I’m Still Here: A Long Overdue Life Update
Greetings Dearest Friends and Loved Ones!
WOW! It’s been a while. In case you forgot my name is Eric Puschmann (PastorPusch) and you been so gracious to read and follow my story. Your love and support have meant the world to me, and I hope you will continue to love me through this journey! I certainly love you all! God has been good!
So… here’s the latest. I’ll actually begin with Rena. As many may know, my wife has surgery last Tuesday. I am thankful to report that she is doing well in her recovery. She’s still pretty sore and wore out, but those things are to be expected. The doctor said it will take 2 weeks to feel somewhat back to normal, but an entire 6-8 weeks to fully heal and recover. I am so proud of her. She’s the absolute best. Continue to keep her in your prayers.
As for me, I am nearing 2 years post Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant that took place on December 6, 2022. If you’ve been following me, you know it’s an interesting couple of years – many steps forward along with some steps (sometimes leaps) backwards. After receiving my AML Leukemia Diagnosis on August 5, 2022, I spent 1 month in the hospital undergoing treatments that led to the cancer going into Remission. Once there, my oncologist strongly recommended I have a Stem Cell Transplant to give me the biggest chance at being fully cured. Thankfully it didn’t take long to find a donor as my brother Joshua was a perfect 10/10 match. He literally contributed to saving my life. As mentioned, transplant took place in December 2022.
The transplant itself went extremely well. I has not problems with the transfer and after another month in the hospital, I was released to go home. During most all of those, I felt pretty good. I was well on my way to recovery. HOWEVER, in September and October of 2023, my health started to decline. I became very weak, and fatigue took over my body. Unfortunately, with having a Stem Cell Transplant, it can lead to what is called Chronic GVHD (Graft vs Host Disease). To put it simply, this happens with the host body begins to fight with the newly received stem cells until it figures out that they are welcomed guests finding their new home to help bring restoration. In 2023, that was my fight and I spent 5 more weeks in the hospital (October/November). To make matters worse, I was completely bedridden the entire time. This did not add to the fatigue. When I was finally released, I could barely stand without any help nor walk. I came home in a wheelchair and need EMT to help me back in the house to my room. What cause most of the “damage” was the intense amount of steroids I was on fighting GVHD. I developed Steroid Myopathy and that pretty much wiped out any strength that I had – especially in my legs.
One year later – after a few falls, visits with the EMT, in-home healthcare, and a tremendous amount of Physical Therapy, I am ALMOST back to being myself. ALMOST. I haven’t fully regained all of my leg strength back – making many “normal” things difficult, but hey, at least I can stand up from higher seating and can walk. I graduated from a mobile wheelchair to a walker and to a cane as needed. (I take the can with me when I know I am doing more than normal in a day or when feeling tired).
Through it all, I am thankful. The Lord has been gracious and kind to me and my family. In His lovingkindness, He has blessed me with YOU – a tremendous support system. To the many of you who have called, texted, emailed, prayers, brought us food, and given financially, we can’t thank you enough. Perhaps the most difficult part in this journey was having to resign as pastor of the church I served for 11 years – I simply could not go on and serve in the condition I was in. O how much I miss preaching and shepherding. Being unemployed has been hard and humbling. I’m still out of work as there are still some things I cannot do without the privacy of my own home and help. There’s no way I could do a 9-5 office job. I have been looking for remote work, but it has been the easiest considering some of my needs. Please continue to pray about that with me. I’ve come a long way and while I am nowhere near where I was, I still get frustrated with myself because I am not where I want to be. BUT, as I heard over a million times, “it’s one day at a time.” Thank you for your continued support. So many of you are past-due on receiving your thank you cards. For that, we apologize, but please know how incredibly thankful we are for you and you have not been forgotten nor taken granted. YOU ARE LOVED so much!
I’ve said for a long time and my view hasn’t changed. I am thankful – even for the cancer. The Lord put so many people in my life that I would have never been a part of had it not been for my diagnosis… and I think that’s pretty cool. I has some many great stories of God’s love and faithfulness to us that I am lucky to have gone through all that I have. Believe me when I say there have been many dark day – even recently, BUT GOD IS STILL GOOD AND HE IS STILL FAITHFUL! To Him be the glory forever and ever.
I’ll conclude this update with the words from scripture that I adopted from the very beginning…
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your Name give glory; for Your steadfast love and faithfulness.” - Psalm 115:!
If you made it to the end, GOD BLESS YOU! Thank you. so much for caring! I’d love to continue to hear from you, do don’t be a stranger!
YOU ARE LOVE,
Pastor Pusch
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