Hope Lodge in Boston, MA.

‘When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheers my soul.’ Psalm 94:19.

‘Give thanks to The Lord for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.’
Psalm 107:1.

Today Noel had his usual 3 week appointment at Dana Farber… yesterday’s drive to Boston was a sunny Spring like day, which was encouraging. Has winter really left and Spring arrived even though there was lots of snow last week – much like many other places in the USA and Europe.

So far this year, we have routinely been seeing Amy but today we were pleased to see Dr. Soiffer for the first time since Christmas. Dr. S reviewed Noel’s blood work and was at a loss to know why his results 3 weeks ago had showed such a leap but today are back in line with 6 weeks ago… He is not concerned about this but thinks everything is going along fine. Even though today’s numbers on paper seem lower, they are actually consistent over all with a gradual slight rise in the levels. He sees this as good, continual, progress.

This weeks blood test:
White blood cells 4.9 with in the normal range — 6 weeks ago 3.8
Red blood cells 3.13 — normal 4.2-5.6 — 6 weeks ago 2.98
Platelets 76 — normal 155-410 — 6 weeks ago 74

As Noel is still taking drugs to suppress his immune system Dr. S said the restrictions on his life style are still in place, so no change yet in where he can go, what he can do and what he can eat.

With the good progress and it now being 9 months since his transplant, today Noel began to receive vaccinations just as a newborn infant would. As all his own immunity was wiped out by the aggressive chemotherapy before the transplant. Today he had the Polio Vaccine, DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough), Hib, Haemophilus Influenzae type B and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine. He will get more doses at set intervals as well as the boosters shots that children are normally given.

Noel’s next appointment is in 3 weeks on April 17th, again with Dr. Soiffer.

Since his leg injury healed Noel has started walking again for exercise, however he is still fighting bouts of fatigue and digestion problems. But he generally feels good and continues to have a positive attitude. We are both encouraged and not discouraged. And each time we stay at Hope Lodge, as well as in other places, the Lord seems to provide opportunities for us to share naturally with others what we do, and how the faith we profess enables us to live fully and positively. We are usually able to pray for others, formally or informally, as we share.

Family on both sides of the Atlantic are doing well… and looking forward to all having family time over the Spring break / Easter Holidays. Hopefully in both countries the weather will be fine so family days out and about can be enjoyed. Toby, JoAnn, Charlotte and Lucy will have lunch with us on Easter Day. Meanwhile, in England, Charles, Sarah, Evelyn and William will have lunch with Sarah’s parents.

Please praise and pray with us… for again being blessed with being able to stay here at the Hope Lodge. We are grateful for Noel’s progress, our family and friends and God’s amazing gift to each one of us at Easter…

Please continue to pray for Noel’s complete healing, for the GVHD to stay controlled and for more energy. And for the Lord’s continuing provision for all our needs.

We ask the Lord’s blessing on you and all your families this Easter time.

Thank you again for your support in many different ways. We are blessed by you, including the many encouraging responses on our web pages, for the donations that were given in March which helps so much with the medical bills and travel costs; but above all, for your prayers, concern and love.