Main Page • John's Journal (2000-2003) • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson

May 2, 2006

 

“Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4

 

 

Yesterday was a breakthrough day! Praise the Lord! We have an answer! All of the testing, waiting, wondering is over. They have identified the problem. I am indeed positive for the Norwalk Virus. Many of heard of this virus, for it has spread on many cruise ships, schools, etc. The main symptom of the virus is acute gastroenteritis, which results in vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes the symptoms are mild nausea and diarrhea, and other times the symptoms include intense vomiting and/or diarrhea for several days. Low-grade fevers and headache occur in half the cases. Generally, Norwalk patients feel uncomfortable, but won't appear to be severely ill. Loose and watery stool is very common in Norwalk patients. Most patients recover in about a week, but in patients with a compromised immune system, like myself, the symptoms can last up to six weeks. In my case I will just need to let it run its course. Efforts will be made to reduce my immunosuppression so my body can fight the disease more effectively. They may also give me some type of antibody therapy to help my body fight stronger. My doctors are not too concerned about me being contagious, but I'm sure a plan will be discussed before I am discharged. Meanwhile, I will need to continue to take in liquids and possible IV nutrition until the frequent, watery diarrhea symptoms improve. The last couple of days have shown some improvement. I am going to the bathroom less and my stools are less watery. I'm not out of the woods yet, but now I feel like I can push on with the knowledge of what has been causing the problem and know a cure is simply to wait it out. I will stay on a strict BRAT diet, avoiding Lactose products, and maintain hydration through IV until my bowels can function normally again. I am hoping this will all occur over the next few days. The doctors have discussed sending me home tonight. I haven't met with them yet this morning, but am very anxious to hear what they have to say.

 

One of the things we have noticed is that my platelet (blood clotting cells) count hovers at a low level. As a result, doctors performed a bone marrow biopsy yesterday to make sure my marrow is functioning properly. The benefit of this test will also be to get a clear picture as to where my CLL numbers are. I am praying they have fallen or disappeared all together. Definitely a major prayer request for me right now. For getting rid of my cancer is the number one goal here.

 

It is almost impossible to describe how physical and emotional challenge that has gone along with all of the diarrhea in the past month. It has tested every ounce of my character. There is one thing I haven't mentioned before that has allowed me to survive this ordeal:

 

 

A special thanks to my mother-in-law, Pat, who came up and spent the day with me yesterday. You were a great support and kept me distracted during some of the more difficult parts of the day. I am grateful.

 

 

 

In closing, I give thanks to the incredible doctors who have worked so diligently to find the source of my problem and I am glad the Lord led them to a diagnosis. Now I ask for prayers that my body will be able to battle this virus and restore itself to full health again quickly. I also ask for prayers over my bone marrow results. May they show positive signs of my cancer decreasing. As always, I know God is in control over my whole situation and that His perfect will can be done. I am thankful to Him for how my faith has grown through all of this and that he has given me the strength to push through it. Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support as we watch God's healing power at work.

 

 

 

“ Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear.

If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.”

 

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