A Rough Time

Rhonda phoned last night around 9:00 to see if I could return to stay the night. The fever and chills had made quick work of the little energy she had in reserve when they returned just after 5:00pm. I likened it to being in labor for a very long time. She's had almost constant fevers and chills since Thursday and she has no grit left.
This morning we began re-addressing her pain level and the nurses rallied the troops in response to our conversations with them. Getting her pain managed better will provide physical relief for her and will usually encourages the body in the healing process over all. There's a qutote that goes " I don't know what I don't know." Knowing how and what to communicate, when she has never been this sick before is all part of a huge learning curve. Pray that she will be patient with herself and others in the midst of this. That the Spirit would give the doctors and care givers a sense of what she needs, even without her input.
The initial echocardiogram done yesterday shows no heart problems or evidence of bacteria taking up residence in her valves. They will continue to monitor this over the coming days, doing another set of x-rays and echo today. We are thankful that these medicines, the personell and the technology are available to her.
Her team of doctors are still a bit concerned that there may be another source of infection they have yet to identify. Having few to no white cells has a huge impact on her rate of healing, but this battle with her fever is producing a specifically difficult challenge.
Pray for His healing, His wisdom, His comfort. She is weary and her brokenness right now feels so raw to her.
Just spoke with her by phone. (1:03 pm Tues) Doctors have ordered MRI of her head and back to be done today. They will do more studies as needed.
Her fever broke today around lunch and is normal currently without tylenol. We're thankful for even one hour.
Cards are very welcome as access to her e-mail is not possible currently. c/o Forsyth Medical Center Rm 9127