is it really December already?

Email from Eric:

Stephanie has a busy day planned!  Many of you have picked up on the value of the word "boring" for us around here…  I am pleased to report that we have had several pretty boring days in a row!  So, with boring comes progress and specific plans for moving forward.  Here's what today brings:  First, Steph has another PET Scan scheduled for 11:30.  What is the PET Scan again?  This is the test that shows where the cancer is active and how active it is.  Then, Steph will have a CT Scan of her nasal passages to evaluate the progress of the fungal healing.  Lastly, Steph will be given anther full dose of the Mustine Chemo today.  All of that is on top of the regular "stuff" that we usually do each day.

Here are the prayer points:

• For the CT scan to show improvement in the nasal passages
• For the PET scan to show improvement with the cancer in her body
• For the Chemo to not cause side effects AND most importantly, melt the cancer away!
• Lymphoma cells have shown up in her blood for the last 3 days - the chemo needs to make these go away
• Steph has CDif infection

Praise points:

• Much fewer fevers
• Billi has maintained between 4 and 6 for several days = big improvement
• Breathing in her nasal passages has improved post surgical procedure

There is still a very delicate balance going on with regard to treating the Lymphoma and the fungal infection.  Recent chest X-rays show significant improvement with the infection in her lungs - PTL!  We are praying that the CT Scan today gives the same report on her nasal passages.  The last 2 weeks have been critical healing days of this fungal.  Once Steph is given the chemotherapy, her own immune system will drop significantly, giving the fungal a little more breathing room.  Over the past several weeks, Steph's liver function (specifically the billi score) has been the determining factor for the ability/need for chemo.  However, as I mentioned above, the Lymphoma is now showing up in the blood.  This means that the bad lymphocytes are active in the bone marrow and they have moved to the blood.  So, treating with chemo now is critical in order to get back in front of the cancer. 

Steph's specific cancer, T-Cell Gamma Delta Lymphoma with Hemophagocytic Syndrome, is a very unpredictable, aggressive cancer.  Fortunately, Steph's body has been very responsive to chemo (somewhat too responsive) - meaning, chemo does a good job of killing the cancer in her body.  The trick is, finding the best dose to kill the cancer while minimizing the stress on Steph's body…

The goal is to give this chemo treatment again in 8 days.  We weren't able to do that last time due to complications that followed the previous treatment.  However, last time Steph was given Campath (antibody treatment) on top of the chemo - this time that won't be happening.

Thank you for your prayers!  We will keep you posted! 
Eric

Comments

[Shawn & Debra Logan & Lucy Nault]

Thanks Eric for the update! We continue to witness so many miracles and will pray that today will bring a few more! You guys are a constant in our thoughts and our hearts will be with you as you go through all the tests today. Sending hugs your way!
Debra

PS- We loved the piece that was on Fox 4 this weekend. What an amazing tribute from Lisa and Brianna! Thanks girls!

[Nicole Anderson]

Eric and Stephanie,
Still sending lots of prayers your way! Stay strong and enjoy your boring days! Thanks so much for the updates.
Expecting miracles!
Nicole

[Mark Abernathy]

My prayers and hopes are with ya everyday Stephanie!

[LeAnn]

Keep having boring days and know we are all still praying! Hope all the tests go over well today!
Still expecting miracles,
LeAnn

[Allison Roth]

Keep holding your miracles hand and we will take care of the prayers. Expecting miracles today, tomorrow and always! Best wishes on this cold Monday.

[Vickie Wieberg]

Praying hard for these specific requests. THANK YOU for the update & thank you God for the ability to have this aggressive plan.
We will pray for all good results & for the chemo to destroy what has been able to accumulate. Also praying for the Dr.s to receive extreme knowledge & lots of luck in balancing the mix of chemo & also supporting the immune system. Praying that the billi level will continue to drop so aggressive chemotherapy can be continued in 8 more days.
Especially praying for strength for Stephanie & Eric as they continue to fight forward & expect more miracles. REALLY anticipating the next update. Thinking of you both today, God Bless, Vickie ( Kruse ) Wieberg

[Amy Hudson]

You are in my thoughts and my prayers! Continue to stay strong in your Faith!! God is carrying you both through this one step at a time.
Sending prayers, hugs, love and warm wishes to you both!!!
~Amy Hudson

[jen miller]

