I can’t begin to explain the flood of emotions last week when Christi and I got the news that my bone marrow biopsy was negative, meaning no leukemia was detected in my marrow. The moments after I hung up the phone were cathartic. Months of pent up hope and worry, both vying for our attention, were released among our heaving shoulders while we held each other, thanking God through sobs of joy. It was a moment for rejoicing. And we did rejoice. For a day.
All went well until the next evening, last Wednesday, when my fever spiked to 101 degrees. What followed was a dizzying trip to the Berea Hospital ER (thank you, Jason Varney, for visiting me) and then the unexpected news that I must go to Lexington to be admitted. I spent a long, uncomfortable night in the UK ER and then three days at the Markey Center receiving IV antibiotics.
Didn’t expect that one. While we were still thankful for the biopsy results, our elation gave way to frustration and concern over the fever.
While my fever waned, the spots on my leg worsened. They had an uncomfortable resemblance to the condition I had previously, called Sweet’s Syndrome, that is indicative of leukemia. So much for rejoicing. My imagination, fueled by Google and WebMD, took off like a rocket and I just “knew” the cancer was back. Thankfully, I took my own advice from previous blog posts and prayed through it, feeling mostly at peace.
Well, despite my “expert” medical opinion, the skin biopsy was negative. Praise God! We got the good news yesterday, August 1, 2013. The spots on my leg were likely from a reaction to medicine, possibly made worse by low platelets. We’re still on track to begin the stem cell transplant toward the end of this month. I have a lumbar puncture on Monday and a “work up” for the transplant on Tuesday. Things are moving in the right direction.
Isn’t it coincidental that the fever and skin rash started the very day we got the incredible news about my marrow? Well, I don’t really believe in coincidence. Rather, I think the enemy was trying to steal our joy. What he has meant for evil, God is using for good. God stuck a stick in the spokes of his plan and sent it tumbling end over end. The thief is defeated, but continues to claw and scratch. Jesus said in John 10:10,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The thief tried to steal our joy, and was partly successful for a time, but the Holy Spirit constantly reminded us that God is in control of our situation. We felt peace and only a few sparse moments of doubt. The enemy tried to steal our joy but failed, not because of our great faith, but because of the Great One in whom we have faith.
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
Keep your head up Sir! We are praying for you & your sweet girls each & every day! Hoping this month goes by quickly so you can get this done & over with once & for all! We are all in your corner!!!!! Lisa