Transplant +8

This is Karen posting.

Dad had a tough day today.  He began his morning with nausea so the nurses put him on a stronger dose of IV anti-nausea medication (rather than the pill form).  Eating continues to be very unappealing and therefore difficult for him, though Dad is still determined to eat and drink as much as he can.  While he had no fever today, he was low again in his blood numbers.  He received two units of blood and one unit of platelets.  Until his new stem cells begin to show engraftment and begin to make new blood cells, Dad's numbers will continue to be low.  Having fevers and an infection blows through the blood transfusions quickly, which is why he is receiving them regularly.  While he had jaundice (high bilirubin) earlier in the week, his colour is back to normal again today, for which we are thankful.  While he was able to skype with most of his kids today, Dad was very tired and spent a lot of time asleep.

He was thankful to hear that his beans were combined, wheat planted, and new flooring finished in the house. :)  Thank you to our dear family members who continue to show such support and help to our family in these ways!

Prayer Requests:
1) That eating will become easier for him and the nausea controlled better by IV.  The more he can eat and drink on his own, the better. 
2) That the new stem cells are well into the process of engraftment.  Please pray that they will soon engraft and begin producing blood so that Dad's numbers will improve!
3) For healing and success of the antibiotics against his blood infection.
4) For continued protection from infections/flus/viruses, etc. 
5) For renewed strength, trust, and hope for each new day.

Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings;
My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:7-8