50/50

Billy ended up being in the hospital a total of 3 weeks, got out May 4th. His counts came up beautifully, steadily, until they eventually were in the normal range. Wow, that felt like a miracle. He felt stronger, in fact he said he felt better than he had for a year. We went to the doc regularly, and they ran tests and did another bone marrow biopsy. We were moving toward transplant. Billy and I were very limited to what we could do because of the COVID 19 virus. Everyone was staying home, I got to continue working from home, and so I got to spend all my time with Billy.

All the kids came home the weekend after Billy got home. I kind of demanded it. But it was so great for us all to be together. Joanna and Nick wore masks the whole time, just to be safe. We ate, played games and just enjoyed each other’s company. The grandkids kept things lively.

Joe and Trisha came back down Memorial Day weekend. Indiana allowed churches to meet again, so Billy and I got to go to church on Sunday. It was wonderful! Jason’s message was so good and it was great to see the people who attended. On Monday, Jason & family came over and I swam with all the grandkids. The water was CHILLY! Lol. So fun. I hated to see them all go. Billy and I went back to the doctor’s on Tuesday, and they said his biopsy was clear – no AML. He was cleared for the transplant. It’s so scary. The doctor said without the transplant, he had a 5% chance to be here in a year. With the transplant, he has a 50/50 chance to be here in a year. Wow, not great odds. But that’s what God has given us. And 3 out of 10 transplant patients are cured. So I’m praying Billy will be one of those 3. Please God.

Joanna came down to be with us yesterday and will leave after we leave for the hospital tomorrow. Today the donor had her bone marrow harvested. Tomorrow Billy starts 5 days of chemo, one day of radiation, and then he gets the transplant. He’ll be all alone, no visitors allowed, because of the virus.

Jason and family and Joanna were here for dinner and to celebrate Joanna’s and Jason’s birthdays. Afterwards, we gathered around Billy, even the grandkids, and laid hands on Billy and Jason prayed for him. I saw all the grandkids close their eyes and bow their heads, ready to turn to the Lord I felt God so close, and Jason said in his prayer, ‘ we’re in a better place than we were 2 years ago’ to deal with this. And it’s so true! Billy has a relationship with God now, Billy can lean on God, and trust in Him. I’m so grateful for my family and how God has helped us. Tomorrow is exactly ONE YEAR from the day Billy was diagnosed with MDS, and tomorrow he goes in to start the prep for transplant. Be with us, Lord. Be merciful. Heal my Billy.