Dr. Stein knocked on Mike's door just a few minutes ago. He walked in and said, "We have good news...your bone marrow is clear." He said that Mike will continue to stay at Vanderbilt for about 2 more weeks, allowing his body to heal and after that he can go home for a while. Praise the Lord for those are the sweetest words that I've ever heard!!
I don't know when I cried more, when I heard the diagnosis or when I heard "Good News". I'm pretty sure I am crying more now. We have prayed without ceasing - in the car, in the shower, in Commonwealth Stadium, you name it - and let the Glory be to God for hearing our prayers, comforting each of us, and providing a healing that only He can provide! Please do not let up in your prayers and keep lifting up Mike and Melisa.
The results that he got today provide about 90% of the total testing that was performed. The other 10% should come soon. As with any unknown, there is a chance that the 10% could change everything. We will not allow ourselves to dwell on this. Instead we will look at the positive result that we were just given and keep our hearts with the Lord. As always, Mike and Melisa have continued to place their faith in God and trust that He will lead them the right way. Their job is to follow His lead and they have been diligent in doing just that. They are both such a great example, a great inspiration for all of us and I am so lucky to have them both in my life!!
Thanks for your prayers! Keep up the good work!
Jesus Saves!
Rachel
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Testing, Testing
Sorry for the delay everyone. Brief summary: the bone marrow biopsy went well. More details: I talked with Mike before the procedure and he was in good spirits and didn't seem overly anxious about it. As I mentioned he had a very rough time with this originally at St. Mary's so if anything he was worried about the pain. I don't think it is possible for this procedure to be pain free, but I do think he was able to be in as little pain as possible throughout the process. Both Mike and Melisa were hoping that the "fellow" at the hospital would do the procedure. Her name is Dr. Im (pronounced just like the letter 'M'). She reminds us of Dr. Yang, Sandra Oh, from Grey's Anatomy. I think she is as tough as Yang but I think Im's cuter, for what that's worth. Anyhow, Im wasn't present during rounds this morning and wasn't there to do the procedure. Instead, another oncologist performed the procedure. As Vanderbilt is a teaching hospital, Dr. Stein was there too, overseeing the procedure. Melisa said he was teaching the whole time, providing a play by play of the events occurring. She said that the doctor was very compassionate to Mike and that he continually asked Mike how he felt. The nurse also was very kind too. She made sure that Mike was comfortable too during the process, "loading him up" as she called it. All in all, the procedure lasted approximately 15 minutes and went fine. We thank you for your prayers in getting Mikey through this process.
We should know some preliminary results soon, hopefully 24-48 hours. Please pray, if you will, for Mike and Melisa while the waiting game plays out. Please pray that they are comforted and are not overly anxious. Please pray that they are able to be reminded that the Lord is in control of this situation and that they will be fully taken care of. Next, please pray that the results of this test produce positive results for Mike. Please pray that Mike's healing is part of the Lord's will and His grace is shown along the way.
We should know some preliminary results soon, hopefully 24-48 hours. Please pray, if you will, for Mike and Melisa while the waiting game plays out. Please pray that they are comforted and are not overly anxious. Please pray that they are able to be reminded that the Lord is in control of this situation and that they will be fully taken care of. Next, please pray that the results of this test produce positive results for Mike. Please pray that Mike's healing is part of the Lord's will and His grace is shown along the way.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Tuesday
Talked with Mikey today and other than his head still hurting, all is well in Nashville. He talked with Dr. Stein about his head pain and Stein said that chemo. can do some weird things to a person's body. I think everyone has a different reaction to it. Mike is able to get a little relief with some medicine. Please pray that his head quits hurting; it's inhibiting him from smiling and laughing, and well frankly, we just can't have that.
Mike also got some peace and "quite" yesterday too, which he seemed to enjoy. Yesterday was the 1st day in over 2 weeks that he hasn't had someone down in Nashville staying either with him or close by. Don't get me wrong, he definitely enjoys his company but also enjoyed a few hours by himself too. Poppy and Lindsay went and picked up Moppy yesterday and I think she slept the whole way home. She was glad to be home and slept really well last night. She said it's a little weird being home and not being with Mikey. Gosh, it's hard being a momma, even when your baby is 29! I think Mom is going to go back to work for the next few days and head back down to Vandy this weekend.
