Fw: Update on Stephen

[ronniedawn]

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Kathy Dunning

To: Aaron Klenke ; Aaron Tomhave ; Al Doering ; amy calhoun ; Andrea Ross ; Angela Wilson ; Arlene Bonney ; Barbara Dorey ; Ben Bodell ; Beth Cleveland ; Bob Biles ; Boo and Susan Harrison ; Brandon Haney ; Brian West ; Caren Thomas ; Carol Sims ; Chad Karger ; Charlie Oliver ; Cheryl Knutsen ; Cheryl Monus ; Cindy McGlothlin ; Dan Meyer ; Debbie Hitt ; debi coombs ; Dena Degraff ; Donna McDowell ; Doug Degraff ; Doyle Theimer ; Elaine Baker ; Elizabeth Haney ; eve Kain ; Evelyn Mealy ; Garnett Madison ; Gerri Berens ; Gina Carlson ; Holly Devillier ; Holly Golightly ; Jadi Meyer ; Janis McCrary ; Jeanine Theimer ; Jessica Kain ; Jim Turner ; Jimmy and Sheryl Byrum ; Judy Martens ; Karen Dendinger ; Kathie Witt ; Kathy Eason Serenity ; Kathy Hawk ; Keith Coombs ; Kelly Powell ; Ken Crosthwait ; Kevin Coombs ; Kevin Foran ; Laura McPherson ; Laura Mcpherson ; Laurie Boyle ; Leanne Sanders ; Leslie Baisden ; Lori Mendez ; Lynn Whaley ; Malinn Saxe ; Marilyn Harris ; Mary Chambers ; Mary Doering ; Mary Fleishman ; Meeka Karger ; Melissa Dabney ; Mose Dunning ; Nancy Bodell ; Nancy Kaster ; Nicole Cockerham ; Pam Ousley ; Pat Mcglothlin ; Pearl Wright ; Phil Coombs ; Rachael Trigg ; Ronnie Byrum ; royal Farris ; Sharon Keifer ; Shelly Williams ; Sherry Coombs ; Steffani Chapman ; Stephanie Trigg ; Steve Dunning ; Susan Coombs ; Susan Grittman ; Susan Suggs ; Suzanne McDearman ; Suzanne Richard ; Teresa Hammasfahr-Martel ; Terri Adamec ; Terry Assel ; Therese Walton ; Tina Arnold ; Todd Adamec ; Tom Clegg ; Vanessa Pitre ; Vicki Coombs ; Vicki Schleimer

Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2011 8:29 AM

Subject: Update on Stephen

Dear Family and Friends:

Thank you for your continued prayers for Stephen. Also thank you for the love, encouragement and care you have given us. Especially thank you to all those involved in the preparations for the dinner,  Gospel sing and in the very well attended bone marrow drive in Crofton. It was a very special weekend for all of us.

We received good news today at Stephen's doctor's appt. His platelets were 38, White blood cell count 2.3, hemoglobin was 10.1. This is the highest his counts have been since last Oct. Stephen has not had a platelet transfusion for 8 weeks. He receive 1 unit of blood on July 28. His doctor is cautiously optimistic that his bone marrow is beginning to recover. He advised him to be cautious because his bone marrow is still fragile. We will meet with him again Aug. 17th. 

He is feeling pretty well and has more energy. He has had fewer headaches and less pain and swelling in his legs and ankles. He spent last week in VA with high school friends touring DC and participating in a wedding. We are thankful for his health and energy and that he was able to enjoy his time away.

We ask that you continue to pray for Stephen's healing. That this is indeed a sign of bone marrow recovery. Also for guidance and direction, for strength and patience. For wisdom.

A verse in Isaiah 40 that someone shared with us last winter came to mind as I wrote this:

²⁹ He gives strength to the weary 

   and increases the power of the weak. 
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary, 
   and young men stumble and fall; 
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD 
   will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; 
   they will run and not grow weary, 

   they will walk and not be faint..

Thank you for your friendship and love. But most of all, thank you for your prayers.

Love, Kathy