Our God is Faithful…100 Day Report

Keli and I received the news that we had longed to hear…you remain in complete remission.  It was  a wonderful doctor’s visit this morning as we calmly celebrated Day 100 post-transplant.  I know I should be jumping up and down, but the emotions I feel are just a deep settled peace recognizing that God is so faithful.  I praise Him for His continued touch on my life.  As Dr. Berdeja looked at my blood counts, he went on to say, “You are like a normal person.”  I laughed.    My white counts are completely in the normal range; my platelets are very close to the normal range; and my hemoglobin is in the normal range.  We received the next bit of good news as he will now be moving me to the other side of his clinic.  That may not seem like a big deal, but to Keli and me it is a very big deal. 

All of my tests from last week came back good…no concerns or complications.  I even received a new prescription for glasses last Thursday and we went immediately to order a new pair.  The areas of the body that could have had lifelong effects from the chemotherapy all look good.  Praise the Lord!  We take so many things for granted in life and when you go from week-to-week finding out what is going on inside your body, you can become a little paranoid and even scared.  But today I marvel in the way the Lord’s hand has been on me and protected me.  I don’t take anything for granted and I know that His hands are constantly at work in our lives.  I hope I always recognize how the Lord is at work among us…changing us, transforming us, and making us more like Him as we surrender ourselves to Him.

Anna-Laura left yesterday for a missions trip to Bulgaria, Kosovo, and Romania.  She is travelling with Uncle Tim and a group from Trevecca.  I am so thankful how the Lord is working in her life.  Over two years ago she sensed a calling to missions and this is really her first time to experience missions work.  Please pray for her over the next 17 days that the Lord will speak to her heart and how He can use her for His Kingdom building.  She arrives home on Father’s Day…what a great present for her daddy.

“This is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.”  I praise the Lord today for His continued work in my life.  I thank the Lord for you and your prayers throughout this journey.  My journey continues on as I still recover fully in the coming months, but I know He is with me and will continue to restore me to full health. 

Blessings,

Sam

It’s been too long since I’ve written…

Please accept my apologies for not posting on this site for almost a month.  Life has been getting back to a normal state of family time, work, and church activities, and I have not taken the time to reflect in a written way of how God continues to be at work in our lives.  Do you ever get one of those phone calls that makes your day? I did today and it prompted me to post this evening.

Dr. William Greathouse is probably one of the most highly respected people in my life and he called me this morning just to let me know that he and Judy continue to lift me to the Lord in their prayers.  That made my day!  Dr. Greathouse has served in areas of authority in the Church of the Nazarene throughout his life, but what impresses me most is his spirit of sincerity and true Christian humility over these months of my journey as he makes occasional calls to me just to let me know he is praying for me.  Wow, talk about compassionate presence.  The Word says we have a great cloud of witnesses…I am thankful that part of my cloud includes people like Dr. Greathouse and his godly role model in my life.

I am doing well.  This last week I enjoyed a few days with the President’s Cabinet as we had a working retreat together in Mississippi.  It was so encouraging to be with my friends as we prayed together, dialogued, and fellowshipped.  I came down with the same stomach bug I had a month ago, however, and was not feeling my best.  Fortunately, after I came home, Keli called the doctor and I was able to start another round of antibiotics and I am feeling so much better as I write this post.

Upon my return, I had two big days of testing…bone marrow biopsy, echogram, chest x-ray, cornea testing, and tomorrow I will complete the tests with a pulmonary test.  This is a huge week.  I will be celebrating Day 100 post-transplant on Friday and getting the results of all the tests.  Of course there is some anxiety that goes along with the week…I plan and hope to hear “complete remission” still, but there is a great sense of peace that I am experiencing because God has been, is, and continues to be with me.  I rest assured in His hands and I continue to praise Him daily for the physical touch He has had in my life.