THANK U SO MUCH FOR THE ROCHESTER UPDATE...I HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING IT IS DECEMEBER MYSELF...I PRAY THAT THIS MONTH OF REJOICING AROUND THE WORLD BRINGS DEAR STEPH THE HEALING AND RECOVERY THAT U ALL SO DESERVE...THE GOOD LORD HAS BROUGHT MIRACLES AT EVERY TURN FOR STEPH.....AND THERE IS NO STOPPING NOW....HE IS THE REASON FOR THIS BLESSED SEASON....MAY HE CONTINUE TO BLESS U ALL....EACH AND EVERYDAY.....WITH CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC, MO.....JEN MILLER

[kelley]

great news on being "boring"! Bet you never thought you'd LOVE to be called that. But, AMEN to the boring....
Lots of continued prayers to you all for continued progress as well as the upcoming proceedures. For them to do their magic and for Stephs comfort and peace through out.

[Emily]

Thank you so much for this update Eric, We will be praying hard! Stay strong Steph!!!

[lisa ornelas]

How beautiful and kind of you to take the time to update all of us out here in cyberworld who are rallying to Our Father for a Stephanie Vest complete recovery... Wishes come true everyday and I pray we get ours for you Today.... May God keep you from this ugly cancer. Your family photo taken in Stephs room is just lovely.... For all you have been thru this last couple of months you are still gorgeous.. the brightest smile I have ever seen .... I feel blessed to have been brought to your site... You are both in my thoughts today as you await your test results....

[Kendra & Alan]

Eric & Stephanie~ so happy you are having "boring" days:) Keep up the great progress. Praying for all your test today to come back with even more positive updates. We want you to know that you are on our mind and in our heart everyday. Still expecting miracles!

[Rachel Dominuguez]

Praying hard for everything to go well with the Chemo and tests. I pray every day for you Stephanie...I just know the Lord is listening and will heal you soon and send you home with your kids.

Keep up the good work, you are so strong!!!

[Annie Hoff]

I am praying that Stephanie continues to progress forward. She overcome so much through all of this. I am confident that the fungus will go away, the chemo will be effective and she will experience less side effects. Expect miracles. I witness them every time I check for updates.I hope God continues to bless you with strength, rest, comfort and love. May God bless you Stephanie.

[Jeanie & Gary Creath]

We continue daily with thoughts and prayers for you guys. God please attack those cancer cells and rid them from Steph's body.!!! We love you dear Steph And Family, jeanie

[Lisa]

Oh no...not c-diff! Uhgg..sorry to hear about that for sure! I will send an extra prayer for you on that too. I had several coworkers this weekend ask me if that was your story on Fox4 and if that was the same blog I check every weekend at work :-) Hmmm, I believe I've gathered some new prayer warriors!! Whoohoo! Praying the chemo melts the cancer and the fungus amoung us remains at bay!

Lisa RN

[Laura Mentgen]

PTL! I am so pleased to hear that our girl is strong enough to start punching that cancer back!!! Y'all are in our prayers, and keep on fighting!! God Bless you! Steph, keep on smiling!
Love, peace, and Tons of prayers, Laura

[Colleen]

Always in my prayers!

[Jeff H.]

Eric, thank you for the update. God bless to you, Stephanie and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Here is to many more "boring" days ahead!
Jeff

[Justin Sarles]

Stephanie and Eric,
I'm so proud of how strong you continue to be! You continue to be such a great inspiration to me ... and so many others, as you can see by all the incredible support from all over.
I loved the video from the 5K in St. Louis and the 5K pictures Steve Jones sent out to all of us AKL's, I wish I could have made it up for it. Great job and many thanks to Serge, and everyone else who put it together!
I also loved the great story on your local KC news (Lisa ... you've always been a true great friend, one that Stephanie is surely more thankful than ever to have!)
Keep up the "boring" days Steph! I can't wait to read about more ongoing progress so keep the updates coming Eric.
Always in our thoghts and prayers,
Justin

[Mikki K]

Boring has never been so good. Sending my thoughts and prayers up daily. Stay strong...the both of you.

Mikki

[Kristin Loethen Sirard]

Glad to hear it was a boring day :). Praying for you everyday.
Kristin Sirard

[Laura Cole]

Keep fighting the good fight. You are in my prayers daily.

[Deb Petschel]

Thanks so much for the update Eric. Praying all her tests come back with improvement and they can get her home in time for Christmas!!!
Deb (LSMO)

[Kelli (Scott) Gallemore]

Eric and Stephanie~
Keep fighting! You remain at the top of my prayer list and always in my thoughts....December is the month of miracles!!! Sending love from my family to yours~