Infusion #3 was on November 1, 2011. I even made a chocolate chip cake to help us all celebrate the day. This week it was Dr. Lotfi, Dr. Daneshmand, and Donna Lee and Jennifer, RN from Celltex, Larry and me. We started the afternoon by holding hands and Larry praying for the procedure and offering thanks for the incredible team that God has used to bless us during this process. This week, I was reminded, once again, that having Multiple Sclerosis has its blessings. I doubt I would have ever met these four people otherwise. Spending 3 hours each week, and even more time with Donna and Jennifer before this, has made these people more than just medical personnel. They have become cherished friends. Each one has changed plans and work schedules to add on the stem cell procedure. All are passionate about the potential and offering of hope this can provide for so many. My life has been enriched by each one as well as the team in Mexico.
In Houston, 2011
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| Dr Lotfi Donna Lee Derbbie |
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| Dr. Daneshmand Dr. Lotfi Debbie |
In Mexico, 2010
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| Dr. Andrade Debbie Larry |
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| Debbie Antonio Marilee Physical Therapist |
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| Debbie Angelina Nurse |
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| Debbie Cristina Marilee Driver and Helper |
This week, I am reading in the book of Jeremiah. I don’t think that it is just a coincidence that chapter 29 is on the schedule for this week. This chapter has the same “Verse for the Day” that we read and claimed when I had the stem cell procedure in Mexico. Now I am treasuring and claiming it during the process here in Houston.
Isaiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
And now we have a season of waiting…on the Lord and the stem cells. It will take up to four months for the cells to fully function. And while we wait, we’ll continue with the diet I have been on the past few years along with exercising at home and the gym. The past three times at the gym I have been able to ride the stationary bicycle for 10 minutes at a time. It has also been somewhat easier to back up off of the equipment, while keeping my balance. I am by no means graceful, but progress is being made. We exercised for over an hour on Thursday and added a new machine to the routine.
So with thanksgiving and joy, we will wait with hope.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Debbie, I came across your blog while looking for an obituary of one of the doctors who was involved in your care. Even though I was looking for something specific, in getting to that point I read a lot of your entries about your family and your relationship with God. What a blessing! Now I plan to slow down and go through them with more care. I love that you include Scripture that lines up with your subject matter. I personally find that helpful and I am sure others do as well. May God continue to bless you and your family on this amazing journey called life.
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