From day 53 at Mercy Hospital.
Apparently, I wrote a draft that was never published to everyone. So, here is an update for those who have been asking for one. Our last post spoke of the disappointment that the two rounds of chemo did not rid my body of all the aggressive cancer. It wasn’t a conclusive report and a future report in the coming weeks may shed more light on that situation. Lesson learned: disappointment can turn to something positive when we focus on how it reveals His (God’s) appointment) in our lives.
What has happened in the last few weeks is that a tenacious fungal infection in my blood has caused 100s of painful sores across my arms, face, and legs. The infectious disease doctors have started a new anti fungal treatment plan that seems to be turning the tide in this battle. After being bed ridden for a couple of weeks, I am now starting to walk 20-30 feet with help of an aide and a walker. We are hopeful continued treatment of the two infections will reduce the pain and improve daily functioning. Daily neupogen shots stimulated the production of white blood cells which are needed to fight the infections. Hopefully, they didn’t stimulate the production of unhealthy cells.
The present challenge is tackling pain management with a stricter medication schedule. I tried morphine and dilaudid but found hallucinations unbearable. Whenever I closed my eyes I saw a different reality. I had to blink to see what was really real around me. Maybe that’s is a lesson for many of us, to make sure we are focused on God’s reality in our lives. “Do not be deceived. ” 1 Corinthians 15:33
For discharge I need to get stronger, be free of blood infusions, and healed of the two blood infections. Next step will be a visit to Iowa City to see if I am eligible for a second transplant.
We are humbled and appreciative of those who have volunteered to do yard work, who have helped with gas cards, and who pray regularly for us. We trust God’s purpose in all this and look forward to seeing more of His goodness.
