Today I got the results of Monday’s CMV test. It showed a slight increase in the levels of the virus. I’ll continue getting foscarnet twice a day for at least another week, followed by a week of once-a-day doses. They also drew blood for another CMV test this morning. Results from that test will be back in two or three days.
This information was somewhat surprising, given what Dr. Lowsky told us on Tuesday. He seemed confident that the virus levels would be reduced enough to allow a change to only one dose of foscarnet daily for the next week, and that I would be ready to return home in about 10 days. Obviously, this isn’t the case. As of right now, I’ll be here at least two more weeks.
I say “at least” because there was another bit of information that was new to me today. Apparently the foscarnet treatment is also given daily for six weeks. I don’t know what factors are used to determine the treatment length, but I assume it has something to do with the levels of the virus in the patient. Regardless, I wasn’t thrilled to hear that 10 days has been stretched to two weeks, with the potential extension to six weeks. My initial response was to think, “Why, then, did Lowsky say that I could likely come home in 10 days?” After some thought, I’ve concluded that he may simply have been optimistic, and it’s not like he can control what’s going on in my body. The standard treatment with foscarnet is three weeks, so I’ll continue with that until they tell me otherwise.
I can only attempt to imagine how disappointing this all must seem to be. All I know is that you sit in the palm of God’s hand and when the wait begins to feel too long, it is God that holds you up and gives you strength to continue. Rest in His comfort and take time for just you and Him! We’re praying…
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NKJV)
And if it really is going to be 6 weeks (UGH! Thank you Amy for the encouraging words for everyone!)–we will just have to bring the feast to you!!!! You can have dairy and produce now (or soon, right?) so rather than waiting til mid-August, we might need to bring a Sacramento BBQ to Menlo Park!
God be with you in a way you can feel and may He be in your thoughts, feelings and mood as well.
–Darcy
Wow Todd. I’m sorry. I know how difficult it can be to have to wait. And how disappointing it is to think you’ll be going home soon, only to find out you were wrong.
I know I always talk about Drew’s time in the hospital, but it seems like we have a lot of similarities in our stories. When he was transferred back to UCD after four weeks they told us he would just need to feed and grow and we could go home. Well, he appeared to be eating and growing to me so I thought we would be home any day. After being disappointed that one of his tests would be postponed until the following Monday I told his nurse I thought we’d be home by then. She looked at me like I was crazy and said we were looking at another four to six weeks in the hospital. I was devastated! But once I adjusted to that reality it did seem a little easier to bear, knowing what the time-frame was. I pray that you will find the time away from home a little easier to bear and that you will be getting healthier with each passing day. We are thinking about you and praying for you.
Dude…why do you have to be at that specific infusion place? Why can’t you just use one in Sac? Is there something special about that place…I mean aren’t the meds all the same? Isn’t this something that is now manageable by your oncologist? Sorry to ask so many questions but at this point, I think home would do you good. I am just trying to understand why you have to stay there if you are not currently undergoing the transplant. Am I missing something? Either way I am going to pray like a mad woman, that those blasted infections disappear and that God gives you an amazing tranquil acceptance of this process. I am not even the one going through it and it is ticking me off. Christians are allowed to be mad and I am exercising my right at this point. Contentment does not mean that you don’t want your situation to change but rather you are accepting that God is handling things. I know He is handling it…I know He is good…all the time…and I know He knows how disappointing all this is so there must be an amazing blessing comin’ up. Much love and prayers triple fold
As one impatient person to another all I can say is geeeeez!!! I’ll be interceding some patience on your behalf tonight. Keep the faith my friend.
Oh, and another good thought I just had about you coming home and everything…..Rob’s cabin….argo…..steaks….etc.
I have enjoyed being here with you for the past few days. Yes, even when you’re not the best company.
As I’m sure the rest of the family can attest to, it’s comforting to be right here in the action, rather than at home wondering how things are going.
