Things have not gone as planned!

Things have not gone as planned! On Tuesday we thought I was going home but my liver enzymes went through the roof, which of course is a significant problem and we are not sure if it is the Blincyto (Immunotherapy drug) or if it is something else. So I didn’t go home Tuesday but had an ultrasound of my liver and more blood tests. We also stopped the Blincyto again and started another waiting game. Until at least Wednesday I was not on the Blincyto but will have Blood tests Monday and then again on Wed. to track my liver. As of Thursday's blood test, some of my liver enzymes had come down while others went up, but we are confident that they will come down. So at this point, we are not sure exactly where we stand, but I will be home until at least Wednesday.

On Tuesday Dr. Shami kind of dropped a bomb on us that he was going to bring in the bone marrow transplant team. This is a big deal! Though we are not sure we moving forward with one yet it is pretty gut-wrenching just that we have come to this point. So from my layman's knowledge, it appears that because the Chemo is not working completely. So, we moved to immunotherapy and most likely I can’t take the Blincyto so now we have to move to transplant which is the least desirable of the three. Again, this is from my limited perspective but I think we are in a bit of trouble. But I am confident that whatever happens we will not travel the road alone, the Lord will be with us.

As I have referenced President George Q. Cannon before but is so vital to understand, 

“No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character [to do so]. … He will [always] stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them.”

My sister Staci and I are very close and have been spending a lot of time talking about spiritual things including, sharing conference talks we have listened to and the insights we’ve gained, scriptures and their impact on us, and many other things but she said something to me that impacted me deeply. She said that she could tell that the reason why I am always so positive is because I know the Plan and live by it. I was overwhelmed by her words but as I have thought about it she is right. I am positive and happy because of the Plan known by many names such as The Plan of Salvation, The Plan of Happiness, The Plan of Redemption, and the Plan of Mercy. Regardless of what the plan is called,  it centers around the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is a deep part of my testimony that like the Wise Man it is built upon the Rock of our Salvation. I love how Elder Patrick Kearon declared, 

“My friends, my fellow disciples on the road of mortal life, our Father’s beautiful plan, even His “fabulous” plan, is designed to bring you home, not to keep you out. No one has built a roadblock and stationed someone there to turn you around and send you away. It is the exact opposite. God is in relentless pursuit of you. He “wants all of His children to choose to return to Him,” and He employs every possible measure to bring you back.” . .

“The intent of the Father’s great plan of happiness is your happiness, right here, right now, and in the eternities. It is not to prevent your happiness and cause you instead worry and fear.

The intent of the Father’s plan of redemption is in fact your redemption, your being rescued through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, freed from the captivity of sin and death. It is not to leave you as you are.”

It is the Plan that gives me hope and faith in dealing with this cancer. It is knowing that Sherrie and I will be together forever as long as I am striving to do the Father’s will and keep his commandments. I am grateful that is all he asks of us considering all He did for us. The Plan also gives me the strength to fight every day for a cure. The fight is far from over. As our slogan says we will  “ Defeat Leukemia with Faith, Family, and Will” We will not just sit around and let life happen to us but we will make life happen. We have the will to fight and we are not fighting alone we have all of Heaven cheering us on. 

“. . even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you.” D&C 84:42

One last thing. Could you please send some extra prayers heavenward? I have another bone marrow biopsy on Wednesday that will tell us where the cancer is at and we are hoping to be in remission. If will help with some decision-making, Thank You!!!

DON'T FORGET YOUR SWAG TO SUPPORT lEUKEMIA AWARENESS AND OUR MEDICAL NEEDS AT JASONSCANCERFIGHT.COM THANKS!  If you haven't been there in a while there are some new items. Including a cool new tote bag at 40% off as part of the Spread the Word Campaign.