It’s been a few days since I’ve had the strength (or desire) to write. My hopes to blog throughout this process were outrageously, overly inflated. Words like “goal” and “will-power” simply possessed no power.
Here’s the recap:
Wednesday, August 3 was Day 0. The stem cells arrived, carried in a cooler by medical personnel.
After checking paperwork and confirming the puffy, pallid-looking patient laying in front of them matched the proper name, date of birth, and medical record number…
…the donor cells were hung. Gravity stood between me and my new stem cells. Jeff and I prayed. The nurse stayed. The bag emptied in about 20 minutes.
There was no reaction; no gagging or fits. It was, as it had been described to me, rather anti-climactic. I felt well enough to get out of bed and take a couple of laps around the ward that evening.
That was Wednesday, Day 0.
Since then, things haven’t gone nearly so well. BUT, today is Day +2, and I am able to write. Prayerfully, this is the turnaround I’ve been anticipating. Doctors have assured me that my symptoms are a result of the preconditioning regiment, of which they do not seem to be surprised.
I, on the other hand, have experienced many surprises. Given my history of cancer, chemo and radiation, I’d thought I’d seen it all. But this IS different. And more than anything, I am convinced that no matter what happens next or what has already taken place, my life has forever changed.
August 5, 2016 at 9:27 pm
So good to hear from you! I’ve been worrying, praying, and hoping all was going well. Hope each day is a better one!
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August 5, 2016 at 9:29 pm
Thank you. The preconditioning took so much out of me. I thought it would be different. I thought I would EASE into things. Guess that’s not how these things work. Thanks for the continued prayers and thanks for being a part of this journey.
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August 5, 2016 at 9:44 pm
Hey lady, you are in my prayers. ❤️
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August 5, 2016 at 9:51 pm
Forever Changed, yes, I have and we all have been forever changed by you and your journey. The journey you have shared and continue to share with beauty, strength, and grace. Dee, God’s light shines so brightly through you it is often difficult to share words and thoughts from which you may gain comfort. I pray for and with you daily. I think of you often. While this is the beginning another challenge you always meet them head on and knock them down one bite at a time. Wheels up my friend we want to walk this journey with you.
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August 5, 2016 at 9:57 pm
I am sooo humbled by your courage and strength! You are an amazing inspiration and I wish I could be even half the person you are! You and your awesome family are in my prayers everyday! It was a true blessing to have you enter my life so many short years ago! ❤️
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August 8, 2016 at 11:53 am
Aw…you are so sweet but believe me, when trouble comes your way, you will be all that you need to be. Where you are lacking, our God is not. He is always there and accessbile. I am a living example of that.
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August 5, 2016 at 10:36 pm
Glad to hear you are feeling better and up to writing. I think of you every day. I wish I lived closer so I could do things for you and Jeff and the kids, but you have my prayers daily. Let me know if there is anything you would like from here. Meanwhile, virtual hugs and blessings to you. XO
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August 8, 2016 at 11:45 am
Believe me, I’d love to be closer to you right now. 🙂
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August 5, 2016 at 10:45 pm
A Navajo prayer for my beautiful friend Dee:
With your feet I walk
I walk with your limbs
I carry forth your body
For me your mind thinks
Your voice speaks for me
Beauty is before me
And beauty is behind me
Above and below me hovers the beautiful
I am surrounded by it
I am immersed in it
In my youth I am aware of it
And in old age I shall walk quietly
The beautiful trail.
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August 8, 2016 at 11:43 am
That is lovely. Thank you my friend.
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August 5, 2016 at 11:04 pm
Deneitra,
It’s so good to see your texting finger working! You are in our thoughts and prayers throughout the day. I hope you feel strengthened by all of the prayer support. God promises a peace that transcends all understanding through prayers ❤ You are very loved!
Beverly
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August 8, 2016 at 11:41 am
Thank you for prayers and for feeding our family this month. The support is truly appreciated. In His name.
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August 5, 2016 at 11:06 pm
Denitra,
You are an amazing woman in so many ways! I am beyond proud to call you my friend! I have been and will continue to send up my prayers and send positive vibes your way!
Love,
Cindy
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August 6, 2016 at 2:33 am
Just remember no matter what you are a VIRTUOUS WOMAN: Proverbs 31:10-31.
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August 8, 2016 at 11:37 am
Amen!
