August 22, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

After ending up in the hospital last Thursday with a rather serious fever from a transfusion, we planned to settle in at Hopkins for the next 10 days / 2 wks until Shannon’s white blood cell count recovered. Well, 4 days later, Monday night, Shannon was discharged. God is amazing!

With her counts up and looking very healthy, the decision has been made to admit Shannon on August 30th for the Bone Marrow Transplant. We proceed with joy, but also with trepidation and anxious hearts because soon we will know whether she has been cured. The first week (next Thursday) begins with aggressive chemo treatments. The transplant follows, then the difficulty (assuming there’s no serious infection) is one of enduring the potential severity of Graft vs. Host disease. Shannon’s hospitalization will continue for approximately 6-8 weeks, during which time either Greg or I will stay with her 24-7 due to the bodily and mental stress that she’ll endure.

Please pray that her body is clear of cancer after the transplant. Due to the aggressive and deceptive nature of her cancer there is the possibility that it will reappear again quickly. If it does, the treatment will be decided at that time and we will place ourselves at the mercy of our Lord as we have tried to do so far. It is quite difficult for us to face the reality of soon knowing which path her cancer will take. Our hope is that the Lord has many future plans for Shannon and for the rest of us (including all of you) who are walking this journey with her. As parents we must not be as the Rich Young Man and walk away sad after Jesus lets us know what we must give away. Rather we must give away our dreams and allow God to reveal his plan for us. Pray that God has a significant plan for Shannon to participate in His apostolic works through the Church and that we too will have the courage to give part of ourselves away so that God’s plan can be brought to fruition through us in what ever vocation we have been given.

Here is Shannon enjoying God’s blessings through the tender and constant care of her nurses. Note: Jesus in the Divine Mercy image watching over Shannon’s shoulder as she studies. (Dr. “D” – she’s writing her World Literature short essays!). As you can see by her joy we have found the presence of God through so many people that he has brought into our lives! Each and every one of you, through your prayers and other kind gestures have revealed the living Body of Christ.

Thank you for all your prayers.
God Bless,
Bonnie and Greg