Thursday Fast Request

Robert and Ashley just one year ago!

Ashley has asked that people join together in a fast for Robert tomorrow Thursday April, 30th. For those of you who may not know we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also referred to as Mormons. If you would like to know more about fasting please go here.

Robert is still in the ICU today. His kidneys are functioning well again, and they have managed to keep his temperature down and his blood pressure up. Doctors have also discovered the source of his fever. He has a bacterial infection in his blood, this is a difficult thing for him because he is neutropenic and doesn't have the immune system necessary to fight it off on his own. They have him on antibiotics to help him fight his infection. 

The other complication that Robert is dealing with right now is fluid in his lungs. On Monday night (late) Robert's blood pressure started dropping. They believe it was because he had such a high fever all day and he became dehydrated. To bring his blood pressure back up they had to give Robert lots and lots of fluids. This did work to bring his blood pressure up, but some of the fluids got into his lungs. Currently Robert is on an oxygen mask all the time, to be sure that he is absorbing enough oxygen through his lungs. If at any point he is not getting enough oxygen they may have to put him on a ventilator, to help his lungs take in enough oxygen.

Robert also received steroids today that will specifically help to stimulate his adrenal system. Because Robert has been fighting infections and on antibiotics for so long (C-diff and colitis before he even went into the hospital for this round of chemo) his adrenal system isn't working the way it should. This happens to people who fight infections for such a long period of time.

Looks like this week will be a medical update week! They anticipate that Robert will remain in the ICU for the next 3-4 days.

Robert doesn't talk much at all right now. It is too much work for him to speak. He sleeps or is 'out of it' most of the time due to all the drugs and pain meds he is on. His body is using all of its energy fighting right now. The good news is that his white blood cell count or 'numbers' are beginning to come up. Today he is at .3 up from the previous .1! We hope they come up quickly and help him fight off this infection.

Please continue your prayers for Robert and Ashley! Ashley continues to be so amazing as Robert's wife and caregiver. She has such faith in his recovery! Join your faith with ours and fast with us tomorrow if you are able.

Much gratitude and love,

Janelle