Today we've encountered one of the downsides of antibiotics. Though his treatment of antibiotics was absolutely necessary, it also diminished his immune system, allowing a systemic fungal infection that was diagnosed today. While quite serious because it's in his bloodstream, it IS treatable and he's been started on tough anti-fungal medication. The infection is tough on him and it may explain why he's been so weak and unresponsive since his surgery a little more than a week ago. He's still not talking or eating yet, hopefully soon he'll start vocalizing again.
On a positive note... we showed him the video from some of his Highland classmates, and it definitely piqued his interest. We really enjoyed seeing it as well! We'll continue to show it to him, along with the Mercersberg video, the Voicethread, and any other videos you send our way!
Love,
Austin
I'm so sorry, Forrest, that you're suffering so. Be strong. We're all praying for you!
ReplyDeleteWell, Forrest, I hope your doctors can get rid of the fungal infection quickly so you can get your strength built back up. We'll just all keep our prayers going up for your recovery.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless all of You!
Joyce and Wilbur
We continue in our prayers and hopes for Forrest's recovery. We hope for a quick response to the medication which I am sure will make everyone feel better!
ReplyDeleteLove to all from the Huppenthals
Hi Forrest and Team Forrest,
ReplyDeleteGosh, we are so sorry to hear about the string of unfortunate events. "This, too, shall pass." In the meantime, we encourage you to rest and concentrate on your healing. Think positive thoughts and know that we are doing likewise and praying for your comfort and wellness.
Be patient and strong and you will be through this before you know it. Our hearts and love are with you constantly.
God's peace be with you.
Love,
Maggie, Christina and Antonio
Hi Forrest and Team Forrest: Thank you so much for keeping us all informed. I check your blog daily to see how you are all doing. This weekend I was with old friends from my childhood and I shared your story with all its love,strength and courage. Everyone was blown away with your family. You now have a complete new set of supporters, cheering you on, praying for you and sending you cosmic strength. Big hugs, Abby and the Laughlin family
ReplyDeleteGrrrr.....ok, enough already! My quick reaction.
ReplyDeleteMy better reaction is to say that I will pray that Forrest, his medical team, and his extraordinary family can face these small(er) boulders strewn along his path with continued resolve and fresh energy.
Thanks so much for keeping us all informed. If you only knew how many people have your family on their minds! It's evident on Facebook, conversations at the Safeway and the Upper Crust and The Fun Shop. We LOVE YOUR FAMILY. Your entire community is praying for your strength and Forrest's recovery.
In my reading of the New Testament, I found this today:
"Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring."
2 Thessalonians 1:4 NIV
Boy, is this ever what we are all doing for you, Austin, and your entire family! Boasting about your perseverance and faith in all the trials that you are enduring.
There is purpose in this heartache, dear boy. I'm certain of it. And it will be revealed to you, and by your witness, to all of us. Thank you for allowing us to share in this journey with you.
We send you much love and continue to cover your family, and Forrest, in prayer.
Shannon
Forrest - they say that all the challenges one faces in life builds character. Your character has got to be pretty solid by now! Keep pushing ahead Forrest - we are praying for you and your family to give you all the strength you need to get over this hurdle. And we know you can do it!
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs to all of you,
Karen Rafferty and family
Dear Forrest,
ReplyDeleteWhile our hearts break with every setback you must endure, our hearts sing with the love shown by Team Forrest and the multitude of people who read this blog and pray for you every day. Your spirit shines through every challenge along this journey back to good health. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. We know you can overcome this latest hurdle. Keep fighting. Sending you lots of love.
Dear Forrest,
ReplyDeleteI must reveal that I had the same initial reaction that Shannon did...ENOUGH ALREADY, allow Forrest to heal!! OK, now that I have gotten that out of my system...the doctors are on top of it, I want you to feel better, I want you to be able to sit outside and pet Sundance and feel the sunshine on your skin. These days will come sweet Forrest. I wish for your mind and spirit to be at rest while your body takes this time to heal...thinking about you, your Mum, Kent and Austin continually...Much love, Barbara Riddleberger and the gang at Rabbit Hill
Keep fighting buddy. I know in my heart that you'll kick this fungal infection and start making stride again. Your incredible progress followed by this struggle reminds me of a Beatles quote:
ReplyDelete"Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday."
I believe in yesterday. My heart tells me you're going to come out of this and continue the progress of yesterday. Before we know it, you're going to kick this fungal infection and start making progress in leaps and bounds. Believe in the progress of yesterday.
Also, at risk of overusing Beatles quotes (is this possible?) I was thinking about your dad, and your brother Austin, and your aunts and cousins, and your physical therapist, your friends back home, the rest of us who incessantly refresh our internet browsers hoping to hear good news, and everyone else rooting for you all over the world and how much love everyone has for you. But then I began thinking about your mom, and how strong she's been for you, and what an incredible person to have in your life... Anyway, the following quote seemed appropriate:
"In my hour of darkness, she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be."
Forrest, we love you, we're rooting for you, and we believe in you. Keep fighting; I know in my heart that calm seas lie ahead of these troubled waters. And Austin (miss you buddy)and the rest of Team Forrest, believe in the progress of yesterday.
-Jonny C.
Forrest, hate to hear about the infection but we all know that it's just another insane hurdle that you will jump over. Keep on fighting! So happy that you got the Highland video (I'm in the picture of the screen hehe) making that video really made us miss you even more. We're all thinking about you (especially because senioritus has kicked in and that always makes me think of you :)) LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!!
ReplyDeleteEmily Dods
Hey Forrest! Guess what I got to see today in Springfield, Mo. We saw 9 of the Budwiser Clidesdale horses being led across the parking lot at Bass Pro!! I didn't get to take any pictures of them as we were just driving by, but they were absolutely beautiful!! I have always loved them SO MUCH, and would loved to have had the opportunite to have petted them!!
ReplyDeleteWe were in Springfield to celebrate my birthday. I like to stretch it out for about a week!! It isn't actually until Monday. On Tuesday, we're going down to Branson for a couple of days. Wish ALL of you could join us!! This is my 70th birthday, so I gotta make the most of it! Right??
All of you take care and know that the prayers are continuing!
Love, Joyce and Wilbur
Sending you many prayers and good thoughts from those of us who met you during your UVA stay. You have an awesome team.
ReplyDeleteHi Forrest, It's very early Saturday morning and I've just checked to seeif there is a recent post, which I do every morning. Nope... let's me know that you are getting the full attention of your own Team Forrest and for that I'm thrilled. Not to mention you are in the hands of wonderful doctors, nurses, therapists, etc. While there wasn't a new post I wanted to let you know that we renew our prayers for you and your quick healing each morning. Trusting that you are healing from the inside out! We love you and your steady team.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from our home to you and yours.
love,
Donna (Owen, Chloe and the rest of our gang)