Dr.'s Visit - A Significant Concern

Linda saw her Infectious Diseases Doctor today. He expressed concern about her liver counts – they are high. He suggested that if the numbers are not better by Monday when the next round of blood work is done, that he may take her off the antibiotics that are being administered at home through IV. The problem is that she needs the antibiotics to ward off a return of the Listeria. He spoke about decisions (difficult ones) that we will need to make about how aggressively we want to treat new ailments that arise. We are, as you can see, at a critical juncture in Linda’s treatment – and we are not even talking about treatment for the tumor/cancer. It is crucial, though, because we may be forced to choose between a high likelihood of liver problems and a significant possibility of a recurrence of Listeria. Neither option is the least bit appealing!

I do not know if any of us could take another round of Listeria. It hurt us deeply to watch Linda in such agony. We are extremely grateful that she does not recall any of it. She does not even remember the initial headache and trip to the hospital, even though she was completely aware of what was going on at the time. We will, of course, walk with her through any valley God causes her to walk through, but we want to avoid that particular valley if at all possible!

So, we are asking as many of you as will to pray that her liver counts are better by Monday. We will be doing our part here, but we are aware that we need a specific touch from God. Please pray continually (not continuously – continually will do just fine!) about these liver counts specifically. Also, her blood sugar remains quite high – pray about that, also. We are going to increase protein for the sugar and introduce specific supplements for the liver, but again, we need the Lord to intervene. Above all, we need an awareness of His presence, and we need His grace during these difficult days. I pray the same for you, whether your days be challenging or worry-free (for the time, at least). God bless you!