First Week Down, and God is Good!

Hello Faithful Prayer Warriors and Friends!

First things first, I just have to say thank you, thank you, thank you all for the never-ending prayers. Stretching from as far away as Zimbabwe, Africa (love you Miss Nancy!) and all across this great land of ours--God hears and I feel every one!

I can't believe we have been here a week already, and already such good things are happening! The chemotherapy, in the words of my Doctors, are doing exactly what we hope for them to do. The lab work I had done this morning, after only 3 days of the Chemo, show almost all the "bad cells" in my blood are fastly disappearing.

I had a lumbar puncture done this evening (think Epidural, all you Mommy's out there) so they can look to see if there are any leukemia cells there, and while these results won't be known for a couple of weeks yet, before they removed the needle, the doctors placed Chemo directly into my spine "just in case" to get a head start on killing anything bad that may be there.
How cool is that!!

Now, along with the good, of course, comes some not so good. Because of the strength it takes for the Chemo to kill all the bad stuff, it also causes damage to the good parts of my blood. This means, while I am receiving Chemo and for quite a while afterwards, my immune system is greatly compromised. Because of this, there are many precautions that must be taken for my safety. People have been asking me about visiting policies, some wanting to send flowers, etc. Here is what everyone needs to know, to keep me as healthy as possible

1. I am allowed visitors anytime from 9am to 9pm. However, because of my compromised immune system, I have been advised to not be seen by anyone exhibiting any hint of a cold or other illness, or who has been exposed to or close to anyone else who has a cold or illness. So, no sneezing, coughing or tummy troubles allowed ;)

2. Every patient on my unit have the same compromised immune system, and there are some things just not allowed to be had at all. These no-no's include: No Live Flowers, No Fresh Fruits or Fresh Vegetables. Stinks, I know. But, a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

3. I can, and love to receive Mail!! I got my very first card today from a favorit Aunt and did a happy dance right here in my bed (thank you Aunt Lynn!). You can drop me an email, note on Facebook, or send real mail to me at:
Bridgett Jarvis
Room 320 UK Hospital
Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
UK Markey Cancer Center
800 Rose Street
Lexington, Ky 41536-0293

While I appreciate everyone feeling like they want to "do something" to help or make me feel better, what I covet and need the very most are your continued prayers! Specifically, pray for my awesome nurses and wonderful Medical team of Doctors that they continue to allow God to guide them in my treatment and recovery. Pray for courage strength and understanding for Gunnar and Maverick, as their little worlds have been turned upside down, and the same for Luther and myself. As most of you know, our boys are our life, and we just aren't the same without them by our sides. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, but it is taking every ounce of strength I have, not to face the poking, prodding, procedure after procedure and medicine after medicine; but instead the missing of my crazy, wouldn't trade for anything in this world, day to day life with my boys!

In closing, I would like to share with you all the verse I wrote on my room's dry erase board today, sent to me today by my best friend, Jenny (who I miss almost as much as my boys and can't wait to see tomorrow!):

I Peter 5:10. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

Amen!

Love & Blessings to you all,
Bridgett