The Steep Part of this Mountain Looms Just Ahead

I was trying to figure out a title and the one I used is just how I feel.  We were in Los Angeles on July 3rd to hear all about the Bone Marrow Transplant.  It is a procedure that we found out is very risky with a long hospital stay and many questions.  The doctor told us that a transplant is like replacing the seeds of the bone marrow of one person's with another.  In our case it looks like Jeanette will be that donor for Caleb.  The seeds are the white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets etc.  So, the ideas is that this good stuff will replace the stuff that caused the Leukemia.  Well, there are several problems with the procedure.  In order to make the change they have to kill all the white blood cells in Caleb's blood.  So, this makes it so Caleb will be super susceptible to serious diseases.   Caleb will have to stay in his room from 6 weeks to maybe 5 months.  He'll not be able to leave his room.  He will not be able to eat any food other than hospital food.  (Caleb was most disappointed about his than almost anything else).  Another thing that can happen is Caleb's  stuff might fight against the new stuff-this is called host v. graft.  This can also be serious and lead to some bad stuff for Caleb.

Anyway, this is what Caleb is facing.  We  most likely will go ahead with the transplant.  We do not know when it will take place at this point.  We are hoping to get it done soon.  Please pray for God's help and healing.   We also need wisdom to make sure this is the right thing to do.

In the meantime Caleb is in for another round of Chemo.  This next one will keep him in the hospital another seven days.  Unfortunately, he will miss our band camp that we attend at International Baptist College every year.  He is disappointed.  But, he's taking it well and looking on the bright side.  Pray for Caleb to have calmness and contentment.  This is not easy to do.  He is especially concerned about  some of his music pursuits and  competitions.  We are praying that God would work in a great way so that he can be involved in a way that helps him to feel like he still belongs to the groups he is involved in.

Caleb turned 16 on today.  We are believing and hoping that God will give him many more.  We had a birthday party with Sarah's Mom's family and my brother Randy and his Pam.  Every single one of her cousins(and wives and husbands) came to Aunty  Lilly's house for a wonderful time together.  For us it was a great blessing as these wonderful Christian Brothers and Sisters showed their support for what Caleb is going through.  We were blessed as many of our family members prayed for Caleb's healing.  We continue to believe that God is working in Caleb's life and he will come through this cancer free.

Again, thank you all for your prayers and support.  Many of your have sacrificed for us-we don't know enough words to express our gratitude.