Prayers Needed and Appreciated...

Greetings!

Rob and I left for the hospital yesterday just after noon for what we were hoping would be a very short stay in the Medical Short Stay Unit for Rob's last chemo treatment.  But we had an adventure coming we weren't completely prepared for...

In just one week, all of Rob's blood counts bottomed out...  red blood count, white blood count, platelets, hemoglobin (just to mention a few) were extremely low, way below the low-normal expected.  I should have known... He's been sleeping most of the time, his skin is ashen, and he just didn't seem right.  I just assumed it was from the chemo.  I would look at him and think what an awful toll this has taken on him.  The doctors don't tell you that.  They smile and say it will be for a short time, and that you'll do fine.  The truth would have been better to hear... all the details.  ALL the details.

After phone calls back and forth between the hospital, the oncologist, the billing department (they have to know who's paying before proceeding), and Rob's provider, we settled in for a while.

After about 5 hours I had to run home to let our Darby out, and I found myself wiping tears from my eyes all the way there.  After letting her out and feeding her, I was drenched running to the car as the worst of the storm passed overhead.  It was okay, it felt cleansing.  And I was trying to get back as fast as I could.  

The transfusion begins... ♥

When I returned, I found out they gave Rob that scary injection to help his red blood count.  This drug tells his bone marrow to get going!  Then, the nurse drew his blood for type and match... that took 2 more hours.  Once the match was made and papers were signed assuming all risk, Rob had a transfusion... only 3-1/2 more hours (less than what we were expecting!) and we were on our way home.  Just before the transfusion was done, Rob started getting color back in his face, and really perked up!  He was awake and talking... a lot for him lately... and it was great to see and hear!  They handed us a list of reactions to watch for and instructions to follow throughout the night.

We pulled into our parking lot 11 hours after we left.

Have I told you how much I love my daughter Nicole and her hubby Mike and their beautiful girls, Izzy and Ally?  I can't find enough words to tell you how much!  When Mike got off work, he picked up Nicole and the girls, and they came to the hospital and picked up our keys...dropping off letters and smile-making artwork for Rob.  Then they went to our old apartment, loaded their van with all the miscellaneous things strewn about that didn't fit into boxes, and thoroughly cleaned the apartment so we could turn the keys over today.  Then they drove here to our new place, and carried all of the things up to our apartment... each girl manning a door while Mommy and Daddy worked as a team emptying their van.  (Mind you, Nicole and the girls were with me all during moving day, from dawn to dusk, helping, working hard, non-stop.)  Then, they waited in the parking lot to give us back the keys to save us an additional trip this morning.  

Tears in my eyes?  Yes. ♥

We are truly and awesomely blessed!

So, we have to head back to the hospital this morning, because Rob needs another injection to help build his white count.  They told him to stay away from everyone, and to wash his hands constantly.  And to make sure he gets back this morning for that WBC boost he so badly needs.

Rob is still sleeping.  I woke him gently at 6:30am to take his temp (part of my instructions).  It was great!  (Thank you, Lord!)

Rob is such a strong man.  You don't even know all the details of how he's been feeling... we just share what we can share.  But even at his lowest points, he still tries to get his smile out.  Weak as it is, it is still there.  And great to see!  I can't even imagine how wretched he's been feeling, I can only see what it's done to him physically.  When I look into his eyes, mine start to tear up.  It hurts, deep inside.

This morning I sit quietly for a few moments and enjoy the rising sun and cool breezes, knowing that the heat and storms are on their way in again this afternoon.  I am hoping the only storms we experience today are weather-related.

Okay, time to get on with my day.  I have boxes to empty, and things to sort out, purging of both material and internal things.  We'll head to the hospital again mid-to-late morning for the injection, turn over our old keys, and come back home to regroup.  And unpack.  

Actually, I'm making decent progress with the boxes... just need the time to finish.  :)

Have a very blessed day today, and share the smile deep in your heart.  Not just for yourself, but for those who surround you.  We need it as much as you do.

Love to you all, and a huge 'thank you' from the bottom of our hearts for your continuing and strengthening prayers.


In Love and Completely Wrapped in Peace,

Cheri ♥