As much as I want you to be able to go home, it gives me peace to know that the doctors are being really careful and not letting you out of their care until your body is ready. The medical team here knows your history and such better than those in Sac and it’s probably better that they continue treating you for a couple more weeks…as long as they read the chart, that is.
Once you finally do get to go home, hopefully you will be comforted in knowing that they were careful and not worrying that they let you go too early. Or at least Jen won’t be worrying.
Jeff’s story was amazing! I hope you two get to spend some more time chatting in the ITA before you go home.
Continue to hang in there. I know it cannot be easy – this roller coaster ride. I think we’re all a bit “programmed” to take exactly what doctors say as absolute. You remain in great hands there at the medical center. You’ve got some great surroundings in a place to live. Enjoy the opportunity to eat Grandma’s cooking and attempting to beat Grandpa in cards. I am planning to drive up and see you wherever you’ll be. Take care …
Hey there Todd. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I am currently reading a book on prayer. It has been good for me to learn more about this mysterious thing we call prayer. It has been especially challenging for me to apply what I am learning to your situation. My “take home” from last night’s chapter is that Biblical prayers are honest (similar to Patty’s above). Therefore, I am going to practice that – being honest with God about my frustrations with your situation – but also being hopeful that He is in control – and be thankful for all that He has done to provide for you up this point. Many hugs, Kacie
Good morning, I am sitting here at Stockhouses breakfast feast of fruit, (5 Kinds), and toast. I plan to head home in about an hour. Hopefully I will get a few clouds heading east. I too am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and just being back home. I have only been gone 15 days and am healthy, hard to imagine the depth of your longing.
Gramma says, “Keep your chin up, God will see you through all of this. We love you and are praying for you.”
Grandma and Grandpa Stock
Grandpa just headed out to the dentist for 2 crowns and a filling replacement. I don’t envy him.
Give my best to everyone, I am going to gear up for 7+ hours in the car. I will be praying for you.
Peace,
Aunt Dianne
Todd -
I hear of your suffering and frustration and it pains me greatly.
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (Romans 8:26-7)
Blessings,
Eric B
My first day back at work since the fourth. 5 days off with the little one and I want more. There definately needs to be a two day work weekand 5 day weekend, there is just never enough time to do everything you want in two days. Lena is learning how to roll onto her tummy and talks so much, can’t keep her quiet, especially at night when it is bed time.
Not much else is hapnin round here. Hope you get the news that the stay is not much longer. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheers bud
Sean
We are thinking of you and Tommy continues to add you into his prayers (as do we) everynight. We are anxiously awaiting your arrival home.
Kristina, Tony, and Tommy
OK this CANNOT turn into the Aunt Dianne blog so I thought I would pretend to be Todd and post some optional updates in order to keep that needed support generating.
Option 1 Wanted to let you all know I had a wonderful weekend with my bride…………..we were swinging from the chandeliers………….use your imagination.
Option 2 I really do suck at cards and am sick of losing to the Grandparents……….
Option 3 I am sick of talking about me and the medical stuff. Talk to me about work, your weird tree questions, give me an opinion about the weekend sports, weather, anything but………..
Response,
Glad you had a great weekend, I will ask them to let you win once in a while and the weather here is hot.
I seem to keep busy doing all that Mom stuff, I can’t believe I actually have to go back to work in a few weeks and balance it all, but we super hero Moms somehow manage much to our own amazement. I plan to keep busy this afternoon while Ty returns to football. There is no contact, but today is a HUGE mental hurdle for us all. Talked to your Dad and Stephanie last night. It was good to hear how the rest of the family is doing. I am way to old to have the energy your sis needs with her little ones. God bless her. I am glad Karis had time off for a quick move. At least she will feel settled before school starts up.
I do expect that you will rent The Freedom Writers movie and watch all the behind scene segments before Paul gets there after being at the institute. I am sure you will have to help Grandpa with the DVD remote, I trust you can handle the techno task………..yep thats right, I just gave you a job……
Peace,
Aunt Dianne