I have been taken off IV antibiotics and have started oral antibiotics. Since September 18, I have been receiving 4 to 6 bags of antibiotics everyday. I received them as a precautionary measure in case I got an infection. This is a great indicator that the doctor is still planning on releasing me tomorrow to go home. : ) I am so happy.
Keli is working today but will be off the remainder of the week, so everything is working together perfectly for me to go home and for her to bring me back to the clinic. Yes, the doctor will still keep a close watch on me as my counts continue to go up. One of the greatest things is that my platelets are 104 today. Comparatively, we I first entered the hospital my platelets were 71. A normal range is a minimum of 150, so I am making great progress with my platelets. Also, my hemoglobin went up today and that is encouraging to me.
I have not yet learned the game plan as to when I will have my bone marrow biopsy to see if I am in remission. That will unfold in the coming days. I have great faith that I am in remission.
Some of you have encouraged me to continue to blog after I go home. Because this journey is not complete, I do intend to keep you informed of my health journey and share with you some of the impressions and lessons the Lord lays on my heart. So, please stay connected through the blog even during the season I am home. I already sense I will have a new appreciation for so many things I took for granted before coming into the hospital. One thing I can’t wait to see is the fire pit that several men from Hermitage Church “finished” for me. I had a project going that was not complete and they ministered to me by finishing it. I have heard it looks wonderful, but I can’t wait to see it with my own eyes when I get home.
I just had a blessing when the Goodlettsville Nazarene staff stopped by to see me and pray for me. It is so wonderful to be a part of the Christian community that goes outside the walls of our own local church. I am thankful for the compassionate presence they gave me to take the time and visit. Thank you, Rev. Blank, for bringing your staff team today. The Kingdom of God is so wonderful.
I must admit that 3308 looks more like a hospital room today than yesterday at this time. The girls took down most of the hangings on the wall and the cards on the windows, so I guess that means it is time for me to go home.
If all goes as planned, tomorrow’s post will be “I am home.” You will never know how much your prayers mean to me. I know you are sincere when you say you are lifting me to the Lord and I am humbled and so very grateful for the faith you are expressing to the Lord on my behalf. May the Lord bless you the rest of this day and may you find your strength in Him.
Blessings,
Sam
This is such wonderful news! We spoke of you in small group in Bible Study today, as we always do, but this time was much sweeter, as Rondy uttered the words, “Sam may be going home tomorrow.”
I am rejoicing with you as I continue to Believe God for Sam!
Such great news – I’ve heard about the cleaning at your house… Your house always sparkles, but I know it will sparkle like never before when you step in that door – whatever day that may be. Hoping for this week, Sam! Still praying for remission!
Sam,
I know the anticipation of home is almost as great as the reward (that’s a blog topic btw brother!) and I join the masses in welcoming you home whatever day that occurs. Just don’t be thinking of your to-do list just yet….you’ve still got some recovery to do. God is at work and we recognize that and praise Him for his faithfulness so far. (If I could spell Ebeneezer I would add that we raise our stone too, but you know me – I never was a great speller.)
I’ll bring the marshmellows and meet you at the Fire Pit sometime soon. Can’t wait.
Love from all-
Tiff
Happy days are almost here. How great, and how quiet, “at Home” will be.
I do love Psalm122 and I say to you “Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.”
Tomorrow I will not argue but shout to the Lord for his loving kindness.
Love you Sam. Bill
Sam,
These are exciting days indeed. As with all the others, we pray that you won’t be looking at those barren walls too much longer. And you know, lots of us at church have trucks that can haul that stuff home in one trip.
Tiffany’s post (always thoughtful of others – I am blessed) reminded me of our trip to Disney last year. We knew we were going to go to the campground sing-a-long, but decided that carrying marshmellows and graham crackers and sticks on the plane was just too much hassle. So we would purchase the kit there. I mean, really, how expensive could one small package of puffed air, a few crackers and stick be, right? Sam, this is Disney we’re talking here! $14 later, we got to eat about three S’moores and then it was time to head back! Ah well. At least it made a good memory. I can’t wait for our families and countless other families to make good memories around your new firepit – and more economical too!
Oh, I know you’ll be busy, but I vote for continued blogs also. I agree with one of your bloggers yesterday that these posts have been a great jumping off point most days for further devotion. Thanks for that. Keep ministering, brother.
It is that AMAZING GRACE once again… I so pray that you are spending the night with those bare walls, so the beautiful walls at home will be even more wonderful to you.
I am in Mississippi tomorrow, but will certainly be looking at the blog to see what is happening in the life of the GREENS…
GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GOOD……..
I love you all so much and cannot wait to shout a hugh GLORY, when you are home…
I’ll keep praying, you keep getting well,
Lisa
I wish I could see how big your smile is! I was so thrilled to hear your good news. God is in control. Thank you God for your goodness to us.. to Sam… to Keli…to Anna Laura…to Sophie…to Bella.
I can hear the Happiness oozing out of your blog!
I wish I could see how big your smile is! I was so thrilled to hear your good news. God is in control. Thank you God for your goodness to us.. to Sam… to Keli…to Anna Laura…to Sophie…to Bella.
I can hear the Happiness oozing out of your blog!
Sam ~
I’m SO EXCITED for you! I read your blog almost every day to keep up with your experiences through your most uplifting and encouraging posts, and haven’t yet left a comment here… but today, Mister, I can’t quietly read and move on. I just have to tell you how THRILLED I am for you & your family that you may get to go home soon! I can’t imagine the feeling of home after such a long time away.. even the fresh air you’ll experience for the first time in a long time before you get there will be amazing.
)
Here’s praying God’s timing is TOMORROW.
