Again today we had our hopes set on seeing a nice jump in my blood numbers, even a modest increase would be most welcome. After a number of visits that were disappointing you dampen expectations almost naturally, not at all expecting the big day. It's a good thing too. Numbers for hemoglobin in the 70's requiring 2 more units of packed red blood cells this afternoon. Platelets did have a nice increase from 25 to 34. Whites slid slightly again to 1.7 overall count with neutrophils at 1.2. So with the aid of Eprex for red blood cells we did not gain any ground in 2 weeks. Meanwhile my kidney function decreased which is of concern now.
The doctors plans: starting weaning me from cyclosporin which will help out the kidneys, and drink, drink, drink fluids. Doubling dosage of Eprex to give stem cells a whack upside the head to produce red blood cells. Changed anti nausea drugs to try to help with fatigue levels which have been significant. We will be reducing anti rejection by 20% this week and a further 10% the next week. This will start to increase the chances of GVHD showing up. Decreasing this drug is not expected to make any difference on blood numbers. He says "Engraftment is very very slow, but at least you are feeling not bad". Hmmm. That was the best he had for us today. And it is true, overall I am feeling pretty good, a lot tired but no real issues and for that we are indeed thankful.
Reading Charles Spurgeon this evening - "Jesus' power can only be perfectly revealed in His people by holding, keeping, and sustaining them in trouble. Who can know the perfection of God's strength until he sees God making poor, puny creatures strong?" May you see Jesus' power in us! Our prayer is that all who read these words may know, or come to know, the love of Christ!
Prayer Requests
1. Remember Jan's family that they may be comforted by the gospel.
2. Thanks for no GVHD and no new issues.
3. For increasing blood numbers and improved kidney function.
4. For a smooth weaning of cyclosporin.
3 comments:
Hi Richard and Barb and family
what was now nicer for you then a good report from the dokter for christmas , But you may not give up We pray for you and your family that the numbers will become higher the next time wow you need a lot of patience We wish you and your family the Lord s strenght in this difficult time greetings with love R+A
Praying for you every day. Feeling strong and keeping optimistic is half the battle isn't it... Keep the faith and enjoy the time spent with your wonderful family and grandchildren over Christmas. God bless and Happy Holidays.
- Charles and the Bryan family
Yes keep the faith, believe in Gods promises... recently at church ... heard about a bunch of kids in some foreign country without cars ... who heard that God answers prayer ... and heals ...someone a child had a tumour... BRAIN I think... the one way walk was over an hour... they didn't see God's answer in the first walk so they said "we will be back tomorrow" ... for five days they did this walking back and forth and praying expecting healing ... on the fifth day the child was healed ... God is able ... may God grant you and your family that miracle of complete healing and may your faith be strong and your powerful witness continue ... God bless Ron & Laura
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