Feb. 7, 2008 - My Man...
Hello dear ones!
It seems that I have been completely MIA these last few months when it comes to correspondence and family updates, and for that I am terribly sorry! Some of you may already know a little about the ongoing health saga we have been experiencing since November. Well, just yesterday, after months of Travis being mysteriously sick, having countless doctor and various specialists visits, ending up in the emergency room twice, being hospitalized twice (the most recent of which they kept him for nearly a week), a million needles poked in his body, and too many different tests run on him to count, it seems our prayers for a diagnosis has been found. (But now that we know what he has, in some ways I think it would have been easier NOT knowing... :)
The official diagnosis for my hubby is hypogammaglobulinemia, also known as Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). Essentially, it is an auto-immune disease (appearing to be genetic in nature, although it has been acquired later in life) that is the milder version of the "Bubble Boy" disease where children have to live in plastic bubbles because they do not have enough immunities in their bodies to fight off germs and sickness. The dr. told us it was the opposite of leukemia, meaning he doesn't create enough of the components in his body known as IGG, where as someone with leukemia has too many of these in their body.
While there is no known "cure" at this time, the treatment is very expensive (it can be up to as much as $8,000 a shot) intravenous gamma globulin infusions, which normally people need every month for the rest of their life in order to stay healthy and out of the hospital with every little cold that simply won't go away. It takes 12 people donating blood to make one shot. Without these infusions, people with this disease are completely susceptible to sickness because their bodies have no way of fighting things off, which means they are chronically ill and in and out of the doctor's office or hospital.
The doctor was very honest with us about the serious implications of all of this for Travis and our family, but he did say he had a gut feeling Travis would improve, especially since he is so young. He said he has seen that happen before, but only a couple of times. He suggests doing the IVIG treatments for a year and then taking him off of them so they can see if Travis' body is able to take care of itself again.
So, we are praying and discussing our options and waiting to hear from the insurance company to find out if there is a possibility they will cover the IVIG infusions. In the meantime, they are also doing a little test for the next 5 weeks to see if there is any way that Trav's body can bounce back on its own when given a few small virus challenges to overcome. This will be the extra proof they need that he indeed has hypogammaglobulinemia.
Because this can be a hereditary disease, there is a possibility that Clarke could have the mutated gene as well. This is something we will be watching for as he grows, but thankfully it appears he doesn't have any of the signs right now.
I do have to say thank you to everyone who has been praying for us, giving us sweet cards, making phone calls, coming to visit, making dinners for us, leaving kind comments, and helping us watch Clarke during doctor's visits and hospital stays. Ya'll have been so sweet and encouraging with everything going on in our lives. We thank the Lord for you with all of our hearts!
While this is a new and seemingly daunting road that we are traveling down right now, we praise the Lord we do not have to do it alone! :) When I am tempted to worry about the future, the potential struggles ahead of us, I have to remind myself that our God is so faithful and loves us more than we could ever possibly know. He is our strength when we have no strength left at all (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
How grateful I am for His unfailing love. :)
Comments
Feb. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Our family has had it share of mystery diseases. Together we will walk through this one knowing that God is in control. Lovin' the three of you, Auntie J
Feb. 7, 2008 - A Wonderful Testimony
Posted by Natalie
Hey Girl...I just heard a couple of weeks ago about all that you all have been going through. Wow. Thanks for posting more of the specifics. What a sweet testimony of your trust in the Lord during this time of uncertainty. Travis could not ask for a better wife to help support him through this. We're praying for you!
Lots of love...
~Natalie
Feb. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by carkay
I am sorry to hear that you guys are struggling . I will be praying for you and that Travis will be healed of this infirmity!
Carla
Mar. 10, 2008 - Oh Myklin,
Posted by SuperAngel
I am so sorry to hear this! I will pray for you and Travis!
We have had to take my 2yo brother to the er twice last week because he had a horrible case of influenza which can be fatal in toddlers. Sure scared us!
I will be praying! By HIS stripes we are healed! And He sure had a LOT of them! Which can only mean our healing with be great!
Love to you and Travis and Clark!
Miss Amanda
http://superangelsblog.com
Apr. 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lori@allyouhavetogive
Myklin,
I just stopped by to see how you were doing these days...a few years ago I used your Heart of Virtue study and am preparing to use it again....and I read about your hubby...I'm adding him to my prayers....
I see my buddy Ms. Amanda left you a comment as well...NEAT girl!!!
Know that you are in my prayers and I wanted to thank you again for your heart for girls....
we need it...and that baby of yours is ABSOLUTELY adorable!!!
lori!
Apr. 16, 2008 - e-mail adress
Posted by Kinga from Romania
I tried to e-mail you trough your website but I couldn`t. Can you give me your e-mail adress? Thank you for your free lesson on What Every Girl Should Know....I am working with young people in my church.I mean I am serving :) God Bless You!
Please contact me, I have some questions.
mostiskinga@yahoo.com
May. 6, 2008 - Myklin,
Posted by Sandlappersue
I don't know if you read this anymore....tomorrow will make three months since you posted this news. Brittany and I are hoping that Travis has taken a turn for the better. We are praying for you. Please take care of yourself. With Christ,all things are possible.
Love,
Susan and Brittany
