Jim's in the Hospital

Jim has been having an increasingly difficult time managing the side effects from the chemotherapy and lumbar punctures he has undergone. We went in for a doctor’s appointment on Thursday, and after consulting with the doctor from IU, Jim’s doctor made the decision to admit Jim to the hospital. He is there for two reasons. One is that they can better manage his pain and nausea with IV medications, they can keep him better hydrated with IVs and they can better monitor his need for platelets and hemoglobin. The other reason is that the doctor decided to place an Ommaya reservoir into Jim’s head. The Ommaya reservoir is a device that is implanted under the scalp. It allows chemotherapy to be given through the fluid around the spinal cord and brain. The chemo can go directly to where it is needed, and Jim can avoid the side effects of headaches that he gets from the lumbar punctures. Here's what he looks like now.

Jim has been somewhat uncomfortable and low on energy; however, we are thankful they are better able to manage his symptoms at the hospital. We are still scheduled to go to the University of Michigan on Tuesday. Jim’s doctor said we would give Jim a “tune up”, get him feeling better, and then discharge him in time for our consultation in Ann Arbor.

Here’s how you can pray:

- Pray for complete healing from this disease.
- Pray for encouragement for Jim. This is a very difficult time for him right now. He is not feeling well at all and has been somewhat discouraged.
- Pray that his central nervous system would be cleared of all leukemia.
- Pray for the doctors’ wisdom as we learn what our next steps will be at the University of Michigan.
- Pray for the boys and me as we continue this journey with Jim.
- Pray that we would see God’s hand work in a mighty way in our present circumstances.
- Pray that God would receive honor and glory as we continue to trust in Him.

Thank you, once again, for uplifting us before our God and Saviour.