FORTUNATELY, Rachel's ANC was 500 on Saturday! UNFORTUNATELY, it went down to 400 on Sunday.
FORTUNATELY, her total white blood count is still rising each day. UNFORTUNATELY, her ANC went down to 300 today!
FORTUNATELY, the drs. are still optimistic that she has engrafted fine and that she's making progress. UNFORTUNATELY, she hasn't been feeling well today. (i.e. nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea)
FORTUNATELY, they think it is due to being weened too quickly off her morphine. UNFORTUNATELY, it might be due to Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD), which is when the new marrow attacks her body because it doesn't recognize it.
FORTUNATELY, we still have so much to be thankful for! So many good people that we know and many that we don't even know are praying for her and showering us with kindness. Thanks to new friends in the Rosecrest 1st and 2nd Ward who brought their activity day girls and came to visit today. They brought Rach a darling blanket that they made.
Another friend we've yet to meet from Las Vegas brought a fun gift bag for Rach on Saturday!
A dear sister in our ward made a fun blanket with Rachel's volleyball coach and teammates' names appliqued on it!
What a keepsake! So many of you behind the scenes bringing meals and goodies, sending cards, giving hugs, offering support in so many ways. You know who you are and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
We are so grateful for the wonderful things you've all taught us during the last 5 months!
--Marie
We'll keep praying. Give Rachel hugs from the state of Tennessee. And you too Marie. While you're at it, just hug the whole Steele clan.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThe updates have been great to read. I enjoy following your progress. I hope your health continues to improve. Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for being a friend. You have been an inspiration to me. God bless you always.
Sam Atoa
Thank you so much for taking the time for the updates. I think of you everyday and pray. Be Stong. bless you sweetheart. Love Shelbys Grandma
ReplyDeleteSooo...I was totally up there today, and I was going to stop and say Hi, but then we had to run out to beat the snowstorm home. :( Next time. You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteWe are always sending our prayers and best your way. I hope today was a better day.
We are so thankful for you and your wonderful family.
Much love,
The Sniderbunch
Hey Rach,
ReplyDeleteKeep hanging in there. We are thinking of you, Shelby has been pretty sick, so we haven't been able to come and visit. But know you are always on our minds and in our prayers.
Not so cool that the mouth sores go away and then nausea kicks in. It would be nice to be able to eat normally, right? When we think about what we are thankful for, your family is high on the list. We love you!!
ReplyDeleteI feel fortunate to have met you. Although it was under a circumstance that is unimaginable to me. I am grateful we can love you and your family. Prayers for Rachel, you and the rest of your family.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Rachel (and you too Marie). We think of you often and pray for you daily. You have come so far, you are SO strong.. keep up the GREAT attitude! You are awesome! GO RACH!!!
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteLynne and I were thinking about things we are thankful for and you are at the top of the list. You continue to inspire and motivate us all to be the best we can be. Keep up the good work. Thank you!
Rich and Lynne Glassford
Hello,
ReplyDeleteHaley Hawkes, my good friend, sold me one of your shirts. Though I don't know you directly, your blog is really inspiring. Thanks for using your time and energy to write your thoughts on this blog, you've really effected me.
-Gemma