I have completed two days of Chemo to destroy all my bone marrow. And at 12:30 pm today I received my old stem cells back. They worry about a reaction from the preservative mixed with the stem cells and monitored my EKG and vitals constantly through out the procedure but I had no negative effect. Just the heavy dose of Dexamethazone (100 mg of steroid) and a heavy load of Benadryl and some other chemicals or drugs have their effect, but really I'm doing very well. I asked a nurse what the feeling curve is generally like. The first 5-6 days usually seem pretty good, but as the white counts drop off to about 0.1 for a week until the implanted stem cells are able to produce enough cells, they expect I will get weaker, have less appetite and generally not feel very good. So we will see. Last time I was able to work out on the treadmill at least lightly all the way through and hopefully I can make it this time as well. So, so far so good.
God has already given me some great contacts, especially with the nurse who put in my picc line as I came into the hospital. We talked for 45 minutes on spiritual things. Her name is Genie, Catholic from childhood, disappointed with God because of a bad marriage, feels God is far away and not alive to her, wishes Jesus would come back soon, but really not knowing Him. Used to read the Word but now it seems more like a fairy tale. I encouraged her to read and reread through the Gospel of John asking God to speak to her and make Himself real to her. She was very open in the conversation. Pray she will do as I recommended and meet the Lord. I emphasized over and over God's love for her and was not condemning her, but was seeking her as the father of the prodigal son.
Last night's nurse, Simona, is an outstanding believer, Rumanian descent, attending a Rumanian church on 52nd and Stark. She wrote me a note before she left, part of it says, "Thanks so much for your testimony and encouraging words. My faith was strengthened tonight. We do serve a mighty God who is so faithful." We must have talked over an hour after midnight, much of it relating to finding the right man for her, and holding out for God's perfect choice, the one He has been preparing for this 24 year old who in her culture is feeling left out. But she said many of the girls are very serious to follow Christ, but most of the guys are after money, cars, Hollywood style girls etc. Pray for her and "on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel." Eph 6:19
Jeanette and I have been very encouraged by so many responses of people praying for us. We are almost overwhelmed with all the support. Thanks so much. We just feel like unworthy servants, only doing what we have been commanded. All praise belongs to the Lord. (Don't expect quick updates, maybe not until I'm out the otherside of the tunner.)
John Corey
1920 SE Beaver Creek Ln
Troutdale, Or 97060
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503 465 2105
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