update from Elaine

Dear Friends and Family,

We received word today that the stem cell transplant will begin at 10:00 am tomorrow, Friday, January 12th, rather than originally anticipated in the afternoon. We would like to ask that you join us in a focus of prayer during this time. This has been what all Kate's hard work all these weeks has been leading to. It is finally here, and we are confident that the prayers of family and friends on behalf of Kate will be heard by our faithful God.
Requests:
~The substance used to preserve the frozen stem cells leaves a terrible taste in the mouth and odor in the room as they are being transfused into the body. This often causes nausea and sometimes vomiting for the transplant patient. We were encourged to get some gum or candy with a very strong flavor to have Kate keep in her mouth throughout the transplant to help cover this odor. We picked some sour Altoids and hope that they will help curb this bad taste for her.
~At 9:00 am Kate will be pre-medicated with medications (including Benedryl and a steriod) to help prevent allergic reactions during the transplant. Kate has had allergic reactions in the past to some blood products, so please pray that she will be protected from these during the tranplant.
~The stem cells are transfused in small increments. The first small bag will be given slowly over 15 - 20 minutes to see how she tolerates it. The other small bags will be infused more quickly if she tolerates things well. The whole process should be complete in about 1 hour.
~Please pray for the the entire medical team involved in this process.
~Please ask for peace of mind and freedom from anxiety for Kate. Please ask that God's presence fill the room and all of us will know and sense God's power and presence.

Praise and thanksgiving:
~We give praise and thanks to God for the miracles He has worked already that have allowed Kate to get to this point of treatment. It is by His grace that He brought Kate to the point physically where the transplant became a viable option.
~We thank God for what He has done, what He is doing and what He is going to do! How faithful and present He has been every step of the way.


Today was a rough day with nausea. The extra nausea medication caused Kate to sleep most of the day. Despite the tough day and feeling terrible she still wanted Maggie to come for a visit. I think this was just what Kate needed - a good diversion to feeling bad. During Maggie and our friends' visit, Kate managed with effort to eat 3 pizza bites and a bottle of green tea. This was a huge victory in a day of no eating. Thank you God for your grace and mercy that allowed Kate to eat this small amount and to now be sitting up watching some TV.

As transplant day is before us, we are confident that God is in control. Thank you for carrying us with your prayers to the tranplant, through the tranplant and in the coming weeks of recovery. We couldn't have done this without each of you and your faithful prayers!

Resting in His grace,
Elaine