an extended hospital stay

dad will have to stay in the hospital until monday [or his next round of rituxan, if he has it] because his white blood cell count is so low. they say he has what is called neutropenia. the doctors think he may come in contact with a bacteria at home that his body may not be able to handle. one's white blood cells attack bad bacteria and dad doesn't have enough WBCs to adequately fight such bacterias.... the hospital is much safer, though he hates being there.

and prayers have worked because his nurses have been angelic... :)

tomorrow, brian, the kids and i will be bringing dad a latte because he just wants a good cup of coffee. it will go well with the cookies a dear friend left on their back step... thanks, sue!

the next post will be on monday.... keep praying!

back in the (hospital) saddle again

Rachel took Don to the hospital this afternoon. about noon today, Don's head, neck and chest became extremely flush and he was having trouble breathing; his fever spiked too. evidently the lack of breathing deeply was happening yesterday too but he didn't say anything to her about it.

the doctors are running tests but they all have to be done manually because the machines would be too taxing on his body. Don is also experiencing some confusion [not able to find the words to express himself and being more stubborn than normal :) ] because of his high fever. this aspect of the hospital visit is extremely taxing to Rachel.

please pray that the doctors find out what's happening with Don's body and that Rachel is able to communicate effectively with the doctors and Don.