Day 66

Shortly after posting our last update, Liam spiked a fever. This has continued consistently for the past few days.

For context, and for those not up to speed, there was talk of possibly going home this Tuesday. However, the return of fevers lessens our chances of going home. While the doctors are still attributing the fevers to Liam’s IRIS (his immune system overreacting to his fungal infection), they can’t be completely sure.

Going home is further complicated by Liam’s immunosuppressed state. As of today, Liam’s blood counts (and therefore, his immune system) have dropped. This was an expected outcome of recent chemotherapy infusions. Because Liam is now more susceptible to infections, if he gets a fever, he is automatically put on broad-spectrum antibiotics as a precaution. So, even if we were home this week, because Liam is immunosuppressed (or “neutropenic”), a fever means we’d be right back in the hospital for antibiotics and monitoring. Thus, going home doesn’t make sense if we’ll end up coming right back to the hospital. In short, the plan is up in the air for the next few days as we see what Liam’s body will do.

As many of you know, we’ve been here before. It’s less surprising this time around; we’re learning how quickly things change with Liam’s condition and how fast plans can shift. At the same time, I’m sure you can understand the fatigue we’re feeling at this point. So please pray for us that we’d continue to endure and hold to Christ as our primary treasure. Pray for Emily and I as, aside from an occasional lunch date, seeing each other is limited to the hospital. Pray that we’d be strengthened to take things one day at a time. Pray that we’d be able to go home soon.

For Liam, the big concern now is his blood counts and immune system coming back up. The sooner this happens, the less susceptible he is to infection and his fungal infection spreading. Additional concerns include his physical strength. He has lost muscle mass, and we’re working hard to get him out of bed and moving. Please pray that Liam’s immune system returns quickly. Please pray for protection from further infections. Pray for continued healing from leukemia and the fungal infection. Please pray for continued wisdom for Liam’s medical team. Pray that Liam would be motivated to be active throughout the day.

In all of this, I’m holding to and seeking to pray in accordance with Psalm 63:3-4:

“Because your steadfast love is better than life,

my lips will praise you.

So I will bless you as long as I live”

Thank you for tracking with us and continuing to pray