Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A plea

As I have been writing out my goals for the new year, we've had some events happen in our family that really put life in perspective. Some of you may remember these two posts from October about my beautiful cousin and her husband...: I'm gonna love you through it and this one about my race and an update on him.


Things have been up and down ever since. There have been triumphs and setbacks. There have been questions without answers, and hope in the face of discouragement. Holidays have come and gone, and his prognosis has gone up and down. But right now, things are not looking so good.
Right now, Josh is in the highest level of ICU, on a ventilator. He has been getting so SO sick between chemo treatments--extremely high fevers, all sorts of problems, and the doctors have been baffled. Unable to find answers. Today, they finally figured out he has HLH, an extremely rare disease that complicates fighting his cancer even more. He just finished what was supposed to be his last round of chemo a couple of weeks ago, but with this new diagnosis, he must be started on an aggressive 9 week treatment program of chemo and steroids right away. Here's what Megan wrote today:


Josh's heart rate went crazy last night. His lungs are filled with liquid. His body is super swollen from all the liquid that is inside him from meds. He has gained 25-30 pounds in water weight. They put a tube down his throat that will breathe for him. Also they are controlling his blood pressure. He has a feeding tube and a catheter. He has pneumonia. Many have asked what they can do; please pray for my sweet husband. There will be a fast for him from lunch today to lunch tmrw for those who would like to join. My heart is full of gratitude for the prayers and love that have been given to us. I love you Joshua!

Please, if you are willing to, pray for my cousin and her husband. She's been told that they will have to take it day by day, and there are no guarantees right now.

I've been trying to come up with goals about writing, parenting, exercise, finances and more. His only goal right now is to survive. To live. To beat the monster that is cancer. How often do we take for granted the supreme gift of life? To be able to breathe, to run, to play and laugh and sing and LIVE? I know I have.

So, I guess I just want to say to Megan and Josh: We love you guys so much, and we are all praying for you with all of our might and faith. I know miracles happen, and that if it's the Lord's will, you will get yours. <3 <3 I guess that's the hardest part of faith--is accepting the Lord's will. For now, I am determined to believe that His will is for Josh to live. He is a fighter. Josh, we love you!

10 comments:

Candyland said...

Oh my...Sara...I have been absent from the blog world so I just went back and read what's going on and...this is heartbreaking. My father died of cancer 7 years ago, but I wasn't there with him. The images this brought to mind literally have me sobbing. I am saying a big prayer right now. My heart goes you to you and yours. <3

Unknown said...

Oh, Sara, my heart goes out to you and your family. It really does put all these other irritants in life in perspective, doesn't it. You are in my prayers.

Russo said...

Oh, Sara, I am sorry. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Caroline Starr Rose said...

Sara, I'm so sorry and am praying for you. xo

Cassie Mae said...

Will be praying for you and your family. <3

Suzie F. said...

Josh and Megan are in my prayers.

Melody said...

Dear Jesus, we just lift up Josh right now. I pray that Your inexplicable peace fills the hospital room. I pray for wisdom for the doctors. And I pray for healing. We declare life over Josh, in Jesus' name. Let your peace and comfort surround Josh and all his family. Amen.

Carolyn V said...

Sara, I'm so sorry to hear this. I will keep your cousin and her husband in my prayers. Please keep us updated. <3

Janiel Miller said...

Definitely praying for your cousin, her husband, and you. What a thing. Life can really be something. And faith can be too. We'll keep it for all of you. I'm glad they have you to comfort them.

Amie Borst said...

sara, this post brought me to tears. not just for josh's struggle, but for the reminder to cherish life. thank you. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.