbs. Nausea pills have helped me eat more - as the day goes on I have been getting more and more nauseas. Good rest after dinner and time on email etc. Well, I think I gave you a number of things you can be praying about for me. Let the Lord lead you. I actually have felt better this evening than I did all day. Praise the Lord!

I found this passage that I thought was really helpful when dealing with marriage: “Although you may long for a fairy-tale romance that requires no effort, you often find that the most essential ingredient to every good relationship is, after all, a servant’s heart, each person holding out the light of Christ for the other as they journey together throughout life.”

Dan

A beautiful day - great sunshine - a good time with my wife!

The night was a bit difficult as I woke at about 2:30 (after getting up twice before that) and knew I had to take some medication at 3 a.m. so I did not get back to sleep and got up at 3 a.m.  Then, I was too awake and decided to get things set up for hydration and plug it in and sleep on the couch.  It took awhile before I could get to sleep but I finally did.  I was up again just before 7 a.m. and instead of cereal, I decided to drink Carnation Instant Breakfast.  I went back to sleep on the couch and did pretty good except my back was bothering me.  After Jane got up, we had waffles and juice and got ready and decided to go to Alki Beach which is on the south side of Elliott Bay.  It was a bit windy but the sun was shining.  I was surprised that the “beach” had no sand; at low tide it was all small rocks and the upper area was large boulders.  I saw a place up the boulders that looked like it would be out of the wind and yet have the sunshine.  So just as we got to the place we wanted to be (3/4 of the way up the boulders - 8-10 boulders up), I lost my balance.  I had to quickly turn and my weight was forward and had to quick-foot-it down these big boulders.  I really didn’t think I was going to make it to the bottom before I would fall.  Right now my feet aren’t too quick and because of my back aching and shoulders hurting, I found out how much they have to be used in this kind of situation.  Not always stepping to the boulders I wanted to quick step to, I still made it to the bottom without falling.  Thank you, Lord.  It was God’s hand, because I haven’t had to do anything like that or so quickly since before October 2005!  I decided to find a better way up - as Jane was already up there and it was a great place.  I took it very slow, very, very slow, and we sat on a log that was among the boulders and ate lunch.  Oh, I just remembered that part of the balance problem was also that I had the small lunch ice chest in one of my hands and never dropped it!  Then after lunch I found a nice flat boulder to lay down on.  I covered my head, face, and arms of course.  We had walked about 1/2 mile from where we had parked;  we had walked that and then had to walk back.  I decided to go up the rest of the boulders - about 4 -5 - to the top and the sidewalk.  We had been between 2 and 3 hours.  We drove back - I should say Jane did, as I have been a little reluctant to drive and Jane doesn’t want me to drive.  When we got to the apartment, my back and shoulders were really bothering me so I took a hot bath, which felt good except I had a very difficult time getting up out of the tub, which made my back and shoulders feel worse!  I forgot how difficult that had been for me at this point - little strength.  We both took naps, had dinner, played Phase 10 (I lost).  Earlier in the day I won pinochle.  Finally, I decided to take a Tylenol to help take the pain in back and shoulders away. I relaxed the rest of the evening.  So it was quite a different day for me.  I have also found it very difficult to drink 100 ounces of juices - don’t know if I am going to make my goal for the first time!  I guess the biggest thing I would ask you to pray for is the healing of my back and shoulders.  I know you are already praying for the healing of the multiple myeloma.  Thank you.  God’s richest blessings on you as you serve Him!

Dan

“In a fallen world like ours, unity is no treasure to be purchased at the price of compromise!” (Tozer)

God gives strength to His people!

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night.  My legs ached a lot again.  I found out why that might happen - my sodium level is very low.  Now, I have been asked to not drink 100 oz. of water, but instead juices, mild, sports drinks etc.  It still has to be 100 oz. and I am still hydrating 2 liters a day.  I had a good day although tired.  We did some walking after driving to the Ballard Locks and watching some boats go through it.  We had lunch at a restaurant that only serves breakfast and is closed at 3 p.m.  It is only 3-4 blocks from the apartment.  It was good and I ate good. I ate breakfast well too.  Dinner was a bit more difficult.  I have gotten the necessary naps.  The pictures with the yacht are at Lake Union - about 6 blocks away or so  We have a free day tomorrow, so we pray it is a sunny, warm day tomorrow - for you and for us.

I won’t see a doctor until Thursday to know how everything is going.

All things are by and of the sovereign goodness of God.  Yet for all God’s goodwill toward us, He is unable to grant us our heart’s desire till all desires have been reduced to one.  When we have dealt with our carnal ambitions; when we have trodden upon the lion and adder of the flesh, have trampled the dragon of self-love under our feet and have truly reckoned ourselves to have died unto sin, then and only then can God raise up up to newness of life and fill us with His Holy Spirit. (A.W. Tozer)

Dan

I guess I did too much walking.  I had a hard time getting to sleep because my legs ached so much.  But, eventually, I did get to sleep.  I was up only 2-3 times in the night besides the 3 a.m. medication.  I went into the living room at that time, but slept pretty good - too late to have my first breakfast - just after 7 a.m.  But, I did have a regular breakfast. My stomach felt pretty good.  Jane wanted to go to Curves and to Safeway, so I went with her.  I slept only while at Curves.  It sure was a beautiful day.  Lunch was a little harder to eat, but I did okay.  After an afternoon nap, Jane went up on the roof garden, while I walked down our six stories and back up.  I was able to go much more quickly than the other day!  Then, I joined Jane on the roof and we both did some reading - Jane in the sun and me in the shade!  Back got to aching some, but that happens in the late afternoon.  I had a good spagetti and shrimp dinner.  That went pretty well.  I found that some of the symptoms of Graft vs. Host Disease.  That actually is a good thing, because stem cell transplants - according to the research - last much longer and have better results if the recipient (me) has mild Graft Vs. Host Disease (GVHD).  I don’t particularly like it, but God will give me the ability to handle whatever comes as He heals me.
I am enjoying an evening of relaxation.

