time for an oil change

yup, it's that time again... white cells are high and hemoglobin is low so don had another bood transfusion last night. that means that he'll be in the hospital until at least tomorrow. mckenna and avery are a little sad because there's a chance that he'll miss their performance in a christmas carol tomorrow night... be praying he'll be able to join the live audience!

anyway, here's a photo of him getting that oil change and mckenna keeping him company :)

at least there's a smile!

another oil change

today dad had yet another blood transfusion. that makes 34 pints of blood to date! whew! i have not spoken to mom or dad this evening, but the kids and i are planning a visit over to their place tomorrow.

and i am thankful that he is having this transfusion so that he can be healthy and feel well enough for the little surprise i've been working up for him.... more on that later.

just keep praying, friends! thanks so much!

the latest...

last thursday dad had another blood transfusion receiving 2 units of blood and the infusion went well. he has a bit more energy... enough to come to Ian's first birthday party and socialize a bit! yay!

his gout is gone... and yes, it was gout. he was given some meds for it and he has been drinking the concentrated black cherry juice to keep it away and it has worked. on wednesday last week dad was able to walk through the hospital to the dr's office and back to the car on his own. this is the first time in weeks that he was able to walk any distance without use of a wheelchair. the chills and fevers have subsided, but he still sweats terribly at night. he has also been having terrible itching, creating a hives-type rash on his neck, torso and legs. dad has also had a loss of appetite and mom has been having a tough time trying to make food that is appealing to him. he just does not want to eat. he has lost a considerable amount of weight, so prayer is needed regarding his appetite and desire to eat.

the encouragement you all have been sending and your many prayers have been much appreciated. dad really knows that he is loved [insert warm fuzzy here :) ].

May 19 - Chemo begins

chemo was scheduled for monday, tuesday and wednesday. after treatments on monday and tuesday, dad was tired and would get dizzy when he stood up. on wednesday before he went in for the third round, he showed me his hands and they were completely white. under normal circumstances, one's hands are pink in color from blood circulation. in dad's case, anemia had set in so instead of a chemo treatment, he got yet another blood transfusion [this makes 28 pints over the past year].