Wednesday, June 13, 2012

six and a half months ago

I'm back.

My last post was November 17. Well over six months ago. It was titled, "God Is My Strength."

I had no idea just how much I was going to need His strength in the next few days.

I'll make this short and sweet. That week I had gotten really sick.I couldn't move without an immense amount of pain. I had no strength. I couldn't eat. I was completely exhausted but I could not sleep. Finally, on November 21, I went to a local MedCare place. Three ER's later, I found myself on the oncology floor of a big hospital with the news that I had a very rare type of leukemia called APL.  They were constantly pouring blood, plateletes and plasma into me, but I was bleeding out on the inside. Two days later they realized it was out of their hands and I was transferred to a very large hospital in Atlanta. As they were leaving with me, the Oncologist told my uncle, "It's going to get worse before it gets better."

And it did

Soon I was placed into a coma so that my body could fight the infections and all that stuff I really can't remember. When it was time for them to wake me up...they couldn't. It took three long weeks for me to come out. When I did wake up, they realized I had lost all movement from my neck down due to the paralysis drugs I was given. A stroke that I had caused my left side to be a great deal weaker than my right. Things are all a bit fuzzy for me, but I know that when I was sent to a rehab hospital closer to home, I couldn't move on my own. I got there the last week of December. By the last week of January, I had taken my first steps. I was discharged on February 8th and began my recovery at home.

Now I'm walking, talking, almost back to normal. My eyesight has suffered a great deal and I will have one more surgery before we know just how bad the damage is. I am on chemo...this is my third month. I wear a brace on my left leg and foot because I can't really feel my foot and have no control over my ankle muscle.

The hand of God has been all over me and mine for the past almost seven months.I cannot begin to tell you the blessings we've received because of this illness. I'll never be able to thank everyone enough for all that they have done and continue to do for my family.

With man, this would have been impossible. I was given six hours to live. But with God.....ALL things are possible to those who serve Him!

9 comments:

Judy said...

Oh Stephanie, I'm so sorry you have been going through this life and death ordeal. But you are so right, a mighty God we serve! Thanks be to Him for your recovery and I pray you continue your road back to being "normal".

Please keep me posted on your progress.

Here's a hug (xoxo)!
Judy

Lora said...

SO Happy to see you writing again, Stephanie!!!!! I know your story has touched so many lives and will continue to touch many more. Praying for you all the time and those sweet baby girls!

Former Fat Bride said...

Oh my goodness! I was shocked when I read this. I'm so sorry you are going through this, but my prayers will be with you and your family.

Nancy said...

I am SO happy to see you blogging again, Stephanie. I have missed you. I have been praying often for you and was so relieved when you started showing such progress. God is truly amazing.

PinkLouLou said...

Hi Stephanie,

I tried to email you back but your email is not linked to your blogger account, sad!! I got your comment for Juliana and I have forwarded it to her facebook. You are an angel, this is THE reason that I love blogging so much, being able to connect and help each other. Your story just touches my heart, I will be praying for you and your family, and for your complete recovery and healing. GOD is so good!

xoxo
Allison

Danielle said...

Glory be to God!!!! So happy to see you back and posting, my dear friend! Love you lots and you're never far from my mind. You are the strongest woman I know!!!!

- dls - said...

Stephanie -
So thankful for your miracles and answered prayers!!!!
Hope that everything continues to go well. - deanna

HappyascanB said...

Oh wow.... How am I just now seeing this? Goodness gracious, girl! You have been through it for sure. Praising God for bringing you this far. Keep that beautiful faith!

Lora said...

So so thankful for your story (HIS story) and the amazing strength you have!