Charley Hospitalized for Fever, His Appetite Returns!

Charley has been to the hospital twice in the last few days. On Sunday afternoon, after church, Charley went to the ER at Children's Hospital because of a low blood count. There, he was admitted to 6N and got a blood transfusion. Fortunately, Charley was able to go home just after midnight.

Yesterday (Monday) evening, Charley had a 39-degree fever. Nehemiah and Charley's cousin, Josh, took him back to Children's Hospital. Charley was admitted again for observation. He is still there, but should be discharged today.

GOOD NEWS! On Saturday, Charley began Dr. Jack Taylor's highly recommended Metabolic Assessment Program (http://www.biotor.com/). In just 2 days, his appetite returned! Charley has been asking for various foods...this is the first time in months! He had two dinners last night!

While it will be very beneficial for Charley to be able to eat (and not rely on his feeding tube), this creates a new challenge for Deborah and Nehemiah. With his feeding tube, Charley's parents have been able to control Charley's nutrition and have been giving him mostly blended fruits and vegetables. Now that Charley wants to eat, Dr. Taylor has suggested that Charley only eat organic foods and limit his sugar and flour intake. The challenge will be finding tasty recipes (and the time) to make for Charley.

Charley had a bath in the hospital last night and declared that he felt "SO COMFORTABLE!" Praise God for bringing this feeling to Charley, even in a hospital room!

Prayer Requests:
* Charley's body will continue to respond to the chemotherapy so that his bone marrow can be cleansed.
* Charley's growing appetite will cause him to maximize his nutrients.
* Deborah and Nehemiah can obtain the resources necessary for Charley's new diet without issue. May they have the means to pay for these costly foods and find assistance with making food for Charley.
* Deborah and Nehemiah can have some time to feel relaxed...perhaps in the form of a warm bath that Charley said was so comfortable!