Results are in....

Bone marrow biopsy....less than 2% which is EXCELLENT!

Pay it forward...

Ralph has agreed to become part of the research to determine if a chemo drug that is used prior to a stem cell transplant is also an effective maintainence drug. To begin, all tests have come back normal, and we are waiting for the tresults of his bone biopsy. He will not know if he is receiving the drug or the sugar pill. He can also quit, at any time, if he becomes uncomfortable or sick.

I'd like to think that we are coffee beans!

http://www.heartwarmingstories.net/carrot.htm

Update...

Ralph seems to be progressing well. He works about 1/4 of the day! Each day brings more strength and more hair!!!! Again, thank you for your support and prayers!

Vertebroplasty...Monday, August 17th

To relieve the discomfort in Ralph's back, he will have a procedure called Vertebroplasty as an out-patient at Shadyside.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=vertebro

What gave me strength...

Beyond the love and support of family, friends, and prayer groups, I frequently remembered and read:

Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

and...

http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem.php

I also believed that whatever God would bring me to, He'd bring me through. Oddly, the calendar quote for August 12th, the day we got the good news, read:

"God will never, never let us down if we have faith and put our trust in Him." ~ Mother Teresa

I will continue to call upon God for continued patience, strength, courage, understanding, good health, safety, expert guidance, and all that is truly important for myself, my children, Ralph, our family, our friends, and for those who are in the most need, but for now, I am going to thank Him and give Him praise!

Celebrate! Exactly 7 months later!

Tests results indicate that, as of this moment, there is no cancer in Ralph's body! The transplant worked! All levels are NORMAL!!!!!

Good thing...I have work for him to do...hehe!