Guess what?  I have 1 cm of peach fuzz (hair) on my head!  I either look like a newborn or a cute little duckling. I am still trying to figure out which.  So far, it is very white, but time will tell what the final color and texture will be.  It is also very fine to the touch.  I have been told that it will be about a year before the hair is back to normal.  That means I have about nine more months.  Oh well, Keli still thinks I’m cute…and that’s all that matters.  :)

I will post on Friday afternoon to let you know the results of the tests.  Pray with me that all is well.  I believe it in my heart and mind, but it will be great to hear it from Dr. Berdeja, himself.

Blessings,

Sam

Beautiful Monday…

It is a beautiful Monday afternoon here in Nashville, although many are still having difficulties with the rains that came the last two days.  Keli and I are both working today and the girls are out of school.  This is an exciting week at Trevecca and for our family.  Trevecca’s commencement is Saturday and Liz, Keli’s niece, will be in the graduating class.  That same evening we are hosting a bridal shower for Liz and Joel and we look forward to friends and family coming over.

It was a big weekend for Anna-Laura.  She was crowned junior class princess at her high school prom.  Keli and I went to the prom to take pictures of her and we were so proud when they called out her name.  The prince, for reasons unknown, did not show up to the prom, so when it was time for the princess/prince dance, Anna-Laura asked me to dance with her.  If you have known me forever, you know I have no clue how to dance because that was something we just didn’t do when we grew up.  Well, I must say it was the most special song I have ever experienced and my time with my girl was amazing.  I swayed.  That’s right…swayed.  I also turned a little.  I don’t think you could define what we did as dancing, but the I will cherish the moment on the dance floor with daddy’s princess for as long as I live.  It was a very emotional time for both Keli and me to think how God has brought us along these last 7 months.  Of course, the reality of “I could have not even been here” hit me a few times, but it did not take away from the joy I had for Anna-Laura.  Praise the Lord for His healing touch.

I am down to one day a week doctor’s visits.  I feel fully recovered from last week’s stomach infection and my appetite has returned.  I thank the Lord for His continued physical touch on my life.

Well, I just wanted to let you know what is going on in our lives.  If you are still reading this post…thank you.  I pray the Lord’s blessing on you. 

Blessings,

Sam

Stomach infection…

For the last week and a half I have been suffering from stomach issues.  On Friday of last week, they ran some tests and we got results Saturday morning.  It was an answer to prayer to learn that I have a stomach infection and not graft versus host disease.  I spent the entire weekend in bed and started antibiotics on Saturday.  Although I see light at the end of the tunnel, I am still experiencing serious abdominal pain.  I am just so thankful that what is ailing me was discovered and is treatable with antibiotics.  I am feeling better, or I wouldn’t be feeling like writing a post this morning.

Keli has been right by my side during this infection and she is also keeping me on track with taking my medicines and making sure I eat.  None of that is fun right now.  I would ask that you keep me in your prayers as I get over this infection.  I told Keli that I was amazed I could sleep throughout the entire day on Saturday and still sleep through the night that evening.

For the last few weeks I have been at work each day for several hours each time. It has been great getting back into a normal routine and being with the people who I love.  I am home today, but hopefully will get back to work soon.

I hope you have a wonderful day.  I just wanted to update you on what has been going on in my journey.

Blessings,

Sam

Almost halfway there…

I know it has been a while since I posted…please forgive me.  My health continues to progress very well.  I have not experienced any significant graft versus host issues and I am feeling better everyday.  I feel stronger each day and my appetite seems to improve every meal.

We are almost halfway through the 100-day period following transplant.  I am down to two days a week doctors visits and I had my picc line removed last week.  That was so awesome to get that out of my arm.  I did try to swing a golf club in the backyard with Bella and I learned that I will have to rebuild my strength to have any success on the golf course.  :)

Today was a marker…Keli went back to work and I drove myself to the clinic for my appointment.  Keli and I have been together all the time for the last six months, except for when she worked, so it is weird not being together all day long.  This journey has brought us even closer  I am so thankful for the Lord’s hand on us.

