Daniel Turns 14 Today

Since today is Daniel's 14th birthday, we celebrated in the hospital so Ray could also be a part of it. We just had ice cream and he opened presents. It was fun for all of us. We're going to Ryan & Heather's tomorrow night for pizza and Heather is making a cake for Daniel. (Isn't she a sweetheart?)

Things are about the same for Ray. He needed another unit of platelets today and daily he gets shots (nuepogen & procrit, spelling?) that help the body produce red blood cells and white blood cells. These meds cause his bones to ache, which he says is slightly uncomfortable.

I awoke this morning and discovered our water heater leaking. Immediately, I envisioned it needing to be replaced, but thankfully it was only a leaky 15" (flexible) line that needed replaced. Ray's brother, Billy came to the rescue and fixed it for us during his lunch hour. All I had to do was go to the alley and shut the water off. That's the extent of my plumbing knowledge. Thanks again, Billy!

Blessings from our family to all of you,
Kim

Ready to Bailout

Well today Ray received two more units of "packed red blood cells" because his counts were falling once again. Afterwards, he tried to convince the Dr. he was ready to go home. (He's considering his own bailout:) Of course, the Dr. wouldn't let him and told him he could go home when his body starts producing its own blood again, which probably means he'll be there for several more days.

He feels good, loves to have healthy visitors, and loves to get phone calls. It all sure helps to pass the time.

Love you all,
Kim

Hangin' In There

Not much has changed since yesterday, although he's not feeling quite so fatigued since receiving the 3 units of blood and platelets yesterday and his color is much better. We are looking and hoping for his blood counts to begin improving soon.

Changing the subject: We're hearing rave revues about the new movie "Fireproof" that opened this weekend. Sounds like a great movie for all of us to see. If you haven't heard much about it, check it out and GO SEE IT!! We're planning to as soon as Ray if feeling up to it.

Love you all,
Kim

A New Hideout

By 8:30 this morning Ray was pretty well settled into his new hideout. He did receive two units of "packed red blood cells" and one unit of platelets this afternoon. Have I ever told you how much we love and appreciate blood donors?

For the most part, things are going well for him. He has no pain to speak of, and really his only complaint is having no energy.

We're getting to know the 6th floor staff quite well and are on "first name basis" with many of them. This morning I ran into one of the nurses on the elevator and immediately she asked how's Ray and why are we back in the hospital? Then she asked, "He doesn't have a fever again, does he?" I told her, "No, and SHHH!! We are not even saying that 'f-word' this time." As you can tell "fever" is every one's biggest concern and threat when the body's defense is practically non-existent.

Love you all,
Kim

Back to the Hospital

The lab results today showed Ray's blood counts have dropped drastically just since Tues. So he will be admitted to the hospital tomorrow (Fri.) morning. Our plans are to take Mary & Daniel to school and then Ray and I will go to BSA. So we should be there around 8:00.

Dr. said Ray will be receiving red blood cells and platelets to start with, and we should plan for him to be there for about a week. Dr. also promises to get him back out of there ASAP. He likes to have his patients recuperate at home as much as possible. He told us that illnesses you catch outside of the hospital are much easier to treat than illnesses you catch in the hospital. I thought that was an interesting perspective.

On my way to Daniel's football game this evening.

More tomorrow...
Love you all,
Kim

Appt. Today

We were back to the Dr. this morning and found out Ray's blood counts have remained the same since Sat. when we left the hospital. We were expecting them to have dropped, possibly low enough he'd have to be admitted back into the hospital. Dr. told him to go back home and keep doing whatever he's doing. We go back Thurs. afternoon once again for lab work.

We were prepared to head to hospital, so we feel as though we've have been given a few more days off.

Ray's very fatigued at all times. As a healthy person, I take many things for granted and never realized the energy it takes just to put one foot in front of the other. Thank the Lord everyday for your good health!

Love you all,
Kim

Home Again

We got home this afternoon and it feels so good to not be sitting at the hopsital. Just being there 5 1/2 days, makes me wonder, how in the world did we do that for nearly 4 weeks the last time. Ray's energy is low as his blood counts continue to go down. He goes back to the Dr. Tues. morning for lab work. If everything is still OK he'll let us go back home again for a couple more days.

Love you all,
Kim