March 31st - James condition is unchanged from yesterday; still fever and blood pressure maintained by medication. Please continue to pray. With God, there is both hope and promise. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every mornlng; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24
March 30th - Today James had a fever of 102 along with elevated white blood count. During dialysis four liters of fluids were removed. Please continue to pray.
March 29th - Not really any change today; his fever was around 100.6 and his blood pressure was maintained within normal limits with medication. Dialysis continues and his infections are treated with the four different antibiotics. Please continue on in the privilege of prayer.
March 28th - James continues to have a multitude of different infections with various bacteria. His vitals were minimally outside the normal range and daily dialysis has been required. Please continue to pray and praise the mighty hand of God through this long and difficult trial. "The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness" Psalm 111: 7-8
March 27th - James fever was down and his blood pressure remained strong with less medication. After review of his pelvic CAT scan, the doctors feel that the infection may be affecting a surrounding area. A different antibiotic will be given for six to eight weeks to fight this infection.
March 26th - James had a CAT scan of the abdominal/pelvic area and the results were unchanged from the previous scan.(no better but at least no worse) Two units of blood were given during dialysis. He continued with a low grade fever and his blood pressure remained adequate. Your faithful prayers are greatly appreciated.
March 25th - James temperature varied only slightly today with a low fever. Four liters of fluids were removed during dialysis. He was ever so slightly awake; just enough for him to acknowledge Cathy. Please pray for the peace of God to surround and fill him through his confusion and sadness.
March 24th - James fever is down today. He had dialysis with as much fluid removal as tolerated. Please continue to pray and don't give up hope. God is actively at work to accomplish His perfect will. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eves on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
March 23rd - James had fever of 102 even with medication. The doctors are examining every possibility. Dialysis with fluid removal were performed. Please, please pray.
March 22nd - There was difficulty in removing three liters of fluids during dialysis today. An increase in blood pressure medication was required to maintain adequate levels. He remained stable at that dosage. The doctors continue to be very concerned about his various problems including his kidney functions, infection in the pelvic area, the healing of his multiple wounds, as well as the sepsis. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, peace and perseverance for Cathy and for Gods perfect will to be accomplished in James life. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God..." Isaiah 43:2-3a
March 21st - James continues with a low grade fever even with medication. His white blood cells are also elevated again (indication of infection). Dialysis was completed with three liters of fluids removed. A slight increase in blood pressure medication was required to maintain adequate levels. Thank you for your continued prayers.
March 20th - Not much change today; James had intermittent fever around 101 and received dialysis with five liters of fluid removed (that's eleven pounds of fluids). Please remain faithful with Cathy and family through this long trial to keep James continually in prayer.
March 19th - James had a quiet day, maintaining adequate blood pressure throughout dialysis while two liters of fluids were removed. He did have a slight fever today. Although James condition remains mostly unchanged, he continues to be critically ill, giving us privilege and opportunity for continued prayer and support. "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer " Romans 12:10-12
March 18th - James had dialysis, removed four liters of fluid and received two units of blood. His pain medication has been completely changed over and after some adjustments, he seemed to be comfortable. Once again he has yeast infections in various places and medications have been resumed. There has been no fever today but blood pressure medications were required to maintain adequate levels. Please continue to lift James and family in prayer.
March 17th - Five liters of fluid were removed today during dialysis as James continues to retain large amounts of fluids. Kidney functions have decreased somewhat since his last surgery (March 8th). Adjustments of medications are still being made to keep James sedated and as comfortable as possible. "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
March 16th - James condition remains unchanged. Your prayers are fervently needed and appreciated as he is still critically sick.
March 15th - James medications are in a transitional state to keep him stable, comfortable and minimize side effects. Blood pressure was on the low side and he has remained without fever. Three liters of fluids were removed during dialysis. Please continue to pray for Gods perfect and complete will to be accomplished in James as well as for those whom his life has touched.
March 14th - Today James had his wound vac/dressing change. Also, three liters of fluids were removed during dialysis. Otherwise a quiet day. James is still critically sick and he and Cathy need your prayers as they continue through this long trial.
