– They took the foley catheter out today. Pray that B’s bladder will empty efficiently.
– His blood counts continue to drop. He got a platelet transfusion today (the first one in several months). His hemaglobin was below 8 so technically he needed blood again today (even though he just got it yesterday) but they decided to hold off and see if his body can correct it by tomorrow. His white blood count was 1.9 (normal is 6.0-17). His AGC – the number that represents how well he can fight infection – is getting close to being dangerously low. Remember, if this number gets too low, the fungal infection gets worse. Pray that his bone marrow can bounce back from this round of chemo and start working properly again. Pray, also, that he will remain infection-free while his counts are low.
– He’s been having fevers the last few days. We had a wonderful! glorious! run of about 10 days where he didn’t have any fevers. I think that’s the longest stretch he’s gone since October 09. I really cannot even begin to tell you how nice it was to not have to take him to the ER for blood cultures everyday. But! The fevers are back. To make matters worse, because of the recent Tylenol recall, the hospital pharmacy has stopped dispensing Tylenol. Brock can’t take ibuprofen to reduce fever because it affects platelets. We found out today that the other drug he can take for fever, Trilisate, isn’t being made anymore. Rad. The only option: tylenol with codeine (because that batch hasn’t been recalled). Not exactly ideal when we’re trying to wean him off narcotics. Pray that he doesn’t have anymore fevers.
– He is scheduled to start steroids again on Wednesday. Wednesday, y’all! I just might lose my mind if it makes him as miserable as it did last time. Pray that he’ll be able to tolerate the next round of steroids.
Does it sound like I’m whining and miserable? I really hope not. We are so completely blessed to be where we are. Five months ago we didn’t think he’d live to see Christmas. We’re thankful for every day, even if it is spent in a hospital room. Thank you for continuing to pray with us!
Brock Rocks 
Girl, you can be miserable AND fully aware of your blessings. There’s no joy in a sick child and no one blames you for being forthright- I’m pretty sure everyone who reads this marvels at your strength. Take it easy on yourself. You’re a testament to grace under fire…and an amazing woman, mother, and spouse. There’s no doubt about any of that.
Comment by MaryAnn — May 2, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
So sorry to hear about Brock and his low counts. Tessa is having similar count issues but we have yet to find out the cause. Every time I pray for Tessa I pray for Brock also. I hope they get this tylenol situation figured out soon. It’s worrying me. Hugs and prayers being sent your way!
Comment by amanda — May 2, 2010 @ 10:12 pm
Praying praying praying that his counts will improve on their own, and the fevers will stop. Also, no more problems with the steroids, and that his bladder will empty on its own now. No need to apologize for whining, with what you are going thru, I hardly consider prayer requests whining.
Praying also for continued strength for an amazing family. God Bless you all,
Comment by Shannon Edwards — May 2, 2010 @ 10:28 pm
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”
Proverbs 2:6-8
May God grant the doctors and nurses wisdom in dealing with Brock…and Lord, please give us a break here with the medicines and give your children, Vanessa and Jason, some peace beyond even their own understanding. I know you’re walking the floor with them Lord, but please, these kids have been through it all. Lord, please surround Brock’s room with your angels, surround their home with your angels. Protect all of their family. Lord, please take away the fungus, please heal his little body. Thank you for his life and his witness to the tenacity of the human spirit and your grace.
In Jesus name…..
Comment by vicky bass — May 2, 2010 @ 10:33 pm
You don’t sound like you are whining at all! I know you guys are grateful for every second with Brock and I also know how hard it is being in the hospital and adjusting to a new kind of “normal”. I echo the previous prayer!
Comment by Susie — May 3, 2010 @ 1:02 am
It sounds like you are a worried and frazzled mother and with just cause. I pray that the Lord would give you peace and strength to make it through this fight. I pray that He would wrap you in His arms and provide comfort through the struggle and that He would continue to work His wonderful healing power in Brock’s little body.
Comment by Susan Mitchell — May 3, 2010 @ 4:47 am
Uh, it’s ok to feel miserable when your baby feels so miserable. And, no, it’s VERY clear you’re not whining! We all want to know just what’s going on–esp when you’re really needing us to lift you all in prayer. (Oh, and esp when we have great things to help you thank God for!) We love you, hang in there. The Lord our God is Mighty and loves you and cares deeply about your pain. He WILL carry you. Oh, but, golly, I know it’s so hard–keep hanging on. Give the Brockster a kiss for me.
Comment by Cindi Cartwright — May 3, 2010 @ 6:02 am
my prayer posse is on the job. my prayers, thoughts, and hugs are with you always. love aj
Comment by janice hart — May 3, 2010 @ 6:07 am
Hang in there guys. You are in the toughest, most draining phase. It is extremely difficult on the kids. At this point they feel horrible, are tired of it all, and ready for it all to just be over. All of this compounds and makes those days of steroids not so fun. Therefore it is extremely hard on the parents as well. You too are tired of it all and ready for it to be over. Your journey has been very difficult and been an emotional rollercoaster that you have handled so faithfully. You do not sound like you are whining at all! You have been a shining example and witness for God and have touched many lives.
You are almost to the end of all the intense phases and will soon be in maintenance. Things slow down and get in somewhat of a normal routine when you get there. Praying for God’s strength and endurance for you to make it through this yucky phase!.
IF YOUR STILL IN THE FIGHT THAT MEANS YOUR WINNING!!!
Comment by Karen Snowden — May 3, 2010 @ 7:24 am
We are praying for your family. We hope Brock will kick this and be home again soon. WE love you guys!!!
Comment by Mitzi, Eric, & Laci Wright — May 3, 2010 @ 8:00 am
You are not whining. You are sharing your prayer requests so we all know how to pray for your precious boy, as well as your family. Please know that even though I have not left comments lately, you guys are in my prayers on a daily basis.
Keep turning to our Heavenly Father for strength and wisdom.
Blessings.
Comment by Valerie Olmstead — May 3, 2010 @ 5:47 pm