Last night also Jarrod and his dad came down from Henderson to visit with Mike. He said that they just hung out and watched the football game. With the exception of a few minor vices, that is probably the same thing they would be doing had he been at home any other Monday night.
Debbie is on the mend and is staying with Casey as Melisa is heading down South right now. I know Mikey will be happy to see her and will be pleased to share the remote. Melisa has really been able to navigate around both the city and the University. She enjoys walking and is able to see some nice scenery on the campus.
I know you all have been hard at work praying but if you have an extra gear that you are able to tap into, now is the time. Tomorrow at 1:00 PM CST Mike will be having another bone marrow biopsy, which was a very painful procedure when he had his first and only one at St. Mary's. We are hoping that Vanderbilt's experience with this test will provide for less pain and a quicker process along the way. The results typically take about 48 hours and will tell us just how effective his treatment has been so far. Of course we are praying for full on remission but any decline in blast cells will be positive too. Please pray that Mike is pain free during his procedure, that he is calm and comforted while waiting for the results, and that those results produce a positive outcome! We know the Lord hears our prayers and it is at this time that we turn to Him to quiet our fears and heal our brother!
Jesus Saves!
Rachel
Mike also got some peace and "quite" yesterday too, which he seemed to enjoy. Yesterday was the 1st day in over 2 weeks that he hasn't had someone down in Nashville staying either with him or close by. Don't get me wrong, he definitely enjoys his company but also enjoyed a few hours by himself too. Poppy and Lindsay went and picked up Moppy yesterday and I think she slept the whole way home. She was glad to be home and slept really well last night. She said it's a little weird being home and not being with Mikey. Gosh, it's hard being a momma, even when your baby is 29! I think Mom is going to go back to work for the next few days and head back down to Vandy this weekend.
Last night also Jarrod and his dad came down from Henderson to visit with Mike. He said that they just hung out and watched the football game. With the exception of a few minor vices, that is probably the same thing they would be doing had he been at home any other Monday night.
Debbie is on the mend and is staying with Casey as Melisa is heading down South right now. I know Mikey will be happy to see her and will be pleased to share the remote. Melisa has really been able to navigate around both the city and the University. She enjoys walking and is able to see some nice scenery on the campus.
I know you all have been hard at work praying but if you have an extra gear that you are able to tap into, now is the time. Tomorrow at 1:00 PM CST Mike will be having another bone marrow biopsy, which was a very painful procedure when he had his first and only one at St. Mary's. We are hoping that Vanderbilt's experience with this test will provide for less pain and a quicker process along the way. The results typically take about 48 hours and will tell us just how effective his treatment has been so far. Of course we are praying for full on remission but any decline in blast cells will be positive too. Please pray that Mike is pain free during his procedure, that he is calm and comforted while waiting for the results, and that those results produce a positive outcome! We know the Lord hears our prayers and it is at this time that we turn to Him to quiet our fears and heal our brother!
Jesus Saves!
Rachel
Monday, September 17, 2007
Weekend Update without Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon
Yet another weekend behind us and Mike is doing pretty good, as well as can be expected. With his first round of chemo. over, he has been resting and recuperating. He feels pretty good and has a little of the expected fatigue and nausea but nothing too bad. He said that his head hurts though. Not a headache necessarily but more on the outside on his scalp. He said that he feels like someone is pulling his hair. Yesterday he went on his usual rounds, walking around the floor and even was able to get on the stationary bike. He did a mile before he even knew it and said, "I don't think I've ridden a mile cumulative in my life!" HA! In spite of a little nausea, his appetite continues to be good. Although being a descendant of the Smithharts, I can't imagine anything deterring that! Ya'll know we love to eat!
