I Haven’t Written

So much has happened. I made Billy an appointment with a neurologist at Mayo and we went to Mayo twice. The neurologist ran a battery of tests. Billy also saw a hematologist and had a second bone marrow biopsy. We never got a diagnosis from the neurologist, but he said Billy has myopathy, which doesn’t narrow it down much. The doctor at Mayo said Billy’s blasts were up to 19%, and ha said Billy has Acute Myeloid Leukemia. We were shaken to the core. We came home in shock. Billy hadn’t even had his 4th round of Vidaza, and we were told it would take 4-6 rounds before he’d see any improvement. So Dr.Akard in Indy and Dr.Gallardo wanted another bone marrow biopsy because they couldn’t believe he got that sick that fast. Meantime, we’re calling and emailing Dr. Dubey, the neurologist, trying to get a diagnosis, a prognosis and a treatment plan. Finally Dr. Akard started Billy on a regiment of 80 mg prednisone a day, along with an anti-viral, an antibiotic, an anti-fungal and heartburn med. his CK was 6000 when he started, but after a month of treatment his CK has gone down to 1000. Still high, but better. That means his muscle deterioration has slowed wayyyy down, and he has gained strength. He stopped using his walking stick and can ride his side car motorcycle! That thing is a blast! The 3rd bone marrow came back and his blasts were back Dow to 7-9%!! So many people had and have been praying! It is a miracle!!!

Billy started his 5th round of Vidaza yesterday. He’ll get to take Thanksgiving vacay off. It’s so hard on him.

So Joanna and Nicks wedding was coming up and we hadn’t been sure Billy would be able to make it. He was in the hospital with pneumonia and we had missed Nora’s birthday party. He was weak and sick. But, praise God, come November 23rd we were there and Billy walked Joanna down the aisle and danced with her! The wedding was magical! Joanna, Heather, the Coleen’s and I worked all day Fri to decorate the barn. Billy put up the copper arch he built and we put the fabric on it and the swags Cindy and I made. It was perfect! When Joanna and Nick exchanged vows, I could feel his deep love for Joanna. I heard his uncle talk about what a special man Nick is and has always been, good and kind and sweet since he was a little kid. Reminded me of how I describe Joanna! I guess we fell in love with Nick, too! And his friends were amazing. Ari (and wife Megan) and Eric, Heather and Colleen DeSilva were the last ones to leave and they all worked so hard! It was perfect. Now Joanna & Nick are in Jamaica on their honeymoon!

God answered all our prayers when Joanna met Nick. She was patient and true and God gave her the desires of her heart.

I’ve been praying God will heal Billy. I believe God will do it, if it’s His will.

And Trisha is expecting!! The baby is due in May. We’re beyond thrilled. God is so good! I have much to pray for and much to be grateful for.