Today...The Transplant!

Today, Janell receives her stem cells now that her bone marrow has been destroyed along with the multiple myeloma cancer.  The results now = no immune system to fight off infections.  

Over the next three to four weeks period,  the stem cells will create new bone marrow that will manufacture clean blood plasma and blood cells for a new immune system.  Without this transplant, Janell would die from the simple infections we fight off daily with our healthy immune systems.

The following is the "Stem Cell Blessing" that we received from one of the chaplains at the University of Washington Medical Center.  It is a blessing Janell and I are praying today.  We invite you to join us.

STEM CELL BLESSING

We gather today to celebrate a new beginning, a time of special grace for Janell, and for those she holds dear in her heart.  We have come to give thanks for the Gift of these cells, for the gift of life and for all the ways in which Janell has already been healed and blessed.  We have come to ask that these Stem Cells be blessed by your holy tenderness and compassion.

Let us pray.  God of Abraham, by your mercy and the power, we ask you to bless these Stem Cells.

Lord, hear our prayer!
Infuse them with your strength.
Lord, hear our prayer!
Infuse them with your consolation.
Lord, hear our prayer!
Let them heal all in Janell that is in need of healing.
Lord, hear our prayer!
That each cell may be filled with forgiveness.
Lord, hear our prayer!
That each cell may be filled with hope.
Lord, hear our prayer!
That each cell may be filled with surrender.
Lord, hear our prayer!
That each cell may kindle the fire of your love in her.
Lord, hear our prayer!
That she may love you with all of her heart, mind and strength.
Lord, hear our prayer!
Lord, have mercy on us, in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, the anointed one and His anointing.
Lord, hear our prayer!

Closing Prayer:

Lord, we offer up to your hands any fear or anxiety that Janell or any of her loved ones may be feeling.  Take that fear Lord, and in its place fill her heart with your peace, the peace that the world cannot give.  Protect her from fear and anxiety and let her whole body bathe in your healing arms.

We pray in gratitude for the gift of these stem cells.
We pray in gratitude and ask blessings for all the staff who have or will be part of her care.

O Lord, look upon your daughter and servant, Janell.  Touch her with your embrace. That she may have the grace to bear whatever pain or discomfort may come.  That she may be filled with your compassion, peace and love.

In the mighty name of Jesus!
Amen!