It was a great football weekend as well, unless you're team just happened to go all Tropicana Extra Pulp style on you even though you have been unyielding in your pursuit to convert unsuspecting hospital patients to your cause. I'm not saying any names here but if you happen to be a dentist in the Eastern Tennessee region, you may have just an inkling to what I'm talking about. It was a big weekend in the Commonwealth as well. My Mike and I went over to the game with our friends Patrick and Hilliary and had an awesome time. We were treated to a 1st class tailgate by the Holbrooks & the rest of their clan. It was all fun and games until one of those rednecks, God love 'em, broke out the "shine" as they refer to it. It reminded me of one of those science projects you did when you were little. You know, the one in a bottle that looks like a tornado when you shake it up. "Come on Rachel, it'll put hair on your chest!" Yeah, and that's just what I need. I will say those boys from "Paintsvul" sure know how to have a good time! And how about that game??? It looks like our super-scientific poll correctly picked the winner. The game was unreal! The atmosphere leading up to the opening was so thick and real, you could almost reach out and touch it. I don't know why but both the National Anthem and "My Old Kentucky Home" always get me a little misty eyed but this time I just couldn't control the emotion. Just like with everything I do these days, it is so bittersweet. I just wish so much that Mikey could be here too, enjoying it right along with me and Saturday was no exception. So there I stood, tears just streaming down my face. The lady beside me just kept looking over at me. No doubt she was thinking, "Hey Fruit Loop, it's just a football game." The game continued, one touchdown after another and until the last 28 seconds, I just knew Louisville was going to pull it off. Then came the touchdown that will ensure Andre Woodson a career in public office in the state of Kentucky until he dies. Being in the Louisville section, you could hear a pin drop, but around the perimeter of the stadium was a total eruption. I am sure you could hear the roar all the way to Waddy. It was really an unbelievable game. Now that I think about it, maybe it was best that Mikey not see all of the blue bloods going buck wild. You all know how he feels about UK. Also the Colts had a huge win over the Titans yesterday. That's always a big game for both teams. I know Mike was pleased with that win. That game was only blocks from where he is right now. I sure wish he could have gone.
As you all know Melisa was able to go home and be with Casey, Mom stayed in Nashville, and Big Hope and Bret came down for the weekend. Melisa said Casey is doing really good but he is asking to go see his Daddy "at the doctors." Hopefully Mike will be able to go home in a few weeks and be with him at home too. Debbie, Melisa's mom, came down with a stomach bug over the weekend. Hopefully she gets better soon so that Melisa can get back to Nashville in the next day or two. Mom is planning on going back home for a few days once Melisa gets down there too. She has been down there the whole time and I am sure is a little homesick.
Today please pray that Mike's body is able to properly heal and fully recover. Thanks again to everyone for their prayers, emails, calls and visits. It does help tremendously.
Love,
Rachel
It was a great football weekend as well, unless you're team just happened to go all Tropicana Extra Pulp style on you even though you have been unyielding in your pursuit to convert unsuspecting hospital patients to your cause. I'm not saying any names here but if you happen to be a dentist in the Eastern Tennessee region, you may have just an inkling to what I'm talking about. It was a big weekend in the Commonwealth as well. My Mike and I went over to the game with our friends Patrick and Hilliary and had an awesome time. We were treated to a 1st class tailgate by the Holbrooks & the rest of their clan. It was all fun and games until one of those rednecks, God love 'em, broke out the "shine" as they refer to it. It reminded me of one of those science projects you did when you were little. You know, the one in a bottle that looks like a tornado when you shake it up. "Come on Rachel, it'll put hair on your chest!" Yeah, and that's just what I need. I will say those boys from "Paintsvul" sure know how to have a good time! And how about that game??? It looks like our super-scientific poll correctly picked the winner. The game was unreal! The atmosphere leading up to the opening was so thick and real, you could almost reach out and touch it. I don't know why but both the National Anthem and "My Old Kentucky Home" always get me a little misty eyed but this time I just couldn't control the emotion. Just like with everything I do these days, it is so bittersweet. I just wish so much that Mikey could be here too, enjoying it right along with me and Saturday was no exception. So there I stood, tears just streaming down my face. The lady beside me just kept looking over at me. No doubt she was thinking, "Hey Fruit Loop, it's just a football game." The game continued, one touchdown after another and until the last 28 seconds, I just knew Louisville was going to pull it off. Then came the touchdown that will ensure Andre Woodson a career in public office in the state of Kentucky until he dies. Being in the Louisville section, you could hear a pin drop, but around the perimeter of the stadium was a total eruption. I am sure you could hear the roar all the way to Waddy. It was really an unbelievable game. Now that I think about it, maybe it was best that Mikey not see all of the blue bloods going buck wild. You all know how he feels about UK. Also the Colts had a huge win over the Titans yesterday. That's always a big game for both teams. I know Mike was pleased with that win. That game was only blocks from where he is right now. I sure wish he could have gone.
