This afternoon, Liam spiked a fever and Emily was quickly on her way to the ER. After running various blood tests, Liam is severely neutropenic (very low blood counts; his immune system is down) and his oncologist quickly got him started on antibiotics to ward off any possible infections. None of this is super suprising considering recent chemotherapy. Nevertheless, he’s feeling the worst we’ve seen him feel since our last long hospital admission ended in mid November.
On top of this, he’s experiencing strange mouth sores and lesions on his tongue, cheeks, and throat. Again, likely a side-effect of the chemo, but concerning because the medical team isn't entirely sure what these are yet. Could his gut also be affected further down? How might this interact with his ongoing recovery from his last gut infection? The questions abound.
Liam also has some sort of upper respiratory cold which is made worse because of his lack of a functioning immune system.
Needless to say, we’re concerned for our son. Whenever he has been this neutropenic, bad infections have set in which put him in the hospital for weeks to months. While I am thankful to be at the hospital, I simultaneously dislike the fact that the hospital is strangely starting to feel like our home away from home.
Thankfully, we were home for Christmas. It was a wonderful gift for our family. Thank you for praying.
Would you join with us in continuing to pray for Liam?
Pray for his blood counts to return.
Pray against infections.
Pray for contiuend healing and protection of his gut.
Pray for healing from his ongoing fungal infection.
Pray that his painful mouth sores would be healed.
Pray for endurance for our family and contentment in Christ.
I haven't forgotten Liam since this all started. His photo is in my Bible. I pray for God to surround your boy with His peace and His comfort. I also pray the same for his precious mommy, daddy, sister and brother. Sending much love and many many prayers here from Calvary Chapel Philly. May you truly sense Jesus' presence.
Always praying for you!
I was asked about mouth sores all the way through maintenance chemo as part of their checklist, so hopefully Liam's are just a nasty side effect and not a sign of anything more.
Liam’s beautiful smile warms my heart every time! I’m so happy you all were home together for Christmas. Keeping your family lifted in prayers. Xoxo
What a great gift being home for Christmas. We're so glad y'all got family time, especially when spent away from a hospital. We'll continue to pray, as we always have, for healing, patience, medical insight and wisdom, and that Liam would simply be cured of the Lord wills it. I pray that someday it becomes clear how God was using this horribly difficult time to build His kingdom and make His name known. Nearly impossible in the here and now, but we serve a God who works in the impossible. Praying!!
I just preached on hope at Grace Community Gresham focusing on what hope looks like in the times of groaning. Liam's situation is a perfect "case study". Holy Spirit, we groan, not knowing what to pray. We come to You trusting that You intercede for Liam and the Spector family before the Father's throne. We beg YHWH's mercy, believing His compassion and grace in Jesus' name
Praying friends! We were so thankful you guys were home for Christmas and enjoyed the hymns you shared—praying that they can help Liam and get to the bottom of any extra infection/ that his body would be able to recover quickly and that treatment would continue to be effective! Love you guys!
-The Gillaspies
I am praying for sweet Liam- he is in my thoughts and prayers daily. It was so nice to see his smiling face. ❤️