All my love and prayers,
-Rachel
Sam,
What an interesting journey you have been on. You have traveled many hills and winding paths. You have endured some dark and lonely valleys. And now, you have come to a grassy meadow filled with sunshine. Soak it in buddy! God has been faithful to you and your family. He has walked every step of this journey with you, and He will continue to guide your footsteps to the top of the mountain.
I bet home will never be quite what it was pre-hospital. It will probably have deeper meaning that only you and your girls can understand. That is really cool!
Enjoy these new days with your friends and family, and when you do roast marshmellows in your firepit, be sure to burn one for me. I like mine toasty!
Jon
I saw your girls after school today and I let them know how excited I am for all of you to be together again. They all looked so happy to have you back with them.
You will continue to be in our prayers and we can’t wait to see your smiling face at church. . .and I promise no hugs. I remember telling Alicia that too, and yet I couldn’t resist a hug. It’s hard not to hug those we care so much about. I will never forget the day. It was the beginning of December and it was time for the children’s program. I turn around and who do I see in her mask with an oxygen tank, but my dear friend who had just been released from the hospital. She probably shouldn’t have been there, but she wasn’t about to miss seeing her daughter in the program. What a blessing for her to be there (for both of us!) Bethany had been staying with us and Alicia didn’t know that she was also going to be in the bell choir–it thrilled her heart to see her daughter. Such happy memories!
I pray that your time at home will be filled with many happy memories. As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, we will do so with our hearts full.
Love and prayers,
Erika
“Great is thy Faithfulness”
To our very dear friends, we are thrilled beyond words. There is something special with having your whole family under one roof and all is at peace. Make sure you make time for just the five of you. The girls will need that most of all. We will continue to pray for you until the battle is won. With all our love, Jeff & Brenda
Sam,
This is really good news. God is good. Will be praying that you can go home tomorrow.
Art
ENJOY YOUR FAMILY in YOUR HOME!!! WAHOO! GOD IS SO GOOD!
I know you will treasure every second of walking through your own front door. Taking in the smells of home. Hearing your girls giggling and screaming that their daddy is home! No doubt gearing up for a true THANKSGIVING!! I am so excited for you and your family. I will continue to ck your blog for updates…and again…thanks so much for allowing us to take this journey with you and teach us so much.
Rachel
Hi Sam,
We are SO excited for you… going HOME tomorrow. Who knows, you may even want to whip up a cross stitch of Home Sweet Home! I know it will be such a blessed gift to walk back into your house after 2 months! Wow! This all seems surreal! We continue to trust the LORD in your behalf each and every day (and night) for your complete healing. Life is Good – God is Good! Love you! Elaine & Steve
We are ready to have you back on the cul-de-sac… We are under the weather so we will just wave from a distance. I’m sure all of your girls are thrilled, and like the kid from my favorite Walt Disney commercial, are all “too excited to sleep!”
Sam and Keli, we can’t wait to have our friends and neighbors back home tomorrow, we spent the evening with your beautiful daughters and in case you don’t already know this they are precious and a joy to be around. They are beyond excited about your homecoming. We continue to praise God for answered prayers on your behalf.
Dear Sam, Keli and the Girls:We know the joy of hearing the words, going home! Hey, you know we know that for sure!!! Enjoy the day and we will continue to pray that counts stay where they need to be. God is in control – help me remember that as well. YES, I vote that is a wonderful idea to continue your blog – you will never know how great it has been to us. It is a “stay connected” with a family we love and feel like a part of the family as always. We are going to be out of town and away from computers for a few days, so let us be part of the group that says “WELCOME HOME” now. Love you guys, Gail & Foster
Uncle Sam.. Ben read your blog before I did today so he told me about this hopeful, wonderful news…I am SO EXCITED!!!! I like what Aunt Elaine mentioned about cross stitching a Home Sweet Home picture – that would be a great new hobby for you!
Haha We can’t wait to come over to the house and see you!!!!! I’ve been pretty under the weather this week so I guess I’ll have to wait until I “bounce back” for us to come hang out.
we are praying that you will be home tomorrow and sooo glad that you are feeling good!! God has heard our prayers and I believe Hes the complete reason why you are doing so awesome!!! I love you and Ben and I are continuing to lift you and our whole family up in prayer day and night.
That’s the best news! I’m so happy for you!
I am so excited that you may be going home soon. I have learned a great deal from you during this. You and Keli are such a blessing to me and I thank you for allowing us to share this journey with you. I can’t imagine the anticipation you must have to get that first breath of fresh air and to be home with your girls. Still praying for you and am confident the Lord will heal you completely.
Amy
We were so excited to hear your good news and are presuming that since you didn’t blog today….that means you are home with your wonderful family. We are still praying for you, friend. God has you in the palm of his hands and is doing marvelous things through you. kepp blogging!
Gail & Joe
I ask the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today. To guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, his promises are true and when we give him all our cares we know he will see us through. So when the road your traveling seems difficult at best, just remember everyone is praying and God will do the rest.
This is for the Green family — the best testimony I’ve seen in a while. The word for today is ” HOME “.
I normally do not like to just assume that something is happening when it is only a “maybe”, but I am definitely assuming that since I have not read anything on here today from you that you are in the process of getting settled in at home!!! If that is the case, then I am so happy to say, “Welcome Home, my brother and friend in Christ!” May God bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you (and your blondeless head) and be gracious unto you. May He lift His countenance upon you and give you so much blessed peace! You are and will always be prayed for by the Sullivan family. We love you and are still waiting to hear those amazing, wonderful, and long-time-coming words…”we are home”.
Emily, Robert, and Alex Sullivan