Dad has been in the hospital 22 days. The first 2 days he was getting checked in. The next 5 days he received chemotherapy. The last 15 days we have been waiting to see if the chemo has worked, and have watched him feel the affects of the chemo.
Thus far side affects include:
-extensive mouth and throat sores (similar to strep). So far this has been the worst part and is preventing dad from eating and talking much
-constant headaches
-shakes
-occasional temperature (not as bad as last time)
-lack of energy / weak
-infection in his leg they believe might be a fungus
-water retention
-hair loss
-insomnia (compounded by the fact the nurses have to check his vitals at midnight and 4am each night)
-and a host of other daily changing ailments
Luckily after 4 incidents, the fainting seems to have stopped (and with it, the bruises all over his poor body). Hallelujah!
July 8th the Dr. gave dad a bone marrow test to asses the effectiveness of the chemotherapy. July 9th we found out that while the chemo appears to be working, it hasn't killed enough leukemia cells to make dad eligible for a bone marrow transplant. When dad went into the hospital 30-40% of his cells were infected with leukemia. The marrow test showed the chemo has reduced this number to 8%. While the Drs. think this is an excellent/remarkable response to the chemo (there was a chance the leukemia would have completely resisted the chemo and gained strength), we must hit 5% or below to be considered "in remission." This left dad with a choice to make:
1. Do nothing for a week. The chemo may still be killing the leukemia cells. A new bone marrow test in 7 days may show the number has dropped below 5%.
2. Get blasted with another round of chemo immediately to try and kill off the remaining 8%.
Given that his body is still in midst of feeling the affects of the chemo, getting hit with another round would make his side affects much worse since his body hasn't had time to heal. Also, it would take 2-3 weeks longer to recover. The Dr. also said that the bone marrow test was given 1 week earlier than normal since this is a "medical study." So there is the chance his leukemia count will continue to drop with no new chemo.
So, we decided to wait and pray (please join us!) that the first round of chemo is still killing the leukemia cells and in a week his % will drop below 5%. If in a week his percentage has stayed the same or increased he will have to go through "re-induction," or get blasted with a 2nd round of chemo.
So we are back to the waiting game which seems to be a never ending theme.
Dad has started listening to books on CD which provides a nice diversion. He also has at least 2 family visitors per day whether he wants them or not. :) However, visitors are limited to immediate family only given he has no immune system and a cold or infection could be lethal.
Thanks for all the emails, letters, cards, blog comments, fasting, and prayers. We feel your concern and love and gain strength from it.
4 comments:
While I have been praying for him, now I have something specific to add to the prayer. Thank you for the update.
thank you for the continuing updates. he (and all of you) are in our prayers. how wonderful it is to see the strength of the lewis gang. how blessed you all are to have each other.
much love!
It's just amazingly distressing albeit miraculous to see what the medical world comes up with...please know we are feeling your pain and keeping you in our prayers. Love Mike and Diana Dudley
Gordon, we think of you often and pray on your behalf. I miss our association in the temple and elsewhere, and pray that your life may return to normal so you may be able to commune again with your friends. You are a testimony to us of the strength and courage with which one is able to face life when filled with the Holy Spirit. Thank you for taking the time and effort to write us so we can feel of your Spirit. Bob Mercer
Post a Comment