Last night was a special evening.  Isabella turned 12 on March 23rd and the tradition I have with my girls is to take them to Melting Pot, just the two of us, to celebrate such a significant birthday.  That is exactly what Bella and I were able to finally do last night.  It was so nice to share a great time together and talk about important things related to growing up.  I can’t believe I have now experienced a special 12-year-old evening with all three of my girls.  I am so proud of each of them and the choices they are making.

I was doing some reflection today and became overwhelmed, once again, of how amazing God is to all of us.  He truly is the Great Physician and I will forever praise Him for intervening in my life and touching me.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Blessings,

Sam

God answers prayers…

Today was a big day in the life of the Green family.  I went in with faith to see the doctor that all was well.  Not only was all well, all is amazing!  The two items of news Dr. Berdeja shared was (1) I am continuing to be in complete remission (Praise the Lord!!!) and (2) I have ingrafted 100%!!!  (Praise the Lord again!).  He went on to say he was able to share the best of the best news. Many times patients, at this point, are 90 some percent ingrafted, so Dr. Berdeja was thrilled that I am 100%.  This has already been one of the best days of my life.

It is Good Friday…the day we reflect on the death of our Savior.  As much joy I have right now going through me, I have been thinking about the significance of this day.  As Christians, today and Sunday are the two days that define our relationship with the Creator of the world.  To think that God would come to earth in the form of man and experience life as we do blows my mind.  This Sunday is the greatest day for the Christian world.  I pray that you will go to church with an expectant spirit to encounter God in a new, fresh, and real way.  Allow the Spirit to transform you this Easter Sunday.  Be open and honest with him.  Thank Him for the relationship you have with him.  Confess to Him any shortcomings in your life and have a repentant spirit before Him.  I can honestly say God answers prayers.  He is continuing to answer them in my life as I am utterly dependent upon Him for life and for a future.

May the Lord bless you and your family this Easter weekend.

Blessings,

Sam

It has been a week…

It has been a week since my last post.  My apologies.  :)  The doctor’s visits are going very well.  So well, that we did not have to go yesterday or today.  Tomorrow is a big day…bone marrow biopsy.  I have great faith that I am still in remission and that the ingrafting is doing well.  We will not find out any results until later this week.  I will post the day I find out what we learn.  Please pray with us that the results are good and that everything is progressing perfectly.

I have not experienced any complications except the throat issue while in the hospital.  That has healed up and I am swallowing normally now.  Praise the Lord!  Dr. Berdeja said to me this week during one of my visits, “You don’t look like you just had a transplant.”  I liked that.  Of course it will be good to get the results from tomorrow’s biopsy, but I am feeling stronger everyday and look forward to being at work more this week and leading the music in our service Thursday night at church.  I am also looking forward to leading the worship music on Easter Sunday.  It will be so great to be back at church.

Today was “One Voice” at church.  ”One Voice” is a musical drama that shares the story of Christ through the eyes of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethea.  In my absence there were so many people from the church that gave the leadership necessary to make an impacting worship experience.  I am so thankful for God’s people and how Yori, Tammy, and Betty stepped into critical roles of overseeing certain areas.  God was glorified and His story was shared in a beautiful way this morning.  Praise the Lord for people’s faithfulness to ministry.

I am ready for my appetite to return.  It seems that I am eating now because I know I must, rather than enjoying what I eat.  I know it is just a matter of time, but I am ready for that time to come.  I am also ready for my energy level to return.  I think the last chemo I had was very strong and I am still recovering from it, but I want to do much more than my body will allow for now.

Thank you for your continued prayers. This journey continues as I will have monthly bone marrow biopsies for 3 months, with the first one being tomorrow.  Please continue to pray for good health and full recovery whenever I come to mind.  I will continue to post when i have information to share.  May the Lord bless you during this Holy Week.  We serve an amazing God who is alive and well.  He is at work among His people.

Blessings,

Sam

Sunday morning at the hospital

It is a wonderful morning.  Keli and I are at the hospital for our daily visit.  We arrived before 9:00, knowing that I would be receiving magnesium and I have yet to learn if I need any other replacements.  Okay, I just got my first report…no platelets or blood needed today.  Yippee!  It is the little things in life that become very big.   I am still waiting for a few other counts.

