{ Blood transfusion and hospital update }

January 9th my labs revealed that my hemoglobin and platelet count was very low. My oncologist told me to go to ER at New Palomar Hospital and get a blood transfusion. In the middle of the night I received two bags of blood. The transfusion completed around 3 am January 10th. Retest on blood levels revealed that both my hemoglobin and platelet count doubled. However it's still low. But in a more stable range.

January 10th, I have a slight fever at 99.3 degrees. They found my potassium levels to be extremely low so they had to give me potassium orally and intravenously. This was kinda painful. I'm also still on oxygen since being admitted to hospital. So they kept me in the hospital.

Today January 11th, they are doing a full blood work. Due to my cough that's lasted over a week, they have done a nasal squab this morning to test for influenza or any infections. In general I feel pretty weak. My body is tired. And sometimes I feel I can't stay positive. But this morning a song came to me.

"All things are possible when you believe. Faith moves the hand of God. Faith in His living word. All things are possible when you believe."

Matt. 19:26b

Jesus said to them, with man this is impossible but with God all things are possible."

Pray for me.

Pearl

{ The need for continual prayer }

Dear saints,

Continue to pray for our sister Pearl as she had to go to the new Palomar Hospital last night to receive a blood transfusion. A text message received from Michael (her husband) said the following:

 "Pearl's red blood cells and her hemoglobin count were low. We are at the new Palomar Hospital."

Ater a few hours Michael send a second text message with the following update:

"Pearl is doing well, she is now in her hospital bed and had dinner. They have started the blood transfusion."  

We will keep you updated in her progress as we receive new updates from Michael. Saints lets continue to keep our sister Pearl in our prayers.

{ Michael's Thirtieth Birthday and Last Session of Radiation }

Michael's birthday was on New Year's Eve. He just turned thirty. His cousins Vivian and Steven drove down from Los Angeles to celebrate along with brother-in-law Yogi and sister Cindy who were already here visiting for the week. They took us out to an Italian restaurant for dinner to celebrate.

Yogi and Cindy

Michael and Pearl

Michael and Cousin Vivian

Michael and Cousin Steven

On January 2nd I went to my tenth session of full brain radiation therapy. I received a certificate of completion.

The receptionist put the wrong date on it though. I will have followup visit on February 7th to scan the brain again and see how the legions took the treatment. Meanwhile, I have stepped down off steroids. Today January 8th was my final 1/2 pill dosage. Pray that I will not have headaches and will not hae to go back on steroids. Steroids has many side effects and each day I have been cutting down the dose, I am noticeably weaker. My immune system is also at a very low point, but I need to heal quickly so that I can handle my next chemotherapy session. Chemo drug will just further tear down my body. Chemo will resume on January 18th Friday. It will be a longer 6 hour intravenous session. A new drug will be added to the treatment. It will be different from the first two chemotherapy treatments I already had.

I was at first upset that the doctor pushed my treatment date  from Jan. 7th to Jan. 18th but now I believe this is actually for the better. I will try in these days some alternative therapies to rebuild my body with healthy foods and a natural way. No herbs as my oncologist doesn't want me taking anything herbal. But just eating plenty of organic vegetables and fruits. Doing as much as I can to restore my body's immune system, despite the fact that I can barely move these days. My brain is functioning but my body doesn't move with me. I am very lethargic. Please pray for me to regain my strength, for my body to heal and shake of the side effects of steroids withdrawal.

Thank you saints. I need the Body.