Where things stand today
Yesterday, all signs pointed toward a fast recovery. No fever for well over 24 hours. He was very active and acting like his old self. He was even to the point of cabin fever and pure boredom. All indicators that he was feeling better.
However, last night his fever returned to it’s previous level of around 104 degrees. That meant that the infection was not, in fact over.
This morning, they did another blood analysis and discovered that his white blood cell count was still very high (that means the body is fighting infection). I believe that I understood that it was the type of white blood cells that fight bacteria, not virus.
They called in the pulmonologist who has been attending him since Friday and we went downstairs for a chest xray. Unfortunately, we now know that the pneumonia in his right lung has gotten worse and he has abscesses (small) in that lung.
Here’s the current plan: At four this afternoon, Ethan will undergo a short surgical procedure to remove the fluid from the lung. He will be under a light general anaesthetic that will cause him to sleep and they will do a local anaesthetic. It will be a relatively short time under thankfully. Following this, they will see what they need to do about changing his medication to better and more effectively treat this.
Tomorrow, the plan is to do a bronchial endoscopy in order to remove/treat the abscesses. I won’t lie – this is scary for us. In the USA, when Eli was sick with pneumonia, they felt that in the event an endoscopy was called for, they would not do it because of Down syndrome and the way the passageways are a bit different. They said it was a last resort due to the very high risk. We pray that God will heal these abscesses supernaturally.
Much for which to give thanksgiving
We are very blessed to have the head of pulmonology in all of Kyiv and said even to be one of the best (or best) in Ukraine. We are in a western style hospital in a private room. It is not cheap, and the surgeries will be expensive, but thus far, God is providing the money for it. That’s huge!
Some specific prayer requests:
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
- Supernatural healing of Ethan’s lungs and surrounding tissue
- The skill of the doctor
- Fear in our hearts – God desires us to trust Him. We do – but may God help our unbelief.
- For our other kids. Eli and Seth are still sick
- Lyuda is still quite sick
- The language barrier, especially considering medical terms, is quite wide here. So far, we are understanding and our doctor tries to speak English as much as he can. Please pray for continued understanding – even supernatural.
There are surely things that I have left out, but we are running on adrenaline here and aren’t thinking completely clearly.
We covet your prayers. They make a difference.
Though we have responded to almost no comments, we appreciate them and read everyone. They are a great encouragement to us. If God lays certain Scripture on your hearts concerning this situation, please share those also.
Blessed be the Name of our Great God.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah. 26:3
My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV) "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Isaiah 46:4
4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You."
I’m just posting all the scriptures people post on Facebook here for our reference.
But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD; he is their strength in the time of trouble. Psalm 37:39
Isaiah 58:9a Then shall you call, and the LORD shall answer; you shall cry, and he shall say, Here am I.
Jeremiah 29:11. God has a plan and always remember that it is for good.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. Psalm 145:9
May the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace at ALL times and in EVERY way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Thank you Cindy
Praying!
Thank you Melissa
May God bless and keep you. May God make His face to shine upon you and give you peace. May He heal, guide and protect. Blessings
Thank you Kim