Coffee? Tea? Serenity?

There were no significant changes in her condition on Thursday.
Her condition continues to be a very critical one.

They continue to carefully monitor the functions of the vital organs.

They continue to pay close attention to the bone marrow and to give her the blood products needed as determined by the blood work.

They continue to give her the medications they feel will assist her in fighting her illnesses.

The respirator continues to assist her with breathing.

This is the 38^th day of hospitalization for Grandma Foreman.
With each day that passes, our concern grows greater.
With each day that passes, we wonder, "How long can she fight?"
With each day that passes, we continue to believe that this is but a season and during this season God is at work fulfilling His purpose in all of our lives.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven"

There were no reportable changes in her condition during the afternoon and evening of Wednesday. Her condition continues to be a very critical one.

They are carefully monitoring the functions of the vital organs including the kidney, the heart, the lungs, and the bone marrow. They continue to give her the medications they feel will help her fight the multiple health complications. They continue to give her the necessary blood products as determined by the blood work. They continue to pay special attention to the bone marrow because of its importance in determining if her body can work naturally in its fight against illnesses.

Our faith is tested.
Our strength is tested.
Our patience is tested.
Even through these tests, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus so that He may carry us through these difficult days.

I Peter 1:7 "that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"

While the doctor visited with the family this morning, he shared with them that although her condition continues to be a very critical one he does remain hopeful. He will continue the medications that he feels will help her to fight through the multiple health complications. He also shared with them that he feels the kidney has begun to function more normally, that the bleeding in the intestinal area has improved, and that her heart remains very strong.

They will continue to monitor her condition very carefully paying very close attention to the bone marrow and whether or not it resumes normal functions. While doing so, they will give her the blood products as determined by the blood work.

Your concern and your continued prayer are greatly appreciated.

On Tuesday, she continued to give slight responses to our voices and our touch, but those responses seem to be done semi-consciously.

The respirator continues to assist her with breathing.

Blood products continue to be given as determined by the blood work.

They continue to monitor her condition carefully paying very close attention to the bone marrow and whether or not it has begun to resume its normal functions.

As we spend our time with her during the very limited visiting times, we caress her with our words and our touches. We do our best to comfort her and soothe her. We pray with her and for her. We exit her room with the heaviest of hearts while placing her into the hands of God. We go through our days with her constantly on our minds. We encourage one another. We share our thoughts and concerns with one being very consistent: "I cannot believe this is happening to her." It is with those heavy hearts, prayers and encouragement that we remind ourselves of Isaiah 55:8; "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways". It is with that Scripture in mind that we stand firm in our faith knowing that God's ways are the best ways; even when we do not fully understand them.

There were no changes in her condition on Monday.

Her condition continues to be a very critical one.

They continue to monitor the bone marrow paying careful attention to whether or not it responds to the changes in medication.

The respirator continues to do the majority of the breathing for her.

They continue to provide the needed blood products as determined by the blood work.

Although she does give slight responses from time to time, it seems that she is semi-conscious.

Matthew 6: 9-13 "In this manner, therefore pray: Our Father...."

Her doctor visited with her, and with Lester and Arline, for an extended period of time this morning. When he entered her room, he spoke to her and noticed that she made a slight response. After a thorough review of her case, and because she responded to him, he has decided to change some of her medication. He is hoping that the change in medication will assist the bone marrow to resume production of the red and white blood cells. While waiting to see how the bone marrow responds to this change, he will continue to provide the blood products as determined by the blood work, the respirator will continue to assist her with breathing, and they will continue to monitor her condition very carefully.

Her condition continues to be a critical one. Your concern and your continued prayer is greatly appreciated.

I spent most of the day at the hospital and found that there was very little change in her condition from the time I spent there on Saturday.

They continue to carefully monitor the blood and provide the necessary blood products as determined by the blood work.

The respirator continues to do the majority of the breathing for her.

Although she was not given medication to sedate her, she slept for most of the day. It seems that she is semi-conscious.

The blood work indicates that her bone marrow has not yet begun to produce the necessary blood cells.

Psalm 91:2 "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."

With each passing day, the chances are becoming less likely that she can survive and make a full recovery from the multiple complications that she is battling.

The most recent complication involves her kidney. She only has one, and it has begun to show signs of becoming weak in its functions. This is a serious complication because of the kidney being needed to filter the toxins from her body.

The medications for sedation were not given on Saturday, but even without them, she remained asleep. There were a few times that she gave a slight move of the hand, or move of the foot to indicate that she could hear us, but she appears to be semi-conscious.

The respirator is now doing the majority of the breathing for her.

Her blood pressure is not as strong as it has been.

The blood work indicates that the bone marrow has not resumed production of the needed blood cells.

Her condition has reached a very critical point.

As I write this, I am reminded of "Footprints in the Sand". Although we cannot see her footsteps, we trust that Our Lord is carrying her to the destination that He knows to be best for her. We pray for the courage to accept whatever that will and that destination may be, and to forever stand firm in our faith.

Psalm 2:12 "Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him."

There has been an information line established for callers to listen to a recorded message containing the most recent news on Grandma Foreman.

The information given in that recorded message will be very similar to the information that will be shared through this blog and the two will be updated simultaneously.

This line has been set up for those who do not have access to the internet and cannot receive information through my blog.

If there is someone that you know who doesn't have access to the internet and you'd like the phone number to the information line so that you may share it with them, please send me an email at ingodshands_gmaf@yahoo.com . In that email please share with me who you are, how you relate to our family, and with whom you will be sharing the phone number.

It is our ultimate goal to keep all of our family and friends informed and up to date. As time goes by this becomes more difficult as we attempt to call everyone who has inquired and requested that we keep them updated. We are hoping that this information line will provide an easy, second means for doing just that.

As of 5am on March 25^th:

There has been very little change to the information shared with you yesterday, but the following is a summary of the news received.

• They have changed her bed to one that is more comfortable.
• The symptoms of ICU psychosis appear to have been alleviated somewhat. She appeared to be resting more comfortably and the medications have been reduced slightly.
• The short, shallow breaths that were seen on Thursday improved to a slightly deeper breathing on Friday.
• Blood work and sputum cultures are continuing. They are carefully watching and hoping for the bone marrow to begin production of the red and white blood cells. They are carefully monitoring the sputum to see if the Aspergillus remains present.

Colossians 4:2 "Continue earnestly in prayer"

The doctors are continuing to carefully monitor Grandma Foreman's blood. This morning, her blood count was very low. Three units of blood were ordered. The doctors have stated that an important factor is whether or not the bone marrow resumes production of the blood cells. If the bone marrow fails to resume production, Grandma Foreman faces more serious health complications.

The respirator continues to do the majority of the breathing for her due to her having very short and shallow breaths when an attempt to reduce that work is made.

Medications continue to be administered for sedation to help her be as comfortable as possible while experiencing ICU psychosis.

As more information is made available, I will share it with you.

Psalm 18:30 "He is a shield to all who trust in Him."