Charley's Update

Dear Family and Friends,

I spoke with Nehemiah by phone Tuesday night.

On Saturday, Charley was able to take a short walk, ate and drank and the medical team was preparing to have him transfer from the ICU back to the oncology floor. However, no room was available. Early on Sunday (midnight), Charley began to have labored breathing; he had a partial lung collapse. Charley had sputum that he needed to cough up but was unable to do so because he could not breathe deeply. He also could not have it suctioned out because of his low platelets. He was placed on Bi-PAP (oxygen support) again. On Monday morning, after 3 hours out of the Bi-PAP, although Charley tried to cough, X-rays showed his lung had collapsed again. He lacks the strength to cough. Thus, he has been on the Bi-PAP since Monday afternoon and can’t eat and drink. Today, X-rays revealed some slow improvement. Pray for strength to cough up the sputum.

Charley has been in bed for about 2 weeks now and is weak. The medical team moves him to a chair once a day but it causes him pain and even with the therapist, he is unable to walk.

Lastly, there has been some concern over possible inflammation or infection of his spleen and liver. For the moment it has been palpable since last Wednesday and hasn't worsened. The doctors will keep a close watch over this which could indicate leukemia attacking the organs.

Thursday, the medical team will meet with Deborah and Nehemiah.

Please Pray:
1. Ask the Lord for strength for Charley to cough and breathe deeply -- for full recovery of his collapsed lungs.
2. For God's healing to fully cleanse Charley of any infection. He's had fever of 38.2-38.8 but no bacteria have been cultivated.
3. God's hand on Charley's bone marrow for healing from the leukemia. Doctors will be looking for his blood count to go up by mid May at the latest to see if the chemo has worked.
4. Strength for Deborah and Nehemiah as they walk with Charley. Grant Deborah sleep, rest, peace especially since she hasn't been home for 2 weeks. She has been staying in the ICU, where there is no shower or even bathroom easily accessible.

Dear Charley, our hearts and thoughts are on you early in the morning and when we go to sleep. If we could bear any of this for you we would gladly do so. You are such an example to us all. Dear Deborah and Nehemiah, you've taught us so much. We pray for you that the Lord would uphold you and that you may trust in His love.

-Linda