March 13th - James condition remains the same. No dialysis today although Lasix was given to help reduce the excessive fluids. Please keep on praying. Thank you so much.
March 12th - James remains the same today. He had dialysis and three liters of fluids were removed. The preliminary report for the brain scan appears to be normal. Your faithful prayers are forever appreciated. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
March 11th - Dialysis was given and fluids were removed as tolerated. A CAT scan was done of both the pelvic area and also the brain to check for inflammation. The pelvic area is unchanged; no more, no less infection. Results for the brain scan are not in. Please continue to trust in the perfect timing and will of God.
March 10th - Four liters of fluid were removed during dialysis today and it appeared to relieve some of the extreme swelling. His vitals remained stable with medications. He looked restful all day. Please continue on in prayer.
March 9th - James was restful for most of the day. He did have one wake period where Cathy could see that he was truly sad. This is very difficult to see. With kidneys still in failure, he again had dialysis where they were able to remove three liters of excess fluids and additionally give him some blood products. His vitals were stable with only a low grade fever. Pain levels are maintained with extremely high doses of morphine and two different sedation medications. He continues to be supported by ventilator. "I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised..." Psalm 18 1-3a
March 8th - Praise God for all He does! The doctors came out of surgery at 5:30 p.m. with positive news about the bleeding. They were able to cauterize the many tiny bleeds that were found in an area where the gluteal muscle was previously removed, (surgery from Feb.27), and a skin flap was turned into its place. There is still concern about the possibility of future bleeding. James is not producing red blood cells adequately and with the additional blood loss from the wound, he required numerous units of blood (12+) in the last 24 hours. His vitals have remained stable with medication. Please, please pray for James improvement and for strength and perseverance for Cathy and the family during this extremely long and difficult trial.
March 8th - James will be having surgery around 3:00 p.m. today to repair another area that is bleeding. The doctors say that this is very serious. Just please pray diligently for James' care in this critical time. Stay tuned for more updates.
March 7th - During dialysis it was noted that James had new bleeding. They found that the femoral artery (in the groin area) was bleeding out. His doctor was notified and emergency surgery was performed by the vascular surgeon from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Repair of this artery was successful but the doctors are fearful of the outcome if this were to happen again. James vitals are stable with medication and he appears to be comfortable at this time A reminder to all of us: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31
March 6th - Thankfully James was very restful today after a new sedation medication was underway. His blood pressure was low (possibly due to the new medication) so they had to resume his blood pressure medication to counter the effect. Even though he appeared to be retaining fluids, he did not have dialysis as his lab value were acceptable. Please continue to pray as time goes on for encouragement and perseverance for Cathy and the doctors and for God's perfect will to be completed.
March 5th - The doctors are having difficulty managing James pain. He continues to wake up and be in severe pain even though his sedation medicine is high and his morphine dosage is very high. Even with all these medications, his blood pressure hasn't dropped (could be due to his agitation level). Please be praying for wisdom for the doctors and nurses as they care for James. This is uncharted territory for them as well as for Cathy and the family.
March 4th - James had several wake periods with episodes of great pain which required an increase in pain medication. The new additional pain medication was introduced today and the staff will be monitoring his vitals and watching for its effectiveness. Dialysis was done and no added blood products were needed. Please continue to pray and trust in Him. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
March 3rd - James had periods of being awake but was mostly disoriented and his pain level was very high. Morphine was increased and his sedation medicine was pushed directly into his I.V. line to decrease his pain. It took many hours before we really saw him comfortable. A pain management doctor was brought in for consultation and a new medication will be added to his treatment of care. The infection in the pelvic area is unchanged as of now. Pain management and infection control are areas of great concern requiring our constant prayers.
March 2nd - James physical condition is basically unchanged. His blood pressure was strong enough today that the nurses were able to discontinue his blood pressure medicine. Again he had no fever. He did have many periods of being awake but in these times he was anxious and confused. It is so important to continue on in prayer. James may know that he is very sick but many things are still so unclear to him (partially because of the sedation medications that he has been on for so long). Continue in faith through prayer with thanksgiving.
