Quiet Days

Quiet few days. Attempts to move off the liquid diet have been unsuccessful.

Laurence worked a little with physical therapy today. He was glad to get some exercise.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Blessings.

Blessed Day

Less pain and more clarity today. Laurence had a great talk with his Mom.

I asked Laurence what he would like to say about today. "Today was a blessed day. Everything was blessed all the way around."

Praise God.

Love in Action

The urinary tract infection that Laurence has is a tough one. His doctors have him on several antibiotics to heal the infection and steroids to fight the graft vs host (GVHD). He is now on an all liquid diet to help the colon rest and repair.

He is twelve weeks into his transplant, so his doctor did a bone marrow biopsy to measure his progress. We should have results in a few days.

We did have a good report this week. Result of an MRI shows improvement over the last one done in June. Praise God!

In spite of pain and discomfort, Laurence continues to inspire everyone with his gracious kindness and love. He is truly an example of love in action.

Faith, prayers and love get us through each day. Thank you for thinking of us and sending prayers our way.

"Cast all your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you." Psalm 55:22

Back to OHSU

Laurence was re-admitted to OHSU yesterday afternoon. The doctor at rehab was concerned about his dehydration, confusion and host of other symptoms and contacted his oncologist at OHSU. His test results show that he has a urinary tract infection and the beginning stages of graft vs host disease. His doctor started him on new meds.

He rested today and was finally able to eat some soup. He had a slight fever tonight.

I am grateful that he is in the right place and getting the treatment he needs. I am grateful for your prayers.

Blessings.

Test Results

Laurence had the test on Wednesday to look at his GI tract and the report shows he has significant ulcers in his colon. He has had a difficult time eating and digesting for at past two weeks. We will find out today what meds will be prescribed.

Laurence is very frustrated, confused and sad. He told me yesterday he so wants to be healthy again. He had a tough day with his therapies.

RIO recommends the family member spends 24 hours at the hospital taking care of the patient without assistance. It is intended to help understand all that goes into care of the patient. My 24 hours starts this afternoon. I accept all prayers for strength, ease and grace.

Each day is a walk in faith. I accept medical bills are paid, resources are provided and help is available each day. Your prayers are a blessing.

God Provides

We had our weekly appointment at OHSU yesterday. Laurence has had digestion problems for a week now. His doctor wants to run another test for graft vs host disease. Not sure when that will happen.

We are preparing for Laurence to be at home by the end of the month. There is concern (from his doctors) that I will burn out from taking care of him. I am well aware that I cannot do the job alone--his medical needs are tremendous. The other option is to place him in skilled nursing facility and that is not an option for me. Insurance will pay for his stay at a skilled nursing facility but will not pay $25/hr for a home health aide to help out and provide respite care. That makes no sense to me. I know Laurence will get better by being at home and not in another facility.

I know that God's blessings will show up as the help, resources, finances, respite care and whatever is needed. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Back to RIO

It's been a busy few days. Laurence was transferred back to RIO on late Friday afternoon. He still has a queasy stomach but all his tests came back negative for any infection.

Laurence is expected to be discharged sometime in the next week. Although it is great news, there are many details to be handled in order for him to be safe and healthy at home.

Will you please stand in agreement with our intentions:

1. We gratefully accept that daily medical and health needs are met with ease and grace.

2. We accept loving assistance from friends and family in supporting Laurence’s daily activities.

3. We live in gratitude for the gracious abundance of Christ knowing all our financial needs are met.

4. We gratefully live in safety, free from harm or injury, being fully protected at all times.

5. We gratefully know that every person participating in Laurence’s care is blessed and prospered from their service.

For it is written: “The Lord watches over us—the sun will not harm by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep us from all harm—he will watch over our life.” Psalm 121:5-7

Thank you for your continued prayers and love.

A Good Report

Laurence was transferred to a room on the 14th floor late last night. Just another small miracle in the life of Laurence! Had lots of tests, received blood and a hefty dose of antibiotics.

He was feeling much better today. Did great work with his therapists and they were thrilled to see his progress since he has been in rehab.

The results of most of his tests are in and are negative. Praise God! Still waiting for results of blood cultures. Hoping to head back to rehab by Saturday.

We are so blessed with your prayers. May God's abundant blessings be returned to you.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him and he will do this..." Psalm 37:4-5

Day 69

Laurence was admitted to OHSU today after his appointment with his oncologist. He's had several issues the last several days, enough to cause his doctor to be concerned and admit him to the hospital.

Unfortunately, the hospital is 110% full and there are no available beds, so he is spending tonight in the emergency room. Laurence is such a trooper. In spite of the noise, confusion and conditions, he is calm and peaceful.

Please join me in knowing that wisdom guides the doctors and harmony prevails in the ER and wholeness is revealed.

Blessings.

Visitor

Laurence's sister Janet from Oakland was here for the weekend. Laurence was so glad to see her. It was great to listen to them reminisce about family.

He had a tough day today dealing with digestion issues. We take so much for granted about our bodies. I continue to stand in faith knowing that wholeness is revealed in Laurence each and every day. Thanks for your loving prayers.

Walking in Faith

June 26 Doctors predict bleak and doubtful future
June 29 Laurence leaves ICU and returns to the transplant unit on 14th floor
July 14 Laurence is able to sit up in bed
July 15 Laurence transfers to rehab at Good Sam


August 5 Laurence is walking!! Praise God!

A million thank you's for your continued prayers!

Day 62

Went to the weekly appointment so see Laurence's oncologist yesterday at OHSU. We discovered that Laurence does not have a bladder infection but his symptoms are related to the graft-versus-host disease from his transplant. His doctor prescribed new meds.

Laurence had a peaceful but busy day. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Blessings.

Grateful

I'm grateful to the blessed friends who made it possible for me to take a day for myself on Sunday. Praise God for gracious blessings!

Laurence did a great job in therapy today. Bladder infection is better but still persisting.

Blessings to you for your prayers and love.

XOXOXXO