We Steels have been running like crazy this week, finalizing our presentation for our first deputation services next week. (That's exciting!) Thankfully, grandparents in Uruguay wrote a lengthy update from which I'll be copying and pasting tonight. Please pray!
This morning Jonatán had the CT scan to find the exact location of the spot on his lung. It was removed via laparoscopic surgery and has been sent to the lab for examination. The doctors are hoping to have the results back before the weekend. Please continue to pray that it is not the osteosarcoma. The surgeon said that the rest of the lung looked good; we're very thankful!
Because of the pain Jona was experiencing from this surgery, he did not start chemo today. He has been given pain medicine so he can rest tonight; the plan is to start chemo tomorrow, possibly in the morning. This second chemo involves a 4-hour treatment. Then liquids will be pushed because the chemo drug needs to be out of his system before he can go home. The whole process is expected to take 3 to 4 days. Thankfully, side effects from this particular chemo drug seem to be rare in younger people. Please pray that Jona will not get the possible side effect of cold sores in his mouth.
The doctors are very thankful that Jona's blood levels continue to be good and that he has gained back a little of the weight he lost during the first chemo. If his blood levels stay up this next week and his strength continues to be good, he will probably have another dose of this same chemo drug next week (Thursday or Friday). Please pray specifically for these needs!
The flu virus is going around Greenville, so they are not allowing anyone under 18 to visit the cancer unit. This means that Marcos can't see Jona during this hospital stay. Please pray for Marcos. [And remember that you can send an eGreeting to the hospital for Jona; he was very encouraged by the pile of notes he got last time! Click here and then click on the eGreeting link in the first paragraph. Or go to www.ghs.org and then to the "Patients and Visitor Info" tab on the top left and then click on the eGreeting link in the first paragraph.]
One of the nurses, who also has had a type of sarcoma, encouraged Jona to keep as active as possible. He said that those who stay active seem to handle chemo better and have a stronger immune system. But he also encouraged Jona to "listen to what his body is telling him." If he doesn't feel like going to school one day, he shouldn't go; it's probably his immune system saying: "Stay home!" Jona and his family are thankful for this Christian nurse who understands what Jona is going through and can encourage him.
A pastor friend e-mailed the Garwoods today: "We know that only a Sovereign Lord God can intervene to give health to Jona quickly." And we know that He IS able, and we continue to trust Him for what is needed and will bring Him glory. We know the Lord is hearing and answering prayer!
Thank-you for praying so faithfully for Jonatán and his entire family – especially those overseas and those who will soon be traveling!
1 comment:
Thanks for keeping us updated, Deborah. Can't even imagine what Jona and his parents are going through right now. I'm so glad that they are trusting in the Great Physician though who can heal as well as comfort and strengthen His children. Will be praying for the needs mentioned.
Post a Comment