Friday update written from the (724)

It's Adam, I'm getting to update the blog tonight after being with Mom since yesterday evening. She had another good day overall today after being up some last night with a slight fever. She's still very tired and got a good bit of rest throughout the day. BP stayed relatively in check and many of the side effects from the chemo have stayed away so far during this second round. She's a bit less talkative right now due to the different things that are being put into her body, but we all fill that void by talking to her and catching her up on what's new in our lives. I read her another round of cards today, keep those coming as well as the posts, Mom is excited to have those read to her and is still amazed that the number of people who are expressing their love and support.

Had a fun day with some visitors...Barb Onken and Larry all the way from Alabama, as well as Doug Stuedemann, Amy and Emma (funny story to follow about her), Jack and Patti up from Bloomington after visiting their son at North Central, and of course Dad and myself. One of the best visitors was there again today as well, Dr. Olga, Mom sure does enjoy Olga. The confidence and peace that Mom feels when Olga is in the room was special to see, that was the first time both Amy and I were able to meet her and see her in action. The story about Emma goes like this...Olga was answering questions for us about the stem cell transplant and the next steps of the process, and Emma started making some noises. That led me to asking her when she was due with her baby (1 week) and what she was having (baby girl). I then said to her "Nothing against your baby or anything, but when do you think you will be back to take care of my Mom?" Just as I asked the question Emma decided to throw up on Amy's pants and Olga replied, "After watching that I'll hopefully be back to work sooner than I thought!" The good news is that Olga's team member, who is also a luekemia/lymphoma specialist, will be taking over and handling everything until Olga returns. We still have no doubts that Olga was the perfect doctor for Mom and that the Lords' timing was just right for her being in Olga's care!

We also wanted to tell everyone that Mom will be coming home in approximately 2-3 weeks no matter if the cancer is put into remission or not. Olga feels that Mom needs to be home after such a tough stay in the hospital, and also still feels very positive that she'll be coming home with the cancer in full remission! That's what we need prayers for as you probably all know. That will be the best case scenario and will catapult her on to the next step of doing the stem cell transplant. (Speaking of that, I've always loved you a lot Joe K., but more and more everyday knowing what a special role that you are about to play in my Mom's life!) There will be more to follow about the details to the stem cell transplant, but we do believe that if everything goes as planned that she will be starting it 3-4 weeks after her home recovery.

I want to stress one more thing...it's still very important to remember that if you are going to either the hospital, or the Mom and Dad's house to visit, that you DO NOT GO if you've been around any sniffles or sickness. Her immune system is at it's lowest point and will remain that way for some time, and it's vital that no one go near her if you've been exposed to any sickness. That may be tough for some but there is no choice in the matter, we have to be extra cautious with that situation.

The word of the night is.........Overcome, I sent Mom a shirt with that on it and it's hanging up in her room. Even as she goes through this pain and discomfort, God has a plan in place and she CAN OVERCOME!! I love you all, keep up the amazing effort that you have all put forth.