Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Getting better with each new day

Praise the Lord! David's stem cell engraftment is progressing very well. Of the 2 types of ...(err don't know what?), one of which is already 100% engrafted and the other... at 85% - sorry this is what David told me. Just know it is good and Dr Hwang is pleased with the way things are working out for him. And for that - Praise the Lord our God Almighty!!!

Thanks for your prayers and for "walking alongside us" spiritually.

David has been enjoying his time with Josh even though it could be trying and tiring at times.

Well, it has been a while since I have mentioned about Joshua. Our darling boy is growing very well but at times, shock us with the maturity beyond his age. When we looked at old photos, he would often ask "did Daddy has myeloma cells then?" Somehow, this became a significant milestone in our family. Only God knows the impact it has upon his young tender soul...and I am glad that the all knowing God is also loving and compassionate and I know He will take care of Josh. May we continue to come to Him and surrender all our burdens and concerns for He cares.

God bless,
Whee Ling

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Today is Day 52 - already passed the midpoint

I am sure David must be very happy to have passed the midpoint of his 100 days of "confinement" - also implies he can soon have the freedom to eat outside food. Well, the 1st 50 days have not been bad at all. In fact, we are really very very thankful that he did not develop any complications or contracted any infections during this period. Even the deprivation of hawker food (such as char kway tiao, laksa, chicken rice...etc) did not result in "hardship" at all as David was so blessed to have yummy home cooked food (nutritious soup and lemon chicken etc) prepared by our dear cell member Judy and her mum. The cell group even arranged a special meeting at our place last Tue to bless us. They sang a song written by Dr Melvin to encourage us and we were deeply touched. They even brought durians so David could enjoy one of his favourite food. God's blessings sure come in many varied ways - one thing for sure all good and perfect gifts are from above...
May we be more and more aware of every blessing from our Heavenly Father above.

Please also continue to pray for 100% engraftment so that David's bone marrow will enable him to fight the remaining (if any) myeloma cells so that he is in total remission once and for all. Claiming this in Jesus' name! Amen!

Thankfully & prayfully,
Whee Ling

Day 50 - on 21Jul. All smiles and yes, enjoying durians. Posted by Picasa

Josh and Daddy spending time together in contentment. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Encouraging results

Greetings in the lovely name of Jesus!
Realised I have not written updates for a while.... well, glad to share that David is doing so well that his last checkup on Monday showed his TW (total white blood cells count) at 4.3 which is within the normal range. His weekly doctor appointments have also reduced from 3 to 2 and now to 1 this week. Next appointment is Monday 18Jul.

Today is his Day 43 (i.e. 43 days after the stem cell transplant). Almost half way to his 100 days "confinement" (he is not supposed to go to crowded places during this period. His appetite has also improved. Strongly believe all these are possible because of all your prayers. Thank you so much!!!

Please continue to pray that with the reduced dosage of medicine, there will be no complications or possible onset of GVHD whatsoever. Please also remember to pray for other transplant patients, I think Patrina may be having her BMT transplant today. Pray for strength and hope. I know our Lord will not disappoint us as we place our trust in Him.

Abundant blessings and grace be to you in Jesus name,
Whee Ling

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

85% engraftment

Praise the Lord!
David's stem cells engraftment is 85% according to Dr Hwang during last Monday's medical appointment. The level of cyclosporin is also reduced to 100mg, which is wonderful news because the capsules smell awful and was suspected to be the main cause of his stomach discomfort. He is still experiencing some abdominal discomfort and poor appetite. Hopefully and prayfully his discomfort will reduce much much more. Next appointment is on Thur 07Jul.

Praise the Lord! Josh has recovered too! He is back to school since yesterday. Thanks to all for praying.

God bless,
Whee Ling

Friday, July 01, 2005

Rejoice always

"Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Yes, we want to continue to give thanks to God for his work in David's life:

David's running nose has not improved much but his abdominal discomfort has been greatly reduced with some adjustments to the dosage of the medication he is on. Really glad that the nausea and vomiting was not a result of GVHD but due to the high toxity of the drugs which could be regulated.

Praise the Lord his wednesday's BMA was also done with minimal pain. His blood test result was still good though the total white count dropped from 3.7 to 2.2 (normal is 4 to 6). I was told it may flunctuate but its ok.

Today he was back to the hospital for another appointment because the doctor wanted to monitor him closely due to his abdominal discomfort. The BMA result showed he still has 4% myeloma cells (I was expecting 0%) but Dr Koh assured him his result and progress is excellent. Need to continue to pray that the grafted cells will grow well to provide David with a new immunity to fight all the remaining myeloma cells and completely wipe them out once and for all. The Lord is able!

Please also pray for Josh who is down with high fever and stuffy nose. David was concerned that he might have passed the flu bug to Josh. Pray that the infection does not get passed around. Claiming God's promise of healing in Psalms 107:19-21
"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.
Oh that men, would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"

Peace, love and grace be with you all, in Jesus name.

God bless,
Whee Ling