HAPPY NEW YEAR!! (sorry it's late) Russell enjoyed his beach trip; although, it was harder on him than he had anticipated. On Thursday, we did have to come straight home and skip the breakfast out and shopping. I am so glad Jeff drove separately. Russell was absolutely exhausted; but, he had a great time with his friends! This morning Russell was supposed to be admitted for the 2nd round of treatment; however, his platelets and white blood cell counts are still to low to begin. His platelets are 63,000 and must be 75,000, and his ANC is 624 and must be 750. There isn't anything we can do except wait because his body has to reach these levels on its own. These goals are determined by the protol and are there to make sure his body has recovered enough to handle the next round. We are scheduled to go back in on Wednesday morning and if his counts are up, he will be admitted. Please pray for God's touch! Russell has continued to grow weaker as his body is battered by the chemotherapy. He has lost 1/2 lb this week, bringing him to 88 lbs. We decided today that as soon as the next round is over and his counts have recovered, he will be scheduled for a G-tube. Russell is OK with the idea and actually wants it done. It will certainly take the pressure off of him to constantly be trying to eat, while at the same time allowing him to get the nutrients he so desperately needs. He will be put to sleep for the procedure, but Dr. Gall has assured me it is a fairly simple surgery and requires only a small incision. I am confident that God has His hand on Russell and will bring him over this next hurdle. Please continue to pray for Russell! He has gone through so much, more than I can say, yet his faith is unwavering. He is truly an amazing young man, and I believe God will use him greatly! Keep praying - God is so good!
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