From A.W. Tozer:
It may be said without qualification that every man is as holy and full of the Spirit as he wants to be. He may not be as full as he wishes he were, but he is most certainly as full as he wants to be. Our Lord placed this beyond dispute when He said, “Blesed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matt.5:6). Hunger and thirst are physical sensations which, in their acute saes, may become real pain. It hs been the experience of countless seekers after God that when their desires become a pain, they were suddenly and wonderfully filled. The problem is not to persuade God to fill us, but to want God sufficiently to permit Him to do so,

Dan

Today was a much better day - thank you, Lord!  I was up a few times in the night and then for sure at 3 a.m. to take one on my new medications which I have to take every 6 hours.  It sure seems to have settled my stomach as I have not felt nauseum all day.  I ate well every meal. 

I was able to get back to studying Romans and things read and disagree with concerning homosexuality  and why people would say God approves of it.  I am more convinced than ever that He does not approve of it - when a person is honest about leaving sin its slavery and coming under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, dieing to self and sin and becoming His slave!  And it isn’t just Romans - it is many other places in both Old and New Testament.

I only had a blood draw today, but have 2 liters of hydration still as well as 100 oz. of liquid a day.  Along with a nap and lunch, Jane and I went to University of Washington Arboretum today and enjoyed the flowers and I was able to get in about 1 1/2 miles of walking - all on flat ground.   I kept covered as there was sunshine!  Too bad, but necessary. I got another nap when we got back.  I had a good salmon dinner that Jane prepared from the salmon I caught in Tillamook Bay last fall.  Are you jealous yet?  I will be doing the other exercises before I go to bed.  Your prayers have been effective. Thank you.

Nice to have a good day even though I get fatigued - that I know is part of the process.  God is healing me.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and he will (Ps. 37:5)
Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you. (Ps. 42:5)

Dan

It was good to have had my brother, Randy, here, but better yet to have my wife back!  All went well with her appointments.  I was up less last night, but then maybe the new nausea pill and the Tylenol were of some help even yet by bed time.  My feet are showing the increase in hydration - swollen more again - but the special socks also are helpful.  Not any change in the morning activities.  I got up early enough to get two breakfasts and so everything else followed that.  We made some plans today to go down to Pike Street Market - which would mean getting on the street car down the hill from Fred Hutch to the end of its route - downtown Seattle, then walking about 5 blocks.  However, that didn’t turn out - God’s guidance - though at the time we didn’t realize it!   I wonder how often it happens that Got gives us guidance and we don’t even realize that He knew some things before we did and so had us change our plans. Well, we took the shuttle to The Hutch (a little cold and windy for us to walk).  My blood draw went well and we then saw the doctor.  Even though I am now taking 2 liter of hydration the creatinine level when up to 1.8 this time (not good).  The doctors are thinking that there is something else that may be going on to cause that and so are putting me on another medication expecting that to keep the level down.  It was doctor language I didn’t understand.  They asked how that sounded to me, and I said that I have no idea, but you are the doctors so I’ll do whatever you tell me. They did ask about my energy level and Jane said it is about half of what I usually have (I agree).  I said something about my shoulders hurting, but they didn’t have much concern about that as that is not related to the transplant etc. Our time  with them took longer than we expect so we decided just to go back to the apartment and not go to Pike Street Market, but to do that tomorrow.  We walked back.  We had lunch which took some time to figure out what I felt like I would eat - Jane is doing a great job thinking of what would be available.  We played cards - I lost.  We got a nap. We got a phone call and were told, based on the new blood counts, that I am now “neutropenic” which means things are progressing as expected and my white blood cell count now is the lowest - I am the most susceptible to infection, catching little critters, etc. - so I now have to be very, very careful to NOT be around groups of people.  We probably will not go to Pike St. Market tomorrow since it may be crowded.  We also were planning to go to church at TCAL as we do not have any appointments on Sunday, but because this is the time I am most vulnerable to getting stuff from people we will not be going.  God’s guidance doesn’t always let us do what we want to.  It is much better to follow the Holy Spirit rather than your own desires.  Who made us the corn beef and cabbage and potato meal?  I have not done well with dinners.  I did take two nausea pills 1/2 hour before dinner, but no matter, the corn beef/cabbage/potato dinner was wonderful.  I had a second helping even.  Yummy!

Mentally it has helped me to know where my resistance level is, then I am okay with some of the things that are happening because although it doesn’t feel good, it is signs that the stem cell transplant is working.
I pray this short devotion from Moments of Peace in the Presence of God will be meaningful to you. “Tragedy, disaster, adversity calamity, trauma, loss. You can be left struggling with questions. Can any good come from your suffering? How could that happen? Can anyone take your confusion and make sense of it all? Is that possible? Can anyone turn your life around and make it worth living? Oh, that it were so.
When you ask if there is something to live for, God wants you to know that there is someone to live for — God. You can live for God, because he can take your confusion and anger and create something beautiful. He can wash away your loneliness and redeem your losses. He can bring meaning to your life simply by reminding you that you are created in his image.
“Go taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him (Ps, 34:80
Dan