2 Years Old

We just spent Karly's 2nd birthday at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. She received Tyler's life-saving bone marrow 2 years ago on July 25, 2014. That time was full of the unknown, yet we were at peace following God's plan to proceed with this transplant. Little did we know all the benefits that would come of it. There have been many DOCK8 Haplo-transplants since then...mostly with a fantastic outcome. We remember those that didn't make it through their transplant. It saddens us. We start saying, "if only," but quickly dismiss it because it is and always has been in God's hands. His timing is perfect. We stand in awe of Karly's life since the transplant. What a transformation! We've said it before and say it again, "She went from dying to thriving!"

It was an extremely packed week full of appointments and meeting with old and new friends. We feel so blessed every time we meet a new dock8 family. It feels good to be able to share that bond with those that really "get it" and "live it." For Karly, it's a rare opportunity when she can talk with someone who can even remotely begin to understand what a life of terminal/chronic disease is. She would probably say that is her favorite thing about going back to NIH.We get questions like, "What is the worst thing about the haplo-bone marrow transplant," "When do you lose your hair," "When did you go outpatient," and "Where are the best places to go during your outpatient stay?" We pray for them to make it through the transplant and talk of hope.

Karly's tests are improving. Her kidney number, although still high, was the best it's been in 2 years. Her heart numbers are remaining steady. Her BP is great with medication. She dropped one medication for which we are thankful(we were hoping for more to be dropped). Her PFT tests showed numbers she hasn't seen since 2009. Her adrenal insufficiency has been a slow climb over the last two years, but we saw it increase  from 1-8.  The normal number is about 20, so she still has a long way to go (rats). She received 9 vaccines and did super well with all of them. She had her 4 wisdom teeth removed in the OR under general anesthesia for safety reasons. It went well.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               We had fun Wednesday night being escorted by 7 Montgomery County Policemen on motorcycles during rush hour to Toys R Us. It was so cool watching them do their job in front of us. Their was a lot of oohs and awes by the kids and parents. After the kids shopped, we were escorted to a pizza place, then back to the Inn.

The most exciting news is that Karly will be starting the Physical Therapy Assisting Program in August. It will be 2 years long, and she'll receive her Associate's Degree. She longed to do this since her cancer in 2009. When she didn't get into the program last summer, she had to be patient and wait till this year to try again. She re-took the one class she had a "B'" in and received an "A". God's timing is perfect, and her body is ready to withstand the rigors of the program. She is so grateful and beyond excited..which doesn't even begin to describe how she feels. We are so proud of all she has persevered through and the young woman she is. God is using her on the Ivy Tech campus, the Oneighty program, her Bible Studies, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter brings.

I will end with Karly's life verse. It seems quite appropriate. Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths."