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 ; Liz Haney ; Lori Mendez ; Lynn Whaley ; 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, June 21, 2011 9:56 AM

Subject: Update on Stephen

Dear Family and Friends:

Thanks for your continued prayers and support. None of us realized when this journey started back in Sept. that we would still be walking through this 9 months later. A few people have commented that this is our new normal. For me, nothing about this is normal. It is a simply a new routine. One that none of us would have chosen.

Stephen is actually doing rather well considering his low blood counts. We are thankful that during the last month he has had fewer blood and platelet transfusions and has not developed any infections. He had a very painful side effect the beginning of June that required an ER visit but that seems to be under control now. His feet still swell at times but he is not experiencing the intense pain he was before thanks to the pain management doctors. They still have not found a bone marrow match but continue to search the data base daily. Mose contacted the National Institute of Health and they suggested that we wait the full 180 days from the date of the last treatment before doing anything else.  Stephen will continue to have blood drawn twice weekly, receive transfusions if needed, have adjustments of his medications and have regular visits with his doctors. 

On July 16th in Crofton, Kentucky a bone marrow drive will be held. We are touched and blessed by the friends and family that are organizing this drive. And look forward to visiting with you.

As I watch and interact with my son, I am amazed at the positive attitude that he continues to have. I am honored to be called his mom. 

Your prayers, emails, thoughts, calls and the many other things you do have been so appreciated, We are blessed to have you in our life. Please continue to pray as you feel led. Prayer really do make a difference. 

In closing, I will leave you with this verse.

Isaiah 40:11 says "He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart: he gently leads those who have young."  

How true thses words have been for me.

Love, Kathy