Day +83, Improvement

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths† straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trusting Gods hand in all that has happened and continues to happen has not been easy.  But I must say loudly, it has been the hand that has sustained both Clif, myself and our family through this almost 6 month stay at the City of Hope!  Do I think it is a City of Hope?  Absolutely!!!

Clif has been here in ICU for now 17 days, this is our 3rd stay in this unit.  I have seen amazing things here and I cannot say enough positive comments about the care and treatment received.  

Since the last update, 6 more liters of fluid off the abdomen and 754cc's of fluid off from around the heart and lung area.  He looks very good and is improving.  He complains of some chest pain, so I will ask for another ECCO just to confirm nothing is building up again around the heart.  I am told it is common to have this type of pain after draining like this occurs.

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy are back!  Memories are a little scrambled but some of the most recent ones of what he doesn't remember are worth the loss.  

The doctors collectively believe the fluid build up is caused from Graft vs Host.  In slang language; Clif has a 28 year old, untamed wild horse living in his barn.  The problem is everytime we think we get him harnessed and somewhat tamed, he busts out of his stall again and messes up the barn.  The graft is attacking the host!

Thank you again for continueing to pray us!