Day +1
Today is our first day with the bone marrow in Laura’s body. Yesterday was such a moving experience for us. We arrived at 11am but Laura did not start receiving the bone marrow until 3:30pm. Pam was the woman who prepared the bone marrow. She said it arrived in 5 bags which is amazing. They usually don’t receive so much. It has to thaw and then they process it since Laura’s blood type is different from the donor’s. After they process five bags, they come up with a pint of marrow for Laura to receive. She told us how GREAT the marrow was. We were sitting there listening to Pam wondering how anyone could determine if marrow is ‘great’ or not. We told her the donor was 38 years old and she said she thought he was much younger because the marrow looked so good.
Anyway, Laura started to receive it and we were sitting there feeling like something amazing is happening. In light of all Laura is going through it’s such a small event. It only lasted two hours and then we were out the door. No fireworks, no fanfare, just a little bag quietly being given to Laura. But we felt like a miracle was happening. We both felt giddy inside and still was in awe of how this man could sacrifice himself for Laura. We talked about how blood is so important for life to take place in us. None of us can live without blood. It’s essential for life. It reminds us of how Jesus Christ shed blood for us. His blood gives life to all and how essential it is for us to truly have life. It is what saves us. And He loved us while we hated Him, while we were His enemies. He still died for us knowing that many would reject Him, despise Him and turn away. So much filled our minds and our hearts as we sat there at that moment starting the bone marrow. I wish you could have all been with us physically. I know many of you responded saying you were praying, and we knew you were all present in spirit lifting us up.
Prior to Laura receiving the marrow, they do a countdown. When she started chemo it was Day -7. Yesterday was Day 0. Now each day is Day +. So this is the first day with bone marrow and that’s why I called this entry Day +1.
Laura just woke up and I’ve been spending the last half hour with her. She has a lot of stomach and bowel pain so you could really pray that the pain could go away either by itself or by the doctors offering something to help. Thank you so much!
Love,
Brad
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Good morning, Grammers,
What a beautiful, amazing, tangible picture of the Gospel! Just reading, I sit in awe of it all. I’m so sorry for the suffering that you guys have gone through, but how amazing to see how God will use you guys and this suffering to spread Truth.
Love you and praying for comfort for Laura.
Love,
Trish
Praise God for your upbeat feelings! And for modern medicine, and the love of your friends and family, and for so many things! We are praying for you all and did so this morning. Will also pray re: the pain. The women in my Bible study got together last night and were asking about you, Dex. You are VERY much on their minds and in their prayers. I love you guys!
Michele
Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated. I am sure that even doing that is an emotional drain. Our small group in Holy Cross prayed for you Tuesday evening when we met. You all are brought to mind so often during the day. Love to all your family - We continue to pray. Karyl and Gary
wow, that’s beautiful, brad.
praying for comfort and rest for laura today.
s a r a h
I had chills reading this update. Wow. Thanks for keeping us all posted. Will pray for the pain to subside. Sounds miserable. Keep breathing.
Love,
Lynn and the fam
Brad and Laura,
Just to let you know that we are following all the events taking place in your lives right now. How amazing our God is! Thanks so much for all your updates. We continue to pray for your whole family.
Love,
Marilyn & Mark
We were so anxious to hear how the surgery went, and are amazed at how God has provided a donor, and that the match appears so good. Thanks so much for the updates — your faithfulness in keeping up the blog is such an encouragement.
Doug & Tracy Woodward