Brad was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines on Thursday, March 1 after a week of being sick. He was first diagnosed with RSV on Feb 24 and sent home with an inhaler, and then was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday morning in the ER. He is currently being treated with oxygen, fluids and antibiotics. During the first few hours in the ER yesterday, we came to learn that Brad's white blood count was very low. And after 36+ hours of treatment, his white blood count has remained the same. We met with a hematologist/oncologist this afternoon who strongly recommended doing a bone marrow biopsy to determine why his white blood count was so low. Unfortunately, because Brad was still coughing so much, he was unable to have it done today. It is now scheduled for Monday morning. Late this evening we met with an infectious disease doctor who talked us through what to expect on Monday and in the upcoming week and answered many of our questions. He was a believer and that was a great comfort to us. We are scared and apprehensive, but not shaken.
I am asking for prayer for several things. First, please pray that God would miraculously increase Brad's white blood count in the next 24-48 hours. Normal numbers are between 4-10. Brad's is at 0.7. His body is unable to fight off the pneumonia, so he's being monitored closely and his vitals are checked often.
Please also pray for protection for Brad. He is very, very susceptible to infection. Right now he isn't allowed any visitors except for me, and that is only as long as I stay healthy.
Please pray for preparation for our family for whatever medical journey the Lord has for us. He is sovereign. He is good. We can trust Him with this.
Please pray for the biopsy on Monday. That Brad would be able to lay completely still for the duration of the procedure without coughing. Also pray for quick and accurate results. It could be up to 3-5 days until we receive a full pathology report.
Please pray for our kids. They miss Brad so much and aren't able to see him. Long hospital stays are completely foreign to them. Please pray that they would put their hope in God.
And finally please pray for me. Through many of our years of ministry together, God has used me to love and care for others. It is very hard for me to be on this side.
We are holding fast to Christ, the only solid rock we have.
"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; i will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16
