Thanks again so much to all of you who have prayed for Dennis. I wanted to update you, and share with you the email he sent out last night with some specific prayer requests:
It has been about a week since I completed my last round of chemo and today my blood counts show that my system is responding to the treatment. My counts took a pretty abrupt dip and I am approaching the point where my immune system will again be inadequate to fight infection. For the next 2 weeks plus I would really appreciate your prayers again for me in particular, but also for the rest of the family, that we would remain healthy and free of colds & flu.
Again this time around my greatest risk is going to be infection that would come from common skin bacteria which are routinely dealt with by the body's immune system but which can infect the slightest scratch or cut and then take off unchecked when the immune system is wiped out. That is what happened to me when I was hospitalized for the first round of treatment. I expect the total loss of immunity to happen within the next couple of days based on how things went the last time. The doctor does have me on a broad spectrum antibiotic again until my system is restored to help with potential infection but I know it is ultimately God who does both the protecting and the healing.
You can also be praying I would be able to avoid transfusions this time around. While I am grateful that transfusion is an option when needed, every time it is done there are risks involved that I would just as soon avoid.
I am really looking forward to the end of the month when I trust I can say that chemotherapy treatment and all it's side effects are behind me for good.
Blessings,
Dennis
prayers continue
No time to relax our efforts. Prayers to our Father that he extend his protecting hand over Dennis and his family.
My family is praying for you and your family, Dennis. May God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand, may He keep you free from any infection or exposure to virus, may He keep your family free from any illness, and finally, may He heal you from your affliction. In the name of our Good Lord, Jesus, I pray.
Prayers from TX
Continued prayers for Dennis that God's protective hands will surrounding him and his family and keep them illness free. I will also pray for his continued health and that a transfusion will not be needed.
Lord,
we put Dennis in your hand in a special way during this time. Keep him safe from infection until his body can deal with it, if it is your will, and continue to strengthen him.
Be with him and those who love him each step of the way,
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayers for a continued positive response to the treatment, and freedom for you and your family from colds and flu.
Prayers continue for Dennis and family
MM
Keep charging ahead, Dennis.
The Lord knows you want to get well.
We'll support you with prayer. Trust
Him.
This is the first I am reading of this...I was struck by the type of leukemia mentioned...APL...my son was diagnosed with this particular leukemia in 1984...until he was diagnosed, I had no idea, that there were so many different types of leukemia...
I do know that the treatment for APL is somewhat different than what my son received...but you are so right, APL, is an extremely aggressive type of leukemia...
I will be praying for this dad, and hope that he does survive his leukemia...
Dear God, thank you that In Christ You hear us! Please prevent any and all forms of sickness, viruses, infection, cuts or bruises from reaching Dennis during this period of vulnerability. When we are at our weakest You show Yourself strong. Thank You, Lord, Our Tower of Strength, Our Hope and Refuge. You know what we need even before we ask, but You love to hear our voice! Let this family grow in Your Love, praising every display of Your Grace and Mercy, recognizing Your Truth, Your Word, being comforted by Your Spirit in them and working in those around them at this time and always. We look to Thee alone for our help. Amen.
Father, I praise You for Dennis' testimony! Keep him strong in knowledge of Thee.