Not a good day

Dad has really been struggling since his last appointment. Mom and I were calculating today and we think that in the 5 days since his last treatment he has been up and out of bed a total of 8 hours. He is lethargic, nauseated and weak. There are quite a few everyday, normal activities that he should be able to do that he just can't. He can't life Audrey up on to the couch. He can't get out of the car without having to stop and get his bearings. Today at lunch he had to go lay in the car when we were only half way through our lunch.

We called Dr. Reid's office when we got home and asked the nurse to return our call. After Mom spoke with her they told her to bring Dad in immediately. After running a few tests they found out he is EXTREMEMLY dehydrated and his white cell count has bottomed out.

Please pardon me if I get any of this wrong - this is what I remember from Laine's phone call and the medical jargon has been lost on me. His white cell count at the lowest should be 2.5 - Dad's was 0.8. He has been placed on a 48 hour quarantine from anyone but his immediate family - and from us if any of us are exhibiting and cold like symptoms. (Continue to pray for Audrey's health through this. I'm sure you all know what it's like having a baby who is cold prone. Just pray that she stays healthy through all of this so Dad doesn't have to miss seeing his baby girl.) He will also have to give himself some kind of shots to up his white cell count. They have also placed him on a preliminary antibiotic - just in case. There are no signs of any infection right now but they don't want to take any chances.

He is also on IV fluids right now. He just hasn't been drinking enough. He is supposed to have AT LEAST 2 liters of liquid a day and Mom has been lucky to get him to drink 8 ounces. Laine told me within 5 minutes of being placed on IV fluids he was already acting like he felt better.

Mom is trying to speak with a doctor. Dr. Reid is out until Wednesday so she's hoping to get a chance to talk with Dr. Tsuda. We're just hoping they will ease off a little bit of the strong medication they are giving him. This is just overwhelming him and his body.

Just keep Dad in your prayers. This is only week 2 and he already is so miserable and having quite a few problems. I don't know what the next 14 weeks will bring but pray that it gets much, much, MUCH better.