As you all know Melisa was able to go home and be with Casey, Mom stayed in Nashville, and Big Hope and Bret came down for the weekend. Melisa said Casey is doing really good but he is asking to go see his Daddy "at the doctors." Hopefully Mike will be able to go home in a few weeks and be with him at home too. Debbie, Melisa's mom, came down with a stomach bug over the weekend. Hopefully she gets better soon so that Melisa can get back to Nashville in the next day or two. Mom is planning on going back home for a few days once Melisa gets down there too. She has been down there the whole time and I am sure is a little homesick.
Today please pray that Mike's body is able to properly heal and fully recover. Thanks again to everyone for their prayers, emails, calls and visits. It does help tremendously.
Love,
Rachel
Friday, September 14, 2007
Faith
We have come together and prayed relentlessly as a family for Mike's healing and today we were given some good news. If you all will remember he had a bone marrow biopsy during his first few days at St. Mary's. I apologize for not knowing all of the proper terminology but basically there were 3 separate tests that were performed on that sample. The biggest test was the cytogenetic testing of his cells. This test in particular represents the single most important prognostic factor for predicting remission, relapse, and overall survival. We were told by Dr. Zigler, the oncologist in Evansville, that these results are either deemed good, intermediate, or poor. Dr. Stein told Mike today that this test was "normal" and that was a "good thing". Having 2 different oncologists means having 2 different forms of communication. I wish I could say that Dr. Stein came right out and said, "Mike, you have a good prognosis" but that was not the case. However, what Stein said was some good news for us.
Mike's white blood count is being brought down next to nothing and should reach its lowest point by the beginning to middle of next week. I talked to him today and he said that he feels pretty good...not as good as he has but not horrible either. He has experienced some nausea and some fatigue. His nausea doesn't seem to hinder his appetite too much and his fatigue hasn't stopped him from doing his walking so we are very thankful for that. All in all he's hanging like a trooper, taking all in stride.
Melisa was able to go home today and see Casey. She is planning on staying at home at least through the weekend and I know Casey will be so happy to have his momma home! Mike will have more visitors down there this weekend as Big Hope and Bret are heading down to Nashville for the weekend. Mom is still down there too. I think they are planning on hitting up the Mellow Mushroom once more at Mikey's request. Seriously ya'll...that is some good pizza!
While we more than likely will never know why Mike has been placed on this journey, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord chose him for this mission. We accept His command, trust that His will shall be done, and the countless blessings that are a direct result of this situation will only be credited to Him. I read a good quote today. It said, "Faith is not believing that God will do what you want. Faith is believing that God will do what's right." This rings so true to me. Being obedient under the Lord and trusting that He knows, in a capacity more than we could ever fathom, what is BEST for us is truly stepping out on faith. I'm not saying that it is always easy but with God, it's always feasible. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs, "Be joyful always; pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." If that is His will, then that is exactly what we will do!
Jesus Saves!
Rachel
Mike's white blood count is being brought down next to nothing and should reach its lowest point by the beginning to middle of next week. I talked to him today and he said that he feels pretty good...not as good as he has but not horrible either. He has experienced some nausea and some fatigue. His nausea doesn't seem to hinder his appetite too much and his fatigue hasn't stopped him from doing his walking so we are very thankful for that. All in all he's hanging like a trooper, taking all in stride.
Melisa was able to go home today and see Casey. She is planning on staying at home at least through the weekend and I know Casey will be so happy to have his momma home! Mike will have more visitors down there this weekend as Big Hope and Bret are heading down to Nashville for the weekend. Mom is still down there too. I think they are planning on hitting up the Mellow Mushroom once more at Mikey's request. Seriously ya'll...that is some good pizza!
