We are a little behind in getting this caring bridge going but things progressed quickly. As many know last year Lonnie was diagnosed with chronic MDS, and as explained to us was a “pre” leukemia condition. He started treatment of monthly shots, however a couple weeks ago the condition had progressed and the doctor said it has moved to the acute leukemia stage. The plan is to continue with the shots but increase to 7 shots per month instead of 5 and one other medication. But…..the condition worsened and his red blood cells were so low he needed a transfusion. On March 29, he went in for a transfusion before his shots but by the time the transfusion finished he was struggling to breath without oxygen so the team sent him to ER and the doctors admitted him to the hospital. The transfusion had caused a build up of fluid around his heart so they needed to get rid of the fluid which then took a toll on his kidneys. Early Sunday morning they transferred him to ICU as he was struggling to breathe. Fortunately they did not have to intubate him but he was put on pressurized oxygen. For several days they worked to stabilize his breathing and finally got him off the pressurized oxygen but the toll on the kidneys continued. They started him on temporary dialysis Wednesday night. He was moved out of ICU early Friday morning and back to PCU (progressive care unit). His breathing is so much better and he is slowly regaining his strength. He is very tired and falls asleep in the middle of eating, talking or texting (we are trying to monitor his phone by responding on his behalf when we can). Mandy, Shelley, Jennifer, my dad and I are rotating shifts so one of us is always there with him. The thoughts, prayers, calls and texts are so appreciated. We will update as we can or as changes come about.
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