The Greater Donor

Morning to All,

I was sitting here thinking of all the donors that have given their blood so we cancer patients can live and I for one am ever thankful and hope to meet mine one day. Boy, isn't that just a picture though of why we celebrate the death and resurrection of this carpenter from Nazereth today? He donated His blood so that we who suffered from the cancer of sin could live and those who have received this blood are ever thankful and hope to see Him one day. What a beautiful parallel. I hope your spiritual veins are coursing with the blood of this "Greater Donor".  John 11:25

Forever His,
Steve

Clinic Visit

Got back from a routine clinic visit and everything went very well, in fact it was the quickiest trip we made so far.  No waiting!  Steve's counts are still doing well.  He does have a bad head and chest cold but they said his lungs sounded good and gave him some high powered antibiotics to take care of any infection that may be lingering.  Since he still is dealing with the graft vs host skin rash he has to remain on the same medications.  He is working with another doctor to get the diabetes under control so over the past month he has had to monitor and track his glucose counts and had insulin changes that seem to be helping keep his sugar levels down more. Soooo he remains ever vigilant and as we say around the house "judicious" to his routin skin treatments, diet, and insulin shots.  Thank you for your prayers and any extra ones can go for him to NOT scratch or dig at his skin!
Gratefully yours,
Dawn and Steve

Tuesday ~ The best is yet to come...

Well, it's been awhile since my last entry. Thankful for each day's mercies. Dawn and I went to Chicago yesterday for my clinic and it was a day of AML encounters. As I was waiting at 6F for my blood draws I struck up a conversation with a masked man who I found out had AML and had his 2nd stemcell transplant in Dec. I then left there to go to my appointment and ran into the Verbers. George has AML and had a transplant in 2011. We had a great time; the girls catching up and George and I trading GvHD stories; almost like a couple of war vets trading schrapnel scars. After they left to beat the traffic we met a gal waiting for her appointment who had just been thru her consolidation chemo for, you guessed it, AML. She will have one of her siblings cells. Plenty of opportunities for encouragement and prayer. Our name was finally called and we went back to C5 to see the doctor. Had a little bit of a wait so it was a good thing I brought the harmonica. Finally, after a thorough exam it was confirmed that the skin GvHD is chronic. When I asked the doctor in what state is it, his reply was "mild, but extensive". That means staying on the immune suppressing oral steroid for at least another couple months and keeping the steroid creme judiciously applied. No med changes. When asked if it would dissipate over time he said "it should work itself out if it doesn't get worse???" which translated means "My times are in your hands O Lord".  He also wants me to see my family doctor to go to a longer acting insulin for the diabetes I've contracted. I also had three more immunization shots. The good news was my molecular results from the bone marrow done at my year anniversary still showed 95%+_donor cells and my dna was not detected. That's not quite as good a news as John 3:16 but a milestone none the less. We return to Chicago March 26th. Thanks again for all your caring. Like my grandmother always said; The best is yet to come. Something tells me that she read John 3:16.

Trusting Him,
Steve and Dawn

Saturday ~ Happy New Year

Thought we'd send you a tune to bring in the New Year. Many blessings to you all.

Steve and Dawn
http://www.archive.org/details/HappyNewYear_512

We just arrived back home from Chicago and wanted to give a quick update on Steve's ONE YEAR test results.  Everything showed that he is still in remission and his blood counts look good.  Great news!  He got a few shots to start his immunizations, had a slight medicine change, and doesn't have to return for two months unless a problem arrises.  He has to stay diligent at managing the GvHD in his skin and a diabetic problem that developed over the last year but I think he is adjusting to that even though he hates putting all that goup on and foregoing sweets.  Well that is about it in a nutshell.  We went to Chicago a day early on Sunday to have dinner and spend time with Steve's Aunt and Uncle and had a lovely time.  Thanks again for the wonderful food and even better company it was so nice to see you both again.  Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Steve, Mary Jane, & Bob
at MJ & B Bed and Breakfast



Wednesday ~ Day +365

Morning to you all,

Well, it's been a year since I received a new blood system and through all the ups and downs there has been one constant, Christ Jesus. He has been my refuge, strength, wisdom, perserverence and a calm in the storms of this past year and a half. He has worked His will for me through my wife and family and all you out there who read this blog and beyond whether you realize it or not. Many thanks to you all for allowing Him to do so through your thoughts, prayers and kindnesses. I did have a clinic last Friday. This time Heath took the day off and went with me. I had the usual blood draw, then a bone density scan and finally the bone marrow biopsy. I asked NP Jean if eight wasn't good enough but she told me to man up; I wasn't even close to the record of 39, then proceeded to do number nine. I go back to see the doctor Monday, the 28th for the results.

P.S. Since our last blog our kids went together and got Dawn and me some gas money and a cabin in the Smokies to celebrate our anniversary. I'll leave you with a couple shots. Hope Dawn doesn't put an end to my bloggin' but she sure enjoyed her hot tub coffee breaks. Thanks again kids.

