Re-Admittance

   Connie here.  I was waiting to write, hoping to have more answers later today but I doubt we will know much more until tomorrow.

To sum up the weekend, Phil very quickly developed a cough, shortness of breath, and a slight fever Friday afternoon.  I brought him to the ED at Spectrum just as they had instructed.  Since they don't mess around in that department with stem cell transplants, he was quickly admitted to 5C and we were reunited with our friendly and capable nurses who we had assumed we would never see again.  Oh, and our favorite internal medicine specialist, Dr. Fayed.

Since then, Phil has been on IV antibiotics.  No more fever.  But another issue.  His shortness of breath became worse and it was discovered that there is fluid in his lungs.  Other issues (and I feel like this is a cycle) are lots of edema (swelling), inability to take in nourishment, constant diarrhea, low potassium level, and low hemoglobin level.  WBC is good and platelets are good.  Phil just had an echocardiogram done and has had high levels of Lasix (diuretic) pushed, with hopes that the fluid will decrease.  There is a possibility that he might need a thoracentesis (to drain fluid from lungs) and blood transfusion tomorrow.  Dr. Fayed still does not seem surprised or nervous and has a plan if it is determined that this is heart related.  The guy just does not get worried EVER!!  That helps me to relax too and not worry.  Well.....you know.  I'm lying just a little.

How can you pray for us?  Pray for a miraculous healing, for peace, for no more diarrhea, for the meds to work, for good sleep (for both of us), for answers, that next time they send Phil home he will be ready, reversal of any damage to any organs, that any lasting effects of this nasty chemo will be flushed out of his body completely, that his hemoglobin will go up tonight so he doesn't need blood, and that our kids will be OK and that this will increase their faith and trust in our  Heavenly Father.  This has been so very hard for everyone in our family, but especially Phil.  He's gone through some very painful days and long, discouraging nights.  We are all exhausted.

In the middle of it all, though, there are moments......when unexpected notes or gifts or food arrive.  Or family/friends come and take a tree down and get the driveway ready for a basketball court for Tem's birthday (which was in November:). Or a kind word from the housekeeper or dietary aide.  And the assurances of the medical staff that we will get through this.  They have seen others do it and we will too.  And a long-awaited gift from Nurse Jenna - Immodium.  Finally!!

Signing off for today and still thankful for the ways God shows us he see us and loves us and will care for our every need, big or small.