Good News and Bad News

The good news is that Jim was given a new prescription to treat his mouth sores and it seems to be giving him some relief. It's called Lidocaine Viscous, and Jim described it as feeling like the numbing you might get in a dentist's office. It numbs his mouth and tongue and allows him to eat without feeling any pain and irritation. His nurse is the one who actually suggested it. Jim has had the most wonderful nurses and this is just another example of why we think so.

Jim's hemoglobin count went up on its own from yesterday without any transfusions. That is also good news and indicates his bone marrow may be generating blood cells on its own.

The bad news is mostly what I consider bad. Even though Jim is doing well, his doctor would like to keep him in the hospital until Tuesday instead of Monday to give his blood counts a chance to recover even more. I was disappointed when I heard that. I know it is the best for Jim, but I am ready for him to be home. More bad news is that Steven has not been feeling well since yesterday. He has had allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, watery eyes) and this evening had a low grade fever. Often his allergy symptoms trigger an exacerbation of his cystic fibrosis. He is being compliant to take all of his meds and treatments, but I'm not sure what that will mean for Jim's discharge date.

Honestly, I am discouraged by all this and somewhat disheartened. We had seemed to be sailing through Jim's treatment well and I've been looking forward to having this all behind us and moving on with life. At the risk of sounding like I'm whining, I did not anticipate having my husband in the hospital and a sick child at home. Seems that nothing is ever easy.

However, once again, I can testify as to the faithfulness of God. This morning at church, I thought things were going along as planned and that Jim would be home tomorrow. I had two people offer to provide three meals for us this week. I agreed to each of them but felt that it was a bit unnecessary; I did, however, look forward to not having to think about meal planning this week. Now it looks as though our week may be more difficult than I thought. God provides even before I knew we had a need. How cool is that? Very encouraging to me.

We would covet your prayers. Please pray:

• that Steven would continue to be compliant and that his medications would be effective and symptoms would subside.
• for wisdom for the doctors as they make decisions about Jim's care and discharge.
• for the peace that passes understanding for me and for the strength and encouragement to be a single parent while Jim is away. And for contentment in all situations.

Thanks for your love and care for us. I will do my best to get my rest and enjoy the hugs I'm getting from Brad who seems tuned in to when I'm having a tough time. Another blessing indeed!