We have had a great week.  They took blood work at the end of last week that showed that Brent wasn't being dialyzed enough so his daily treatments increased to about 3 1/2 hours each day.  Since then, his energy and appetite has increased, and he has had energy to do some things around the house.  He even got out and washed our whole boat in preparation for putting it in the water next weekend. 

He will be continuing the training for home dialysis for about another 3 weeks, because his fistula has to be used several times before he can access himself at home.  We got the machine for dialysis this week and we are getting all set up for his home treatments.  We were even given a lazy boy from my brother (thanks Doug and Karin!)  because he has to recline during the treatments. 

Please check our Brent's new website  http://www.bp4tb.com/   This is one way God using all things for His good.  Our good friend, Shana, is a professional video editor and did this video for this project.  Thanks Shana!

Miraculously, Brent woke up Sunday morning fever free.  Thank you all for your prayers!  He has some symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, but is not in any discomfort from it.  His blood pressure has been under better control this week and he has been feeling more energy.  He even worked on the basement some yesterday afternoon.  He is surprised by how easily he tires out from just even the little things, but I am thankful for the even the small chunks of time that he has some energy.

The training for home dialysis is going well, he can hook himself up, run the machine and unhook himself when he is finished.  He is meeting today with the surgeon to see when he can start using his fistula for dialysis.  He is very anxious to get the tube out of his chest!  Just having the tape there for weeks on end is getting irritating.    We are starting to look like a hospital here, with all the supplies we have gotten for home dialysis.  Yesterday we got a delivery and they delivered 32 boxes of supplies!  We get the machine delivered today.  We have a centrifuge and a fax machine and we are getting all set.  We will probably start doing this at home in June and it takes about 3 1/2 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week. 

We love you all, thanks for all the encouragement and prayers!

Brent developed a fever last night.  At first we were concerned that his central line might be infected, but his fever is not high enough and he doesn't feel bad enough for that to be a concern right now.  He did go to Patient First this afternoon and they think he has a virus, but put him on a Z-pack just to be sure.  He is feeling fairly bad and doesn't have much energy for anything.  We have also had a difficult time this week regulated his blood pressure medication, so we could sure use prayers for both of those concerns.  Thanks!

Here is a prayer that I came across today that really spoke to us:

Lord, as hard as it is for me to let go of the hopes and dreams I have for my life, I lay them all at Your feet.  I know that as I die to them, You will either bury them forever or resurrect them to life.  I accept Your decision and fully submit to it.  Lead me in Your path, Lord.  You never said life would be easy.  You said You would be with me.  I now take each step with the light of Your presence as my guide.

I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and he will make me walk on my high hills.  Habakkuk 3:18,19

Back from Disney

We had a wonderful trip to Disneyworld.  It was a really special family time together that I will really cherish.  Brent ended up renting an electric scooter to get around, and still was pretty tired but he is recovering.  The kids had a wonderful time and it was great to spend time with our nieces and brother and sister-in-law.

Thank you so much for praying for our time....Brent commented to me, "It's so great to have tons of people praying for you while you are on vacation!"  We are blessed by you all.