Shortly after my last entry, the adverse effects of treatment took a turn for the worse. It became clear that the pain was prevailing, despite ‘round the clock Tylenol and Percocet. With that my appetite just about went to zero and I have not been able to eat much. The blood transfusions (2) last Thursday didn’t really improve my energy status, so I have spent lots of time sleeping. And a new bothersome symptom is recurrent chills and fever, five times now over the last 2 weeks. All of this is annoying and disheartening, and even puzzling, as there does not seem to be an apparent cause.
So this Monday Bonnie and I met with my doctors and began a series of tests to get some understanding of causes – the pain, fevers, and even the anemia are not typical for this particular kind of chemo. And I also have switched over to a more potent and longer acting pain medication.
I’ve also let the Albania team know that I will not be going with them next Friday – just seeing how exhausted and useless I have felt the last week was enough to convince me that I would not chance feeling that way far from home.
My prayer request list is long. Always I am thankful for a competent and caring medical team. Pray that they will be able to identify the underlying cause of all the misery. And please pray for effective pain relief, without more undue side effects. Finally that I will be able to resume a measure of normal nutrition – presently I am down 15# below my normal baseline weight, and I know that I’ll feel better when I am able to restore my appetite.
A short verse from Lamentations 3:22,23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
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9 comments:
Hi Hensleighs...still here...
While reading I kept thinking - "unexplained effects" ...How GOD...how directive. How bossy. How pointy He is ... we hear ya' Lord.
OK prayer people. Paul's still here. (not traveling). 'Still needing. 'Still healing but hurting. Try to stay focused.
B&P
Sorry to have missed you this AM. Shall continue to pray for relief of pain, less medication, more appetite, weight/muscle gain, and strength. Albania will have to wait for a while.
Pat & Hudd
I have followed your blog and liked the good news. I guess now my pray is that there was a reason God did not want you to travel, you'll stay home, get better and do other good things.
I hope you are feeling better at the time of this writing. Will continue to pray specifically and for patience and relief.
Tell those doctors to get going unless they want a Kaiser doctor giving them advice! (just kidding, I think)
Anna P
Hi Uncle Turk,
Was sad to read of your recent weight loss and increasing pain. We continue to pray for your complete pain free healing.
Glad to hear you are staying home for now.
Love Kathy
Praying for you Paul - this is my first comment, but know that you are being prayed for constantly and Bonnie also. Love in Jesus, Lois
Paul,
Thank you for your call. Steve and I appreciate the update. Please know you are in our prayers every evening. We admire how you want to devote your time to mission. We pray your body will cooperate!!!! Take care of yourself. Do not worry about us. We sure would like to help you. Let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do
much love Meritt
Hi Paul & Bonnie,
Reading the comments - what a great team you have! And even greater is our LORD who never lets you out of His loving care. Know that your BSF group joins those praying for your health and comfort. Most of all, we ask that Jesus make His presence known, always by your side.
Paul,
We have missed you on Friday mornings. You are such a great inspiration and encourager. I pray that darn pain will go away.
Much love,
Merritt M.
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