March 1st - James had dialysis as scheduled for today. His vitals were stable with medications and he seemed to be resting quietly. Please continue to pray.
March 30th - Today James had a fever of 102 along with elevated white blood count. During dialysis four liters of fluids were removed. Please continue to pray.
March 29th - Not really any change today; his fever was around 100.6 and his blood pressure was maintained within normal limits with medication. Dialysis continues and his infections are treated with the four different antibiotics. Please continue on in the privilege of prayer.
March 28th - James continues to have a multitude of different infections with various bacteria. His vitals were minimally outside the normal range and daily dialysis has been required. Please continue to pray and praise the mighty hand of God through this long and difficult trial. "The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness" Psalm 111: 7-8
March 27th - James fever was down and his blood pressure remained strong with less medication. After review of his pelvic CAT scan, the doctors feel that the infection may be affecting a surrounding area. A different antibiotic will be given for six to eight weeks to fight this infection.
March 26th - James had a CAT scan of the abdominal/pelvic area and the results were unchanged from the previous scan.(no better but at least no worse) Two units of blood were given during dialysis. He continued with a low grade fever and his blood pressure remained adequate. Your faithful prayers are greatly appreciated.
March 25th - James temperature varied only slightly today with a low fever. Four liters of fluids were removed during dialysis. He was ever so slightly awake; just enough for him to acknowledge Cathy. Please pray for the peace of God to surround and fill him through his confusion and sadness.
March 24th - James fever is down today. He had dialysis with as much fluid removal as tolerated. Please continue to pray and don't give up hope. God is actively at work to accomplish His perfect will. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eves on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
March 23rd - James had fever of 102 even with medication. The doctors are examining every possibility. Dialysis with fluid removal were performed. Please, please pray.
March 22nd - There was difficulty in removing three liters of fluids during dialysis today. An increase in blood pressure medication was required to maintain adequate levels. He remained stable at that dosage. The doctors continue to be very concerned about his various problems including his kidney functions, infection in the pelvic area, the healing of his multiple wounds, as well as the sepsis. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, peace and perseverance for Cathy and for Gods perfect will to be accomplished in James life. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God..." Isaiah 43:2-3a
March 21st - James continues with a low grade fever even with medication. His white blood cells are also elevated again (indication of infection). Dialysis was completed with three liters of fluids removed. A slight increase in blood pressure medication was required to maintain adequate levels. Thank you for your continued prayers.
March 20th - Not much change today; James had intermittent fever around 101 and received dialysis with five liters of fluid removed (that's eleven pounds of fluids). Please remain faithful with Cathy and family through this long trial to keep James continually in prayer.
March 19th - James had a quiet day, maintaining adequate blood pressure throughout dialysis while two liters of fluids were removed. He did have a slight fever today. Although James condition remains mostly unchanged, he continues to be critically ill, giving us privilege and opportunity for continued prayer and support. "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer " Romans 12:10-12
March 18th - James had dialysis, removed four liters of fluid and received two units of blood. His pain medication has been completely changed over and after some adjustments, he seemed to be comfortable. Once again he has yeast infections in various places and medications have been resumed. There has been no fever today but blood pressure medications were required to maintain adequate levels. Please continue to lift James and family in prayer.
March 17th - Five liters of fluid were removed today during dialysis as James continues to retain large amounts of fluids. Kidney functions have decreased somewhat since his last surgery (March 8th). Adjustments of medications are still being made to keep James sedated and as comfortable as possible. "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
March 16th - James condition remains unchanged. Your prayers are fervently needed and appreciated as he is still critically sick.
March 15th - James medications are in a transitional state to keep him stable, comfortable and minimize side effects. Blood pressure was on the low side and he has remained without fever. Three liters of fluids were removed during dialysis. Please continue to pray for Gods perfect and complete will to be accomplished in James as well as for those whom his life has touched.
March 14th - Today James had his wound vac/dressing change. Also, three liters of fluids were removed during dialysis. Otherwise a quiet day. James is still critically sick and he and Cathy need your prayers as they continue through this long trial.
March 13th - James condition remains the same. No dialysis today although Lasix was given to help reduce the excessive fluids. Please keep on praying. Thank you so much.
