Day 14 is at hand....

the fever continues to come and go for my mom.  the blend of antibiotics and pain medication is taking it's toll on her attitude.  i think she is struggling to stay positive with all the obstacles being placed in her path.  while she is still on IV nourishment, she would like to be able to eat more.  unfortunately, her throat is in such a painful state, she can only get down the softest of foods.  while vanilla pudding, applesauce, popsicles, and jello might sound like a interesting diet, she longs to be able to get down some trusty bob evans' roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.

on wednesday, she gets another bone marrow scan (day 14 already).  this will tell us how the chemo did with the leukemia and help determine the next course of action.  my mom, between fever moments, is not looking forward to this test.  in addition to the expected anxiety over the results is the experience from 2 weeks ago when a similar test was very painful for her (her hip still hurts from that procedure).  nonetheless, this bone marrow test is just the next step of the journey.  prayers here for courage, comfort, and positive results would be appreciated.

we had another good day of reading cards/notes/posts.  many of you are asking about when would be a good time for visitors.  unfortunately, we're still keeping a pretty tight hold on the guest list.  her immune system is not there and the drugs make her pretty groggy.  she's generally uncomfortable all of the time.  while she continues to be quite the conversationalist, her throat is even limiting that.  we are anxious to have more people visit.  it seems like any time people are there, even new people, she perks up and "holds court" a little.  as soon as it seems the right time, we'll have more people "over for a spell".  she misses her normal social interactions.  my parents missed their dinner club last saturday.  they've been going to dinner with that group for years and i can count the times they have missed on one hand probably.

if everyone could say a little prayer around 11:00am on wednesday when my mom is getting her bone marrow test, that would be awesome (like my mom).  i'm not sure when the results are available, but i would think it will be a couple of days.

the days seem longer and the waiting is difficult.  it is only with the support of her family and friends that my mom is battling like she needs to.  my father and brothers can't even begin to thank people for the positive thoughts and prayers. the bag that holds all the notes is literally busting at the sides in her hospital room.

quite simply....thank you.

blessings,

tim