Plowing ahead,
Steve and Dawn

Monday ~ Clinic Visit

Evening All,

We made the trip to Chicago for my clinic. Place was pretty busy so it took awhile to get to see our NP but finally got the call. She had my numbers in hand and was really pleased with them as she handed me the report. I saw my creatinine (one of the kidney health indicators) number and it read .9. I was starting to rejoice as that has never been that low until I happened to notice the name at the top of the report was another Mc......., not Steve McCreery. Oopsy. When she came back in with my report she said Ahhhh, that's more like it. Oh well, she's still on our favorite NP list. The numbers were better all around but not good enough to change any meds. I did look better skin wise, but still show signs of GvHD rash. I just wasn't as red as usual. I am one month from my transplant anniversary. We continually look to the Lord for our help and are thankful for all your prayers. Our next appointment is on November 18th for the 12 month bone marrow biopsy and then back on November 28th  with Dr. Larson for the results. Sorry I missed you Al.

Pressing on,
Steve (and Dawn)

Wednesday ~ The Night was Lit

Evening All,

Dawn, my daughter Steph, my granddaughter Annie and I walked last night along with several hundred other folks in Light the Night to support all those with blood cancers and beyond. We all had a good time and finished the two mile walk without getting rained on. Team McCreery's donation tally was close to $400.00 thanks to you folks that gave to the cause. Although the money raised helps further the research for cures which we surely need we will continue to pray for God's wisdom and knowledge for all those in the medical fields. Have a fruitful week.

Steve and Dawn

Monday ~ Clinic Appointment #????

Hello,
Steve and I just returned from his clinic appointment in Chicago and since he hopped on the tractor right away I thought I would make this post on the blog.  He saw the nurse practioner and the transplant nurse today instead of the doctor.  They both agreed his skin still looks pretty red from the GvHD rash and needs to continue the medications that suppress his immune system, it seems to keep the rash in check.  His blood counts were good, about the same as last month, which means he is maintaining pretty well.  They are still going to watch his blood sugar levels and determine later if he needs to go on a diabetic maintenance plan since the prednisone causes high blood sugar.  In the meantime he will watch his sugar intake and try to keep it closer to normal through his diet.  The next clinic appointment is October 17.  I know too he is very grateful to everyone for their support of the LLS upcoming light the night walk, thank you all so much. 

Blessings to you all until next time,
Dawn
P.S.  For those who received a strange email post on Saturday about a picture please disregard that...it was sent to the blog from my cell phone by mistake...ooppsy

Friday ~ Light the Night

Evening All,

Hope all is well with you all. Wanted to let you know that Dawn and I will be walking this year in the Light the Night for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help raise monies for the fight against blood cancers. For those of you who don't know the LLS is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. We personally benefited through a grant for housing when we stayed in Chicago. If you would like to help us raise some money for them you can simply go to http://www.lightthenight.org/ , hit the donate button and enter under first name: Steve  last name: McCreery and team: McCreery, then hit search and it should bring up a donate button. Any help for their cause is much appreciated. As for this weekend Dawn will be at Stone's Trace Pioneer Festival south of Ligonier selling her smell goods. I'll be tending the farmstore tomorrow. We go back to Chicago Monday, the 19th. Have a great weekend.

Ever His,
Steve

Thursday ~ Clinic update

Evening All,

Dawn and I just got back from my clinic in Chicago today...had a late appointment but worked out well. I was naturally redder than the doctor liked but said I was doing pretty good. Couldn't convince him on returning back to work yet as he would like to see me past the GvHD rash. It seems to keep on the move and Dawn and I both agreed that I look the reddest under those clinic lights but couldn't get them to change bulbs. No med changes and still in the normal range on the white and red blood cell numbers. I did get another immunization shot and my next visit is Monday, September 19th. I would also like to wish my best friend and the wife of my youth a Happy Anniversary (40th). As one of my brothers at church said; "Quite a Saint she is". And thank you all for praying. I feel like Hezekiah. Isaiah 38:5

Forever His,
Steve

Friday ~ Owed Reponse

I apologize for not replying sooner. I asked for prayer for my friend Jim and I believe that is what kept him out of the hospital. He had some med changes and was sent back home...still has to watch the sun but is doing better. Since then his wife and caregiver Sharon was admitted to Parkview/FW for blockage in her arteries. She underwent surgery this morning as a result of some internal bleeding so please lift her up. As for me I have managed to stay away from Chicago for a month now...a new record...still scheduled for next Thursday for clinic. Thanks again for your prayers. They do avail much.

Steve

Thursday ~ A Request

Afternoon All,

Please pray for Jim, my friend and brother in the Lord. He was transplanted a year ago April and is headed to I.U. Med Center for a flare up with his GvHD.

