5th Chemo and Doctor Visit

October 10, 2016

We went to see Dr. Mehta, the specialist in Chicago, this week.  He was very pleased with my “numbers” and acted surprised with the reduced size of my tumor.  Since everything is going well, I will stay the course and come back in 6 weeks!  I am thanking God for this good outcome so far and you, for all your prayers for me.

I asked a few more questions about the next phase of treatment, the stem cell transplant.  When I finish 16 induction treatments – that will take me up to Christmas, I will start the next phase, probably in January.  I will go to Northwestern as an outpatient and have a temporary dialysis catheter put in to draw off stem cells.  This typically will take 1 to 5 days.  They will freeze the cells and in about a week I will be admitted into the hospital (Northwestern) and start the mega chemo treatment, just one treatment.  Then the next day the stem cells will be put back into my blood.  I will stay in the hospital until my marrow starts to make blood again and I have some semblance of immunities working for me.  Typical stay is 3 weeks.  I feel good about it, sounds doable . . .although I have never experienced “real” chemo before.  I trust God to help me through this as He is so good to me.

Chemo was a breeze again this week.  I am thankful for this relatively easy induction chemo regimen and God’s goodness.  Next week I will sit with a friend who is receiving chemo.  Her regimen may take as long as 5 hours and she has a couple bad days recovering from the treatment each week.  I hope to be able to make time pass easier for her and even make the time pleasant for her.

I am so thankful to all of you who read my posts and take time to think about me and pray for me.  It has made a huge difference in my attitude and outcome.  Your compassion for me is humbling. 

Psalm 145:9   
The Lord is good to all;
    he has compassion on all he has made.


More wedding pictures, as promised.  They are coming in so slowly, I will include more next time too. 


The happy couple, Adam and Katie



The flowers were so beautiful against their dark dresses.
(Kerstin on the far right)

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