It is hard for me to write this update, as I am usually much more upbeat and positive. So, you’ll get the real deal today. It has been a hard week for Chris and for me. I came home last night, to spend the weekend with the kids. Chris’ parents are staying with Chris at the hospital for the weekend. I have really enjoyed my time with the kids, but have found it so hard to be the kind of mom I want to be, when I feel so overwhelmed with sadness and (being honest) some fear. I hesitate to share my “raw” emotion with you, but I know so many of you pray for us everyday and I want you to know that we are weak right now, so you can be strong for us and pray for our strength.
Chris has spent the whole week receiving blood, plasma and platelet transfusions, due to low blood counts. Although his surgery was last Saturday, he has continued to have bleeding/ draining from his incision the whole week. It has started to finally improve last night and today. His platelets have continued to be low, even after three days of transfusions. A bone marrow biopsy was performed on Friday morning to make sure his bone marrow wasn’t infected with cancer cells, which would cause his bone marrow not to produce platelets. The preliminary reports show no cancer cells in the bone marrow, so this is good news. They are still trying to determine the cause of the continued low platelets, since it is unlikely related to the last chemo treatment, since that was nearly four weeks ago. In an update from his mom today, she told me his platelets were higher today and his incision draining has slowed down significantly.
Chris feels so bad that it has been very hard to motivate him to get up and work with physical therapy or even just to sit up and get out of the bed. This is a concern because so much time in bed has made his skin start to break down and there is concern of possible bedsores, if we don’t get him up more. His mom said today was better and they were able to help him take a shower. It is hard to see him with so little fight… please pray for his strength.
There is still a follow up surgery pending, to go back into his arm to put in the permanent hardware. The Oncologist wants this to happen sooner than the surgeon, so it is still unclear when it will happen. I am sure the Oncologist wants it to happen sooner than later, since he is waiting to start cancer treatment until after the surgery. However, the surgeon feels that it would be too risky to do the surgery until he has more time to heal from the first one and for his over all condition to improve. After the surgery, we will be waiting for the Oncologist to proceed with the next chemotherapy option, which will be an experimental/ trial type, likely in pill form, from what we understand.
The kids are doing fine. Cody has stayed very busy with various summer jobs and other things. We have been so blessed to have my mom living with us, so that she can care for Justin and Allison while I am at the hospital. I have not been coming home much, since Chris’ condition has made us feel that some one should be with him at all times, at least for now. My mom has kept them busy, but they feel sad and miss us being home. This week will be our 11 year wedding anniversary. Please pray that God will make this a sweet time for us, despite the overwhelming circumstances.
I am sure this update reveals my exhaustion and weakness. When I send out updates, so many of you write me back and say… okay, tell me how you really feel. J So, I have learned to just be real with you and trust that you will understand that I am not losing hope, just feeling a little tired and need your prayers. I am returning to the hospital Sunday evening to stay for the week. When I am at the hospital, my friend Kathie will send out e-mails for me, to keep you updated. (thanks Kathie) Thanks to every one who has helped with meals and rides. We love you.
Mandy
P.S. Chris is at Baylor Dallas, Roberts Building, 6th floor, room 628.
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