Day +299 Post Transplant, Patiently Waiting At City Of Hope

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 PETER 5 : 7”

Last Week Clif started having some mild stomach cramping, by Tuesday of this week the cramping had intensified to a very painful level.

A drive to he closest ER; Western Medical to be inpatient there for 4 days than another transport ride over to City of Hope.  Our week has been full of X-Rays, CT's, Ultrasounds and No Food By Mouth.  

Its been challenging.  The series of tests have concluded a certain Ileus; 

A Non-mechanical blockage in the intestines, meaning there is not a physical blockage but movement has stopped.  Mechanical blockages are more common than non-mechanical blockages. Ileus is an example of a non-mechanical blockage.   They do not see an obstruction in the intestines, but something is slowing and even causing the bowel system to sleep a bit.

So we wait...........We've seen all the right doctors and all are hoping this clears on it's own.  There are many many causes of Ileus and without speculating the long list of possibilities, we've narrowed it to probably long term pain meds and slower mobility.

Unfortunately, Clif is on morphine and atavan and the two mixed does cause confusion and anxiety.  Trying to keep him encouraged and quiet.  We are doing PT and trying to get as much physical movement as we can to help things along.  But for now this is a waiting game until doctors feel another course of treatment should be taken.

Please keep up a specific prayer for movement, for the roads to clear and for traffic to start moving on the backed up intestinal highway!

Will keep you posted.  

In His Grace,

Doreene

Day +284 Post Transplant, Post Super Bowl Weekend and Our Progress!

““Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Psalm 46:10-11

It was Super Bowl Weekend last year when Clif began to feel very sick.  I remember the weekend well........He began his transition from 12 years with Myelofibrosis over to Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  A bone marrow transplant was coming and we knew it.  We had searched, traveled, prayed and prepared for decisions and days ahead.  The term; "Ignorance is Bliss" has become a clear rememberance of difficult days gone by.  Not Knowing the magnitude of medical difficulties can actually be a blessing.  Going through this last year of affliction has shed much insight & wisdom and ignorance is now not allowed at this stage of the game.  Our doctors, all excellent, have done their jobs with precision and perfection.  

Clifs current health status is; fluid around the heart, lungs and abdomen.  Weakness in the legs and very thin skin on the arms caused from increased steroids and low platelets.   (There are other minor things going on in his health, but we don't major in the minors here).

Since Clif went septic this past December 30th, he spent three weeks at City of Hope and the consequences of treating this infection are still hovering.  Close observation via CT and Ecco are performed frequently to monitior if fluids are reducing or increasing.  Doctors all believe it is a form of graft vs host (gvh) making an attack on the vascular system, again.   The increased steroids to heal the gvh are being weaned down.  Unfortunately, the steroid use has stolen even more strength from his already fragile muscular system.   Clif has been receiviing more platelets and blood due to this event and we are grateful for so many of you who have recently come back to donate, again.

Much has happened and thankfully much has passed. Difficulty days still remain but we are pressing on.   

Thank you for continuing to pray for all of us!

Blessings and Happy New Year, 

Clif, Doreene, Charlie, Sydney, and William