May 18, +22, PICC out

Unfortunately, more PICC troubles to report today.  The swelling in his left arm hasn't really gone down since Monday when he got his new line.  At Thursday's clinic appointment, they told him to start elevating his arm.  He's kept it up basically around the clock, but at the expense of being comfortable and getting sleep.  Thursday night we couldn't get one of his lines to flush, indicating there was a little clot on one of his lines.  We went into clinic Friday morning to get it "drain-oed" and our doctor wasn't too pleased with how his arm looked.  This morning the swelling was worse, and he's totally and completely exhausted and uncomfortable from lack of sleep.  It's not good when your forearm is bigger than your biceps and you have no wrist or knuckles.  So, today it got pulled at the hospital. 

 Hunter's anti-rejection medication causes him to burn through extra magnesium, so we were replacing it by IV once a day.  That was pretty easy.  Tomorrow we will start pills.  It's hard on your system to take that much orally.  So, we need to pray that Hunter can tolerate oral magnesium pills and that we don't have to get another line put in.  The previous three haven't worked out very well.    

Hunter's digestive system is already struggling to keep up with his pills.  The past two days he's been extremely crampy and bloated.  Currently, he's curled up in the fetal position trying to get some relief.  We have SO many GOOD things going on with Hunter.  His counts are coming up, he's not run any fever at home, and his appetite and stamina have shocked his doctors.  All that being said, the last two days have been HARD.  Jana and I wish more than anything we could ease his suffering.  Right now he's just doubled over in pain.  This is a long road to recovery, but saying and knowing it doesn't make each day any easier.  They gave us some new medicine to try and help with the cramps, so hopefully he has a better night tonight.  Hunter has been such a trooper throughout this entire process, and right now he seems very weary.  Please pray for strength and perseverance for all of us, especially Hunter.  

Masks and hand sanitizer-a germaphobe's best friends in the grocery store

 I'm sorry if this post sounded whiney and tired.  We are feeling a little of both today.  It is truly a blessing to be able to unload what it on our hearts for our prayer warriors to petition God on Hunter's behalf.  It could feel lonely down here but our friends and family pick us up repeatedly when we feel down.  Hunter has been given a miracle and we know that every day is one step closer to being home.  We humbly ask for your prayers again that Hunter's cramps will go away, his arm swelling go away, and that the oral magnesium won't upset his tummy.  Thanks Team Hanner for helping carry our burdens!