While we more than likely will never know why Mike has been placed on this journey, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord chose him for this mission. We accept His command, trust that His will shall be done, and the countless blessings that are a direct result of this situation will only be credited to Him. I read a good quote today. It said, "Faith is not believing that God will do what you want. Faith is believing that God will do what's right." This rings so true to me. Being obedient under the Lord and trusting that He knows, in a capacity more than we could ever fathom, what is BEST for us is truly stepping out on faith. I'm not saying that it is always easy but with God, it's always feasible. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs, "Be joyful always; pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." If that is His will, then that is exactly what we will do!
Jesus Saves!
Rachel
Thursday, September 13, 2007
More Than Just a Job
If you all have the privilege of knowing my mom, you more than likely know that she works at Methodist Hospital and has since the dawn of time. Anytime I mention my mom to anyone, 2 common identifiers are typically asked. #1"Isn't she Les Smithhart's daughter?" (which, sadly, is becoming somewhat less common of a question as our generations are further handed down) and #2"Doesn't she work up at the hospital?" (because ya'll know you can't just work AT the hospital, you have to work UP at the hospital) Mom, I believe, has been there for 27 years, which for a career is an eternity! She is that one person who says, "I love my job." When I was a little girl I used to think she was just saying that, as everything she told Mikey and me was, and still is, eternally optimistic. Then, when I turned 16 and started working at Sureway, I got my first taste of having a job. At that point, I just knew she was covering her tracks! I mean come on, who really LIKES their job??? But as I have become an adult and our relationship has matured, not only does she still tell me she loves her job, but SHE REALLY MEANS IT!! I have more than hinted around (albeit somewhat selfishly) about her retiring and she will just not hear of it.
Mom has worked with Rita, Judith, Pam, Lisa, Melanie, Robin (and others I am forgetting at the moment) for as long as I can remember and together, they have formed sort of a family away from family. They have witnessed births, marriages, deaths, and illnesses as a family together. When Mikey was initially diagnosed with leukemia, it was no surprise for me to look up and see Rita and Robin walk in the door with half of Super Wal-Mart, only to be followed up a little while later with Judith coming in with the other half of Super Wal-Mart. "The girls" have all come through for one another over the years. However, when I heard what they pulled off yesterday, I was moved to tears. "The girls" all got the word out about Mike and Melisa and decided to host a soup and sandwich benefit for them. Melanie headed up the effort and people from Administration, Accounting, HR, Radiology, and Nursing all combined forces and made soups, sandwiches, and desserts of all kinds. They hosted the luncheon in one of the classrooms near the cafeteria. Rita said the cooler temperatures made for a perfect day for soups and sandwiches. They had an overwhelming response and took in over $1500.00 and were still counting donations!! It was a huge success! Mike and Melisa (and of course Mom) will be so grateful and surprised by this overwhelming gesture. I keep saying I wish there was another way to express our gratitude. It is unbelievable. Mom has said how lucky she is to have "the girls" in her life. It is no wonder she loves her job so much! With co-workers like that, who wouldn't??!! Huge thanks to "The Girls"!! We Love You!
Mom has worked with Rita, Judith, Pam, Lisa, Melanie, Robin (and others I am forgetting at the moment) for as long as I can remember and together, they have formed sort of a family away from family. They have witnessed births, marriages, deaths, and illnesses as a family together. When Mikey was initially diagnosed with leukemia, it was no surprise for me to look up and see Rita and Robin walk in the door with half of Super Wal-Mart, only to be followed up a little while later with Judith coming in with the other half of Super Wal-Mart. "The girls" have all come through for one another over the years. However, when I heard what they pulled off yesterday, I was moved to tears. "The girls" all got the word out about Mike and Melisa and decided to host a soup and sandwich benefit for them. Melanie headed up the effort and people from Administration, Accounting, HR, Radiology, and Nursing all combined forces and made soups, sandwiches, and desserts of all kinds. They hosted the luncheon in one of the classrooms near the cafeteria. Rita said the cooler temperatures made for a perfect day for soups and sandwiches. They had an overwhelming response and took in over $1500.00 and were still counting donations!! It was a huge success! Mike and Melisa (and of course Mom) will be so grateful and surprised by this overwhelming gesture. I keep saying I wish there was another way to express our gratitude. It is unbelievable. Mom has said how lucky she is to have "the girls" in her life. It is no wonder she loves her job so much! With co-workers like that, who wouldn't??!! Huge thanks to "The Girls"!! We Love You!
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