It's my second day locked away. Really my first full day with last night being my first night in. Had my first dose of chemo yesterday. I will be receiving chemo everyday for the first 6 days and then get my stem cells transplanted on the night of the 6 or 7th day. (for those with a weak stomach you may not want to read all of this, i will continue again after the next parenthesis) Yesterday's was supposed to be some of the worst. It was definitely not any fun. Made my head feel like i was having a power drill put through my temples, all while smelling it happen, and sucking on an aluminum can. Fortunately they gave me enough stuff not to puke, and to cover the pain they just kept shooting me up with morphine. Morphine is very interesting. It certainly works but it makes me feel very slow. I could think but could not say what was on the tip of my tongue. It doesn't last long though so by the time the chemo was done the drugs were gone. (You can start reading again) Second day I have had one dose already. This is another lower dose chemo which i get again this afternoon and on and off for the next five days. Not bad so far, i am sure it will all start to pile up and make me sleepy but for now I am somewhat coherent. The plan for now for those who haven't heard; i will have this transplant followed by radiation. Then we will look for a donor to do another stem cell transplant but with those stem cells and not my own, which is a stronger transplant but a riskier operation. Then we will probably follow that up by going to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston or another specialty cancer clinic to look at some diet and other new cutting edge treatments for cases like mine which have shown tough to beat. I wanted to say a quick thanks to everyone who is praying and offering help to us. There is to many to list so I am sorry i can't say thanks to everyone individually. I did want to say thanks to a couple people and inform people of some amazing things going on. My friends nathan and andrew have been heading up getting a trust setup for me to help with the medical bills and the cost of going to some of these specialty centers which are quite costly. They have set up a trust at Wells Fargo called "the stephen shirley medical fund" you will need to know Rosemary Shirley is the account holder if you wish to give. This is amazing. I can't ever say enough thank you's or even make up for the concern and giving people have poured out. It's amazes me the outpouring of even complete strangers to give and pray for someone hundreds and even thousands of miles away. I don't know how i will ever repay any of you. I only hope that when i do go into remission I can hopefully go onto something big enough and worthwhile enough with my life to confirm the faith everyone has put in God and my life. Thank you a million times over, I will continue to update when i am feeling awake and not too disconnected to write. See ya
a light through the noise
5 days ago
4 comments:
Stephen, we are glad to see that we are going to be able to keep up with what is going on with you while you are in the hospital. We want you to know that we are praying for God's power in your life as well as strength and peace for you and Rosemary during this time apart. We love you and want you to know you are in our thoughts daily. Love, Neil and Liz
Just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family. I am glad that you are in the Lords mighty hands.
Stephen, Austin Creek's mom here - Cheryl. I've been privileged to know your mother and, through his emails, your father. What wonderful people you come from! I can't even begin to imagine how desolate you may feel - how alone and out of touch. In a way, I'm a little envious. I mean, how nice (I sometimes think) to have just a few days with nothing but time on my hands . . . and then I think of how it might be with you.
My prayer for you is to see and know your Lord and Savior in a closer, more intimate way than you ever have before; that your mind will be enlightened to some of the wonder mysterious secrets in His Word; that an opportunity to share the Gospel will be available every day; and that you'll be visited by the Holy Spirit in an infilling way that will give you boldness and audacity to speak the Truth... be ever watchful for the moments to come. And I encourage you to relax, put your feet up, take a break ... :) But seriously, please know that there are MANY HANDS TO GOD'S BODY!! And all the smiling faces are holding you up for God's constant attention... Jesus be ever by your side, with His Hand on your shoulder .... you can DO this!!
Steve,
We are conspiring tonight in massive ways to "bring you love"! We are praying for you and thinking good thoughts and working hard to get you the denaro etc that you need for another of your "trips". :<) Till next time--
Kate & Charlie
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