The Numbers are Moving!

We are thankful that Jim has been having some very boring days at the hospital. Boring in that he feels good, but he is still not able to go home until his blood counts are higher. He has had many visitors including some friends from the Grand Rapids area who have come down to spend some time with him and encourage him.

So the big question is, "When can he come home?" The doctors are looking at his ANC or Absolute Neutrophil Count. To be discharged, that number needs to be up to 500. For the last 4 or 5 days, they have been in the 40's and not really moving anywhere. Today we were happy to hear that his ANC was up to 76. This is the first sign that Jim's body is beginning to produce its own blood cells. It's still a long way off from 500, but we remember from last year, that once the numbers start rising, they can double in just one day.

Many people have asked us how our boys are handling Jim's illness. Brad, our oldest, is studying at Bethel College and is doing very well. He has been able to come home occasionally on the weekends which has been a blessing to me. Not only is he a big help to me with Kyle, but I enjoy his company in our quiet house since Jim has been gone.

Steven continues to do well now that he is receiving IV antibiotics. He is feeling better and better with each passing day. We have completed one week of his antibiotics and have one more to go until he sees his doctor again to be reassessed. He is busy with marching band and has been able to keep his grades up as well.

Kyle is doing surprisingly well. Last year when Jim was diagnosed with leukemia, it hit Kyle the hardest. The stress of the situation with his Dad caused him to exhibit many unwanted behaviors both at school and at home. He even developed some OCD type symptoms as well. Many of these symptoms faded after Jim went in to remission last spring, but they have not totally gone away. This fall, even though Jim has been in the hospital for 4 weeks now, Kyle is having good days at school and at home. He has been cooperative and even has his sense of humor. Transitions from one activity to another can sometimes be difficult for Kyle, but lately that has not been a problem either. I truely believe that God will not give us more than what we can handle, and this may be an example of that.

When you think of us, here's how you can pray:

• Pray that Jim would not have any more seizures. He is still being followed by a neurologist and has some restrictions because of the one seizure he had.


• Pray that Jim's blood counts will continue to rise so he can be discharged and we can move onto the next step - the bone marrow transplant.


• Pray that our family would be protected from colds and flu and the H1N1 virus.

Thank you for all your prayers and concern for us. We have truely been blessed by so many who have surrounded us with love and prayers and support.