Neutropenic

It took about 1 week after the start of Jonathan's first round of Chemo for him to start feeling better.  By last Wednesday, he was starting to eat some Mac and Cheese, read to the kids, and was coming out of the safety of his bed.  Thursday he was doing really well...  Then it was a fast road back to feeling really crappy!  It started with what we thought was a double ear infection, then it moved to maybe a sinus infection, and he was in really miserable shape by Sunday morning.  He decided to go to urgent care that morning and they did confirm he had a sinus infection but did not think he had an ear infection.  So we got some antibiotics.

Later that night, Jon and I were sitting outside, watching the boys in the hot tub when he told me his biopsy incision was so tender it hurt to even have his pants touch it.  I of coarse called my friends in the medical field, and my good friend Katie told us we needed to go to the ER.  Apparently when going through chemo, any small medical thing can be a big deal.  She was right!

At the ER we were told now that Jon does have a double ear infection, along with a sinus infection, and an infection in his leg.  After running all his blood we were told he was Neutropenic or has neutropenia.  This basically means you have an abnormally low white blood cell count.  This is often expected after chemo, but His counts were so low that bacteria that is normally present in your mouth etc. can cause infection.  And Jon's body was very obviously under attack.  So right there in the ER they started an IV antibiotic drip.  They then admitted him into the hospital for a few more days so he could continue these hard core antibiotics. 

So this is our life now for the next year I guess.  When you aren't in the hospital, you fear every little minor medical thing because it can very likely send you right back to where you came from.  Then there is the fear that whatever is sending you back is going to postpone your treatment of hell (chemo) which you actually want to have to save your life.  Because every time you postpone your chemo schedule, you reduce your chances. 

Jonathan actually had a better stay in the hospital this time around.  He was joking with nurses and making friends.  His favorite nurse Claire watched shark week with him while I wasn't there.  He wasn't nauseous and was feeling better as the antibiotics got pumped in.  We had a wonderful impromptu dinner that Gale brought us in the hospital.  I can not tell you all enough how much we love and appreciate food that is brought to us.  Jon took a picture of his dinner from the hospital that was delivered:

(those of you who enjoy hospital food, very sorry if this is offensive)  But Jonathan is VERY grateful for something other than mystery meat and fake mashed potatoes!  If you would like to help with food, This is something that we find very helpful.  Go to http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=QUFN4124&v=227183be69  We've had the new schedule posted for a little while now and there are still a few spots open for his next few rounds of chemo. 

Now that Jonathan is home and feeling much better things are getting back to normal for the most part.  His incision that was totally healed has split back open and is now oozing.  (Jon wouldn't let me post a picture... He says your are welcome Mom)  But I can deal with oozing incisions, that no problem.  We did end up getting to the ENT, and Jonathan is starting to experience minor hearing loss as that point.  This is a side effect of the Cisplatin and we will need to monitor this carefully.  The ENT doctor said he hasn't seen anyone totally loose their hearing, but after this is over, Jon very well may need a hearing aid. 

I got a wonderful gift from Stephanie, the photographer at our vow renewal.  I thought I would post the very cool video she made us.  And side note, this gal is awesome.  What a kind gift she gave our family and a very neat person.  If you need pictures... Call her!
http://animoto.com/play/U8c1SGDsu0whuc1Enx8ozw
www.shmilyfacephoto.com 
Stephanie Arieno   509-994-9323

Mary Davenport is also looking for help washing cars at her car wash fund raiser.  Please call her if you are able to help!  509-366-7200  This will be at C&V Auto on Sept 6th from 9-3.  Thank you to everyone that helps out in this way!  We are overwhelmed by your kind gesture. 

My inspiration for this week came from church on Sunday.  We learned about Esther this week.  I never would have thought the story of Esther would be one that would help much for something like this.  But in short, God's hiddenness does not equate to his absence.  Even though we can't see him and maybe we don't know where his hand is in each circumstance, but he is here.  He is working toward our deliverance.  In Esther 9:22 it talks about how sorrow is turned to Joy.  I can't see it now, and I don't know how it will be possible.  But I know God's plan is to use this and we will look back at this time and may never want to change it because of the Joy God will give us from it.  Sounds crazy, but I believe it!