Medications

We were told that usually it takes 7 to 10 days after chemotherapy for the blood counts to drop. This time around, Jim's counts began to drop after about 5 days. Last Friday, Jim received 2 units of hemoglobin and one unit of platelets because his counts were low. He did fine over the weekend and enjoyed the Superbowl with his favorite team winning the game.

Today he woke up and showed me his tongue. It was swollen and covered with mouth sores. He could hardly talk because it was so sore. He admitted he had a few mouth sores over the weekend but never complained, but he had begun the medication that was prescribed to help soothe the irritation. When he saw the nurse this morning, he told her this was the worst bout of mouth sores he has ever experienced so another medication was prescribed. Here's just a sample of some of Jim's meds.

The medication on the left in the box is the new medication and the the liquid medication in the bottle in the center is also for mouth sores. He is now using both medications and receiving some relief. He is not able to eat, however, and only had a couple Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes today.

It's been our experience that the next couple of weeks will be the toughest. Jim's blood counts will continue to be low and transfusions will be necessary. His white blood count is very low now which means he is not able to fight off infection or virus' well so he is not allowed out in public. Cabin fever and bordom will most likely set in. His energy level will be low and so running our household falls on my shoulders.

We are so grateful to those of you have followed this blog and pray for us. We would appreciate it if you would continue to pray. Please pray that:

• Jim would be completely healed of this disease.
• Jim would be protected from any germs, infection or illness.
• Jim's medication for his mouth sores would be effective and that he would receive relief and healing.
• I would remain strong and organized in managing kids schedules and attending to the needs of our home over this period of time as we wait for Jim to recover from the effects of chemotherapy.

This has been a tough journey and yet we remember how faithful God has been to hold our hand every step of the way - how He has protected us and comforted us and how He never leaves us. We look to Him again as we near the end of this treatment protocol. And we will shout, "Our God is good, and He is the faithful one."