Well we are back in the hospital again. It has been a very stressful 48 hours for us and we hope the rest of the week gets better soon. Brian came in yesterday at 3 pm for day 11 of his chemo. It was supposed to be a simple IV dose and we wouldn't be here for longer than an hour. Since he has a blood clot in his right arm, they had to try to insert a new IV in his left arm, and unfortunately the nurse couldn't find the vein. She called in the IV specialty team and they couldn't find a vein either even though they tried several times to find one with the needle. Finally 3 people later, they finally found his vein and they were about to get started with the chemo when he developed a fever. They had checked when he first got there and he was fine, but after being poked and prodded with the needles he had a fever of 101. While he is on chemo anything over 100.5 is considered critical and he has to go to the ER. Since we were already in the hospital they went ahead and did a few tests and then wheeled him down to the ER where we had to wait for an ER room to open up. His fever was up to 102.1 by this point and he had an excruciating migraine since his spine still hadn't healed from the lumbar puncture a few days earlier. We finally got into an ER room where we stayed for 6 hours not knowing if he was going to have to be admitted back into the hospital or not. Then at 2 am they decided to admit him and we were moved up to a regular hospital room. His fever has since gone down today with the help of tylenol and antibiotics, but his white blood cell count is extremely low. On a scale of 1 to 10 they said his immune system is at a 0.5 and his body doesn't have any defense left and is very susceptible to infections. Every one that enters his room now has to wear a mask to prevent the spread of germs and we are having to limit visitors. He received 2 more units of blood today and they had to postpone the chemo and blood patch for his spine until the infection is gone and his blood count is back up. Most likely we will be in the hospital this time for another 2-3 days and then hopefully have the weekend at the apartment before he has to be admitted again next week for the second round of chemo.
Between Brian's health and the stress of normal everyday life like work and bills that we are trying to keep up with, this has already been a very stressful week for us. We have to trust in God to provide for us during this time and can't let the stress of life overwhelm us. We know God is in complete control and everything happens for a reason, so we have to hold on to that truth and focus our energy on more important things (which is easier said than done).
Praises:
Overall Brian has had minimal side effects apart from the headaches, fatigue, and fever.
Brian's fever had gone down and we hope to be released again in 2-3 days.
Prayer requests:
Pray for Brian's immune system to get stronger and be able to fight infections.
Pray for our stress levels as we try to manage Brian's health, my work, bills, etc.
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13 comments:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
Brian & Amanda, I will be lifting you both up, and praying that God meets all of your needs. I am so thankful that you have each other right now, but more than that I am so thankful that you both have your faith, it is what gets us through these times in our lives. I love you both, take care of each other, and I am as always, a phone call away.
Love you both,
Tammy
Amanda, Denise and I continue to pray for Brian, you, and all of your family. Your faith and your strength is evident in your e-mails. We are praying for your strength and Brian's full recovery. We look forward to the day when you are both back in Dallas and your life gets back to normal. Give Brian our best....Joe
Hang in there...we're praying for you.
I gave blood yesterday, and I am not fond of needles at all. Not a pleasant experience, but I did it...for you. I know that is nothing compared to what you have endured so far, and I actually feel bad telling you about my...slight inconvenience, really. But I thought you might think it funny, since I'm a big sissy.
Take care and keep the faith. Trust in Him.
I am praying for you Brian and for Amanda
I love you...and I am so sorry for what you're going through. Know that your life is a testament to all who hear of your story and how you are handling this situation with such strong faith in the Lord to sustain you. I will share about you tomorrow with several of my friends. Know that we will be praying tomorrow and that many will continue to pray in the future as they share about you with their loved ones.
If there is anything you need to help you get along, please let me know.
God's love and providence will sustain you, no matter where this path leads the two of you.
Just a quick note to let you know that the Christians in Artesia, NM are praying for you. We know about you thru our friend and your cousin, Autumn Canada. She continues to keep your names on our prayer list, Brian and Amanda. God bless you during times of trial. With Love,
Ronnie Jackson
Brian & Amanda,
I know this has been a difficult time for you both. So sorry that you all are having to go through this. You both are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. May the Lord bless you both, and may he meet all your needs. We pray for Brian to have a fully recovery, and that God will give you both strength to get through this. Remember, we love you both, and are here if you need us. God Bless You Both!
Love,
Aunt Betty & Uncle Charlie
Your attitude is amazing, and we know why. The fact that you have the Lord is what will carry you both through this. As things go up and down like a roller coaster never loose sight, and He will continue to wrap his arms around you during this. Our heart is with both you and Brian everyday. We think about both of you day and night. Our prayers are deep. In Christian Love, Michelle & Todd
I love you guys. Stay stong.
Love you guys! Stay positive and know you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers! Now ya'll hurry home we miss u! Cory
Brian honey...hang in there. We know you're going through an awful lot just now, but God hasn't forsaken you and knows just where you are each and every moment. I found a passage in Psalms where David is saying, "But O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help! He is my God!"
Amen to Rusty's blessing...may the Lord bless and keep you, may He be gracious to you and give you peace this day.
We love you!
Lena :)
Brian & Amanda,
"I know the plans I have for you--plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29.11
When you have overcome this with God's grace, what a powerful story you will have to share. Your story is going to touch the lives of countless others and offer them a hope and a future.
The greater the test...the greater the testimony.
God's blessings on you both!
Bob & Cyndi Scott
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