Much appreciated,
Steve

Monday ~ Day +230

Evening All,

I'm not sure anymore what age I should go by; 59 1/2 or my donors age of 37 or 230 days since transplant or add them together for a little over 97. I think I like the 230 days old the best as I'm more like the toddler learning new things about their body every day. We truly are fearfully and wonderfully made. I had my clinic in Chicago today and, of course, I was redder than they like to see but they let me stay on the low dose of steroid. (10 mg) My hemoglobin was finally in the normal range for me at 13.6; first time since a year ago May. Still have to watch my blood sugar while I'm on the prednisone but that too shall pass. I'm still here because of His faithfulness, the prayers of His people, my family and a loving and patient helpmeet. Thank you all for the added years to come, God willing. My next visit is in five weeks, August 18th. Have a great week.

Pressing on,
Steve (and Dawn)

Monday ~ Clinic visit

Evening All,

Had my clinic today in Chicago. The short of it is that the skin is looking a lot better, blood numbers are holding and they dropped my steroid down to 20mg/day. That was good news as the steroid is what drives my glucose up giving my kidneys a workout. The lower the prednisone the better for 'ol Steve all the way around. They did push my next visit out two weeks to July 11th. Thank you for all your prayers and kindness.

Looking ahead,
Steve

Friday ~ Quick Update

Evening All,

Due to my rises in blood sugar while I'm on the steroids, my doctor from the U of Chicago wanted me to see my family doctor to get me lined out with insulin if I need it. So I did that Wednesday. I haven't seen him since he made the initial diagnosis of leukemia a year ago May. It was good to see him again, a little on the healthier side. I had been checking myself at home but now if the glucose is high I can do something about it. Chicago also thought it would be a good idea to get my eye pressure checked for glaucoma soooooooooo I had that done today. Pressure was normal, no problems. I still have to return to Chicago Monday for my weekly clinic. I'm hoping they will continue to wean me off the steroids and push my Chicago trips out to monthly again. Also, please pray for higher platlett and white blood counts for my freind Neal.

Abiding in the Vine,
Steve (and Lavender Dawn)

Monday~Clinic Visit

Thankfully Steve is on his way back from Chicago with our daughter Stephanie so I am blogging tonight.  It was supposed to be a quick trip to the clinic and back home again so Steph went along this time since she is out of school for the summer.  I got a message about 2pm that they ran into a snag after his labs came back.  Steve's counts were dangerously out of wack again from the high dose prednisone he is taking so they admitted him as an out patient and started IV therapy and insulin shots.  If they couldn't get the sugar and other electrolytes under control then he would have to stay in the hospital.  This came as a big surprise since, in his words, he feels "fit as a fiddle" (he says that in an Irish brogue too which is so funny).  Steph mentioned the prayer chain and I agreed it sounded like a great idea so I called our Church and they all started praying.  They are faithful that way.  Anyway he just called to say they released him and they are on their way home, our prayers were answered quickly.  It sounds like he will have to be treated locally and they are back watching him closer again for awhile but I am glad they caught the problem and got it under control quickly.  They have used the term several times that physically he is in "an altered state of being" since the transplant.  I think it sounds like a good title for a book!  So thankful the Lord is watching over us.  Steve will probably elaborate more on the details later.  Blessings

Monday ~ A Heart of Thanksgiving

Evening Family and Friends,

It was a year ago this past Saturday that my doctor came in with the results of my 2nd bone marrow biopsy; 16 days after my diagnosis: ACELLULAR; no acute myloid leukemia. I have been in remission for the leukemia for a year now and since the stemcell transplant in November I have been free of the myelofibrosis that caused the leukemia. But I have been most thankful for the prayers and kindhearts of all our family and friends, old and new, who have made it possible to stay the course. He truly is a stronghold in times of trouble.
Dawn and I did make a trip back to Chicago today for a check on my GvHD flareup last Thursday and had a good report. I'll be gradually dropping back on the meds I had to increase the last few days and will have to be wary of the heat and sun to keep it in control. We did talk them into removing my central line today; something I've had in my chest since last May. I'm a free man once again but no jumpin' in the pond......yet. Just the shower. I will go back next Monday to see the doctor and see where we go from here.

Gratefully yours and His,
Steve (and sleeping Dawn)

Friday ~ A wee step back

Morning All,

I had to make an unscheduled trip to Chicago yesterday to see the doctor as my GvHD rash flared up due to overexposure to the sun. Dawn stayed to tend the store. I arrived at around 12:50 and got my blood drawn and dressing change at 2:15. I saw the doctors and nurses at 3:00 and they all concurred that it was the GvHD come back with a vengence so they put me back on prograf and upped the prednisone significantly until I see them again on Monday. I did get to see Neal, our transplant friend, as he was leaving; looking good. Moral of this story: too many sun beams ......too many doctors!

Thankful for the breath of life, more thankful for the Bread of life.

In the shade,
 Steve

Friday Night Update to our Morning Update

We have a quick night time update to our morning update...Dr. Larson just called from Chicago (and scared me half to death since he has never called after lab tests before) to tell Steve that the preliminary bone marrow test results showed NO signs of leukemia or myelofibrosis!  How Great is Our God and how grateful we are to Him and to all of you who keep us in your prayers.  Thank you so much and have a wonderful weekend.