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August 6, 2016 at 6:53 am
I am praying for you, Soror. Continue to fight. ❤
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August 6, 2016 at 10:02 am
I love your words; they describe a battle so personal and so difficult so perfectly. There were times for us that words of encouragement and prayers from others meant nothing – it was rough. Our 13 year old son is on day +430. Your journey is in my heart, and wishing you love and strength. My dear friend Nicole Brown sent me your way. ❤️
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August 8, 2016 at 11:37 am
THANK YOU Marty. I am in tears over the joy you must experience daily vs the excruciating pain you survived while your baby was sick. I am inspired and humbled by your son. Please give him a hug from the mom on Day +5. Looking forward to Day +430.
Miracles and blessings!
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August 6, 2016 at 10:31 am
Dee, you are in Dave’s and my prayers always. I know God is carrying you in His arms through this valiant fight and He will continue to carry you. You are such a strong woman to have even done what you have done up to this moment. You are a Remarkable Lady and I admire you to the ends of the earth. I pray for Peace for you, for this to work and for you to feel good through this process. You are such a Precious Woman of God . I Love You, Pray for You, and will have you in my heart praying for healing constantly!
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August 8, 2016 at 11:29 am
God bless you and Dave. I know that you understand the struggle of cancer intimately. I appreciate your love, prayers and support. I draw strength from you both and our Heavenly Father.
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August 6, 2016 at 12:36 pm
Denetria, thanks so much for taking your precious time to share your story with us. I am amazed and inspired by it. Of course we are praying that God will bring complete healing!
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August 8, 2016 at 11:28 am
Indeed He already has. Amen!
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August 6, 2016 at 2:30 pm
You are such a brave woman. Thank you for sharing this journey with the rest of us. I have you and your family in my daily prayers.
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August 8, 2016 at 10:39 am
Humbled and grateful
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August 6, 2016 at 4:05 pm
Deneitra, there is Nothing Beyond What God Can Do !!!!
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August 6, 2016 at 4:06 pm
I don’t have many words baby girl. I’ll try: love light joy peace gift spirit. Just be.
Love & prayers
Keely
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August 6, 2016 at 6:50 pm
Lord Jesus, place your angels around Dee, and protect her from any harm. Bless the new stem cells going into her body. May they be welcomed peacefully. Let them do their job to protect her. Wrap Dee in peace and grace, and let her know that you are with her, always. We ask for complete, 100% healing for Dee. We trust in you, the Great Physician. Amen.
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August 8, 2016 at 10:38 am
Indeed! I trust God more than any doctor. He has all he answers. Thank you for the prayer.
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August 7, 2016 at 3:31 pm
You can do this! I pray that this has changed you and this is a new start for you!
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August 7, 2016 at 5:35 pm
We’re hoping and praying for you, Dee.
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August 7, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Forever Changed. I am, all are, forever changed by knowing you. Your strength, grace, beauty, wit and love has forever changed my life. God’s light shines so brightly through you into the world that even while you have been forever changed by your journey, you have also forever changed us, all whom you touch in so many ways small and large. Thank You. We continue to pray for your strength and healing, and as much as we can, we take the journey with you, wheels up my friend, find strength in those who can help to hold you up as you conquer this next mountain. love and light, s.
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August 8, 2016 at 10:36 am
Sharon, I am grateful for the love and support of so many. On days when I feel like I have little else, I am thankful to have you.
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August 8, 2016 at 8:27 pm
My continued prayers are with you Dee. We don’t see each other often but our spirits are linked. In my quiet time I pray for you. Your beautiful family needs your love and nuturing so don’t worry you’re not going anywhere. You encourage me with your strength and I know so many others feel the same.
I know the Lord has a plan for your life and an amazing testimony for the world to hear. Much love to you sweet Dee❤️
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August 26, 2016 at 8:16 am
Thanks Tami. I appreciate you reaching out. And I truly believe that God has an exciting plan for the second half of my life. Continue to pray that His plan will be revealed and I will continue to walk in faith. Love you.
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August 11, 2016 at 7:35 am
Deneitra, you are a marvelous writer, and an inspiration to us all. Everyone at America’s Medical School (USUHS) is pulling for you! – Art K
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August 11, 2016 at 1:49 pm
Hi Deneitra,
Just checking back in and hoping that this post finds you God reliant through it all. I just wanted to encourage you with Psalm 77:11-14 as I read it this morning and thought of you. ” I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes I will remember your miracles of long ago, I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways O God are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” So, remember that although your life is forever changed, God’s presence, love and power is constant! Be blessed ❤
Beverly
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August 14, 2016 at 10:35 am
That was so good I had to read it twice. It is always important to remember what God has already done as a way to grow our faith. And trust me, my faith is growing. Love you.
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