2 Corinthians 1:7&11
And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort....as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
I am back in treatment again at the VA.
I am being treated like an inpatient, but they are allowing me to actually stay in The Village At Vanderbilt, in a 2 bedroom apartment, which is only moments away from the VA Transplant unit.
I report to the hospital 7 days a week at about 7:30 am.
This is when they draw blood, take vitals, go over med logs, check on "input" and "output", take any needed xrays, and give any IV meds that are necessary, etc.
Last Thursday, we did a donor stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) to whip this cancer once and for all (the last 2 transplants were my own purified stem cells).
Just a little clarification... These treatments have nothing to do with embryonic stem cells.
It is all done using my own and my sister's cells :-)
I praise God that my sister, Melody, is a match.
She was so gracious to fly out here with my niece, Becky.
She went through a lot of misery to donate, and I am forever GRATEFUL!!!!!
Concerning my recoup time, without MAJOR divine intervention, it is pretty long.
Serious immune suppresion for 3-6 months and then a gradual testing of how the two different DNA co-habitate in my body.
The procedure can take up to 2 years...
However, we are BELIEVING GOD for a record-breaking, MIRACULOUS recovery!
Without God's healing power intervening it can be very risky... AND it is just plain weird.
My bone marrow, blood, and various other organs will be 100% my sister's DNA by next year or possibly sooner.
In a DNA test of those things, they will show that I am a 36 year old woman... pretty freaky and disturbing... I might like shopping better, lol.
They have assured me that I will still be a man hormonally, etc.. Michelle was VERY grateful for that news... phew!
The hope is that Melody's immune system will kill the cancer once and for all!
I know with God this is possible!
The whole treatment can be pretty rough.
For anyone interested in more info on this treatment (it is still in clinical trials), you can click this link.
ANY faith filled prayers are SOOO VERY APPRECIATED!
We are believing God for my sister's DNA to TOTALLY wipe out the cancer in my body, and for our two DNAs to "play nicely together" inside me.
A couple of days ago, the head nurse sat with us and outlined the 3 main points that she felt should receive extra prayer support (Wendy is an AWESOME believer).
They are:
1. Pray that the CMV virus is supernaturally romoved from my body!
This nasty little virus that lies dormant in most of the population (and is currently in my body), has wrought havoc on transplant patients, because the immune system is so supressed. It has been responsible for a lot of the mortalities in the past.
2. Pray that there is only minimal graft-v-host disease!
Enough to cause an immune response against the cancer (graft-v-myeloma), but not enough to damage any part of my body.
3. Pray against any opportunistic viruses and bacterias!
These guys really like immune supression :-(
AND I would add a fourth...
4. Pray that the doctors and nurses will have the mind of Christ about all the cases that are before them daily.
My doctors are Dr. Stacey Goodman and Dr. Wichai Chin.
The main nurse who is responsible for me is NP Wendy Knuckles.
I AM BELIEVING GOD FOR HIS HEALING VIRTUE TO TOUCH EVERY PATIENT TREATED HERE!
God's ways are so far above our ways :-)
Michelle, the kids, and I have been blessed beyond words by all of the love and support of all of you!
AND I am hard at work in my little "mini" studio - mix room here in the apartment...
The ministry and music must go ON!
Get READY to hear some fresh worship!
In love with Jesus,
Lance
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