Thursday, March 30, 2006

Blood Transfusion...

Valerie had chemotherapy in Encinitas today. Before every chemo session Valerie has to get her white and red blood cells as well as her blood platelets checked. Today her blood count was low, almost too low to proceed with chemotherapy, but it was decided to go ahead with the treatment. The Gemzar in her chemotherapy "cocktail" further reduces her blood count so the doctor scheduled Val for a blood transfusion tomorrow morning.

My mom, Nancy, was in contact with the American Red Cross about blood donation. If you are interested in donating blood in Valerie's name contact 1-800-GIVE-LIFE and you can get information about this. It is not until someone you love needs blood that one typically thinks about donating, but the Red Cross told my mom that their supply is incredibly low.

Val seemed to be doing well tonight. Pretty tired from her treatment and all of those chemicals flowing through her body. Thanks to those who prayed for Val today. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Blessings, Julie

8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Val, Chris, and family...

Once again, I am astounded by the beautiful words from your family! This blog is soooooo much more than a form of communication...it has truly become a very special place where God's words are spoken for all of us to read...hear...and experience! It is so clear to me that He is working through you and your family...and it is reaching out and touching all of us!

I am sooooooo happy that you had such a wonderful time on your trip to Big Bear and Cabo! We prayed that God would give you rest, peace, relaxtion and great times with your boys and husband...looks like He answered them! We are also glad you are home...we missed you all!!!

Val...I am so grateful for the time I had with you and Chris this afternoon. Even though I know days like this are your least favorite! I have to tell you this...sitting with you and watching you today, I have never seen such strength in a human being in my life...your courage is a glorious sight! But more than anything...what struck me was the INCREDIBLE feeling of the presence of our Father in that tiny, white room today. I have sat in grand Cathedrals, beautiful churches, old Missions and yet I have NEVER felt Him closer than I did today in a room in Encinitas, California! I will remember this day forever! From Dr. Frakes...to Nurse Tressa...to you, it was clear and evident that our Lord is not only working through each of you...but His hand is touching and guiding you, and all those around you, every step of the way!!! I know these times are difficult and I know there are so many unanswered questions..."stuff" we just don't "know"...but without a doubt, Val, I know one thing. I know our Lord is with you, and I know that with Him by your side, there are unlimited possibilities! I know, that He will flood His grace upon you in His time...and the hard part for us is waiting patiently for that incredibly beautiful moment in time. Now, I pray that you can find peace and solace in BELIEVING and knowing that day is coming! I pray that you place your questions and anxieties in His great hands...for there is no better place for them to be. Remember that song the 1st graders sang today..."Father, Abba"...your "daddy" is loving you and caring for you!

God bless you Val...all of you. Hold on to my dad's cross that I handed you today...may you feel the peace it always brings me! I love you!

Love,
Kerry Randall

9:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Howdy! I'm a friend of the Lester's. I'm glad you mentioned the blood bank - it's been over three months since I last donated. I'll be sure to list you, Val!

Glad to hear that you were able to receive your chemo treatment. We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Your pictures are beautiful.

- Sara

8:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Val-
I just want you to know that I am praying for you, I am glad you are able to relax and enjoy your time with your family. God Bless you.

10:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Val-

So happy to hear you got away on vacation as a family and with Chris. I can imagine you really needed it. You look great in the photos - beautiful and happy. You age hasn't caught up with you! Hard to believe our 20 year high school reunion is this year - yikes!

I don't recall if you remember my childhood friend Robin, she is working for the Blood Bank organizing blood drives. I will get in touch with her to see what it takes to put one together? If you are in need certainly your friends and family will rally to the occassion. I will let you know what I find out, regardless I will make a donation in your name. I am praying for you and thinking of you often.

Love,

Amy V.

11:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Val-

I'm thinking of you and looking forward to catching up soon. I'm so happy to see you had a great time with Chris and the boys on vacation. I will try to reach you this week. I hope you were able to rest over the weekend and the blood transfusion on Friday helped. You're a strong woman
is so many ways! I'm proud of you Val, and I'm here if you need me.

Love,
Deanna

5:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Val,Chris and boys,

Not a week, day, moment goes by when you aren't in our thoughts and prayers. We miss you all terribly and check in here often. The kids miss you all too, and ask about the boys a lot. Hope to see you soon. You all look great, and we're glad you've had some relaxation. Wish it was at the river! Miss you terribly!

Jody and family

10:03 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Bev and I continue to pray for you daily, Val. We are thankful for God's touch in recent weeks as evidenced in the shrinkage of your tumors.

We are especially moved by the various writings on your blog from you, Chris, your dad, Julie and others. It is an encouragement for us to see such grace at work in truly challenging circumstances.

At Grace Fellowship Church people ask us from week-to-week how you are doing and it is always a blessing to share the news--even when it has been less than positive--because we can always comment on your testimony of confidence in God.

God is using you and your family during this time to minister to us.

In His Love,

dale

8:20 AM  
Blogger Caroline Stoufer said...

Hi McCreas-

I've been reading your blog, too, and you are in my thoughts and prayers as well. Your blog has been very helpful to me and I thank you for posting it.

When people tell me they are praying for me, I always tell him, thanks, because I need all the help I can get!

-Caroline

9:39 PM  

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