March 12th - James remains the same today. He had dialysis and three liters of fluids were removed. The preliminary report for the brain scan appears to be normal. Your faithful prayers are forever appreciated. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
March 11th - Dialysis was given and fluids were removed as tolerated. A CAT scan was done of both the pelvic area and also the brain to check for inflammation. The pelvic area is unchanged; no more, no less infection. Results for the brain scan are not in. Please continue to trust in the perfect timing and will of God.
March 10th - Four liters of fluid were removed during dialysis today and it appeared to relieve some of the extreme swelling. His vitals remained stable with medications. He looked restful all day. Please continue on in prayer.
March 9th - James was restful for most of the day. He did have one wake period where Cathy could see that he was truly sad. This is very difficult to see. With kidneys still in failure, he again had dialysis where they were able to remove three liters of excess fluids and additionally give him some blood products. His vitals were stable with only a low grade fever. Pain levels are maintained with extremely high doses of morphine and two different sedation medications. He continues to be supported by ventilator. "I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised..." Psalm 18 1-3a
March 8th - Praise God for all He does! The doctors came out of surgery at 5:30 p.m. with positive news about the bleeding. They were able to cauterize the many tiny bleeds that were found in an area where the gluteal muscle was previously removed, (surgery from Feb.27), and a skin flap was turned into its place. There is still concern about the possibility of future bleeding. James is not producing red blood cells adequately and with the additional blood loss from the wound, he required numerous units of blood (12+) in the last 24 hours. His vitals have remained stable with medication. Please, please pray for James improvement and for strength and perseverance for Cathy and the family during this extremely long and difficult trial.
March 8th - James will be having surgery around 3:00 p.m. today to repair another area that is bleeding. The doctors say that this is very serious. Just please pray diligently for James' care in this critical time. Stay tuned for more updates.
March 7th - During dialysis it was noted that James had new bleeding. They found that the femoral artery (in the groin area) was bleeding out. His doctor was notified and emergency surgery was performed by the vascular surgeon from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Repair of this artery was successful but the doctors are fearful of the outcome if this were to happen again. James vitals are stable with medication and he appears to be comfortable at this time A reminder to all of us: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31
March 6th - Thankfully James was very restful today after a new sedation medication was underway. His blood pressure was low (possibly due to the new medication) so they had to resume his blood pressure medication to counter the effect. Even though he appeared to be retaining fluids, he did not have dialysis as his lab value were acceptable. Please continue to pray as time goes on for encouragement and perseverance for Cathy and the doctors and for God's perfect will to be completed.
March 5th - The doctors are having difficulty managing James pain. He continues to wake up and be in severe pain even though his sedation medicine is high and his morphine dosage is very high. Even with all these medications, his blood pressure hasn't dropped (could be due to his agitation level). Please be praying for wisdom for the doctors and nurses as they care for James. This is uncharted territory for them as well as for Cathy and the family.
March 4th - James had several wake periods with episodes of great pain which required an increase in pain medication. The new additional pain medication was introduced today and the staff will be monitoring his vitals and watching for its effectiveness. Dialysis was done and no added blood products were needed. Please continue to pray and trust in Him. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
March 3rd - James had periods of being awake but was mostly disoriented and his pain level was very high. Morphine was increased and his sedation medicine was pushed directly into his I.V. line to decrease his pain. It took many hours before we really saw him comfortable. A pain management doctor was brought in for consultation and a new medication will be added to his treatment of care. The infection in the pelvic area is unchanged as of now. Pain management and infection control are areas of great concern requiring our constant prayers.
March 2nd - James physical condition is basically unchanged. His blood pressure was strong enough today that the nurses were able to discontinue his blood pressure medicine. Again he had no fever. He did have many periods of being awake but in these times he was anxious and confused. It is so important to continue on in prayer. James may know that he is very sick but many things are still so unclear to him (partially because of the sedation medications that he has been on for so long). Continue in faith through prayer with thanksgiving.
March 1st - James had dialysis as scheduled for today. His vitals were stable with medications and he seemed to be resting quietly. Please continue to pray.
