You are my hands

I would say today (9-8-2014) was another long day at clinic, but I think the long clinic visits are starting to feel normal.  Nicole platelets were down to 9k which meant another transfusion. She only had a transfusion 5 days ago.  Her platelets are dropping very fast.  We do not have any answers as to why, but the BMT doctors think it is related to her GVHD.  Her GVHD rash hasn't improved either.  They are not sure what they want to do next.  They are waiting on her blood results concerning her cyclosporine.  If they can increase her dose of cyclosporine that will be the next step.  If they can't increase the cyclosporine then they will add steroids.  We have another clinic visit on Thursday to check her platelet levels.  Hopefully the BMT doctors will have the answers they need to know what the next step for Nicole is.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf  "A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.

Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: “You are my hands.”" (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/you-are-my-hands?lang=eng)

 

In the same talk by Elder Uchtdorf he shares a scripture in Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity"  Our family has been blessed by many prayers, and acts of service both small and large.  We have felt of your love and concern for our family in ways that are hard to express.  How grateful I am for so many people who have been "His hands" Our lives have truly been blessed in ways that go into the eternities.

 Nicole playing in clinic

Nicole enjoying some time outside and playing with the grass