SEPTEMBER 20

Today, Gary has felt better.... at least able to keep food down. His body is still swollen with all the extra fluids. His creatinine levels increased once again so they called in a Nephrologist (kidney specialist). There is some damage to his kidneys from the methrotrexate. The plan now is to go back to using a diuretic but also at the same time push the fluids through, so there would be a constant "flushing" of the kidneys. Hopefully this will work and along with that bring the creatinine and methotrexate levels down. At this time, they said he would probably have to stay in the hospital through the weekend. Remember that I said this type of lymphoma of the nerves was very rare? Well, today I was approached by a woman named Donna who we have seen walking with her husband up and down the halls as Gary and I do... each men pushing their IV poles. :D She had heard from another couple that we have talked with about Gary's diagnosis, and wanted to let me know that her husband Louie has the SAME diagnosis! Imagine that! Our doctor told us that Mayo has only seen 5 cases before Gary. We compared the symptoms and both men have progressed the same way. Louie had lost the use of his hand as well, but now it has come back. That was such encouragement for Gary to hear! We just praise God how He brings the right people at the right time to encourage us! We plan to get together tomorrow so the men can talk to each other. And guess what Donna and Louie do?... They work for the Gideon foundation! So, I am sure we will have some good fellowship as well.