It feels strange being discharged from the hospital, but not being able to worship with my church family on Sunday.  I know it is just a matter of time before I will back full-time at church and work.  I am ready for that day!

The girls shared some beautiful things yesterday afternoon on a drive up to Lebanon.  Bringing it up on their own, they talked about how things have changed during the last six months.  They shared how they are so much closer now.  They shared how they are more independent now.  They shared that we have all really learned to trust in the Lord more for everything.  They shared how important family time is now and that we treasure any time we have together.  They shared how as they have drawn closer together, they fight so much less.  Isn’t God great!  What could be a time of youth turning to selfish ways or days of questioning “why is this happening,” the Lord has used and continues to use this time as a maturing in the faith.  Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and Spirit at work within the lives of my children.

Well, I have to get stuck for another blood count.  I will go for now.

Blessings,

Sam

Home at last…

What a great day it has been!  Keli and I left the hospital around 1:30 and came home to unload the car before turning around to go pick up the girls at the airport.  We are all home now.  Keli just came back from the grocery store and tonight’s menu is pasta.  I haven’t been eating so great, so she said she would fix whatever sounded good to me.  The last 30 days has been like being on The Biggest Loser.  I lost around 14 pounds, but I am sure it will not stay off forever.

Bella and I have already played Wii snowboarding.  She beat me 6 out of 7 games.  It sure is great to be home and quickly getting back to normal.  Even Bentley is home with us.  He got groomed today, so the whole family had a glorious (and smell good) reunion.

Keli and I will go back to the clinic in the morning and may be doing that daily for at least the next week.  I am so thankful Keli was able to work during these last 6 months, because now she is taking off to take care of me during my recovery.  This does not mean that I will not be able to participate in work and church in the near future, but right now they are keeping a close eye on me as the grafting occurs.  As you pray, please pray that I will not have any complications with the grafting and that I will stay infection free.

Well, I am going to get back to my girls.  I hear the pots and pans downstairs, so there are some busy girls at work.  Thank you for your continued love and support.  God continues to answer prayers and I continue to put my complete hope and trust in him.

Blessings,

Sam

Day +20…Let’s get outta’ Dodge

It has been a great day as I have seen pieces of equipment come off my pole and it has reduced the weight for my walking.  Keli and I have already walked three miles today.  I was also able to take my medicines this morning without having to crush them up and eat them with ice cream.  I am making considerable progress and it shows in several ways.

I am reminded of a funny story of when Sophie was about 3 years of age.  Mom and Tim were with the family at the fairgrounds on a beautiful Saturday at the Flea Market.  We used to go to the Flea Market all the time years ago.  Uncle Tim was pushing Sophie in her stroller and she was done with it all.  If you have been to a flea market, you know there is booth after booth and although you think you are done, there is always one more place to shop.  Trust me, Sophie was as done with the flea market that day as much as I am done with Centennial hospital.  The funny part of the story, and please don’t be offended, was when Sophie shocked Uncle Tim by turning and looking up at him at one of those points where it appeared we were about to leave and said, “Let’s get the ____ outta’ here.”  I know we had talked about heaven and hell as a family, but I am telling you she did not learn that phrase at home. Sophie, Daddy is ready to get outta’ here.

Keli shared something with me on our walk this afternoon.  The day I received my diagnosis, she wrote in her journal that the Lord would have me back to good health by our anniversary.  Guess what Tuesday of next week is?  That’s right…our 19th anniversary.  God is so good and His assurance to Keli was a beautiful confidence that He gave her months ago.  Tuesday is also Isabella’s 12th birthday.  It is wonderful to plan on celebrating two wonderful occasions at home with my girls.  The important markers of time have been significant in our journey.  I can’t believe we have been at the hospital 28 days as of today.  God’s faithfulness has been phenomenal and the prayers of His people are continuing to be answered.  Praise the Lord for his continued providence and extension of grace to His children.  I’m so glad I am one of His kids.

Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and love.  Keli and I are so thankful for the support you have given and continue to give us.

Blessings,

Sam