This has been a very long and hard week.  My FIL was near death for the greater part of it.  My hubby flew down to be with his parents and help as much as he could.  The doctors didn't have any idea what was wrong with him.  At first they thought it was some recurrance of the cancer he had last year.  He was transferred to Barnes Cancer Center in St. Louis.  When he got there, they determined that it was NOT cancer related, but they still didn't know what it was.

We found out on Thursday or Friday that it turned out to be a tick-borne illness.  Ehrlichiosis.  I'd never heard of it.  Apparently a little girl died of it in Northwest Missouri a couple of weeks ago, though.  (ILs live in Southeast Missouri)  Some of the things I've read online say that this is extremely rare.  Others said that it is more common than we think.  It can sometimes be deadly if not caught early enough.

It was a case of wait and see for a couple of days.  They had started the meds for this on Tuesday, even before they had a diagnosis.  They started him on 5 different antibiotics that day, for various things they were checking.  He did have an infection in his brain from all of this as well as a long list of other problems.

After being in "a coma-like state" for a day or day and a half, he suddenly woke up Saturday morning.  He knew Hubby and MIL (which he hadn't in about 2 or more days).  They watched a little TV together.  Hubby read from the Bible, they prayed together.  He even laughed at one point.  The doctors were very optimistic.

On Sunday morning he was sleeping, even snoring, and just stopped breathing.  He turned blue and his heart stopped. 

They called Code Blue and were able to resucitate him.  However, his brain went almost 30 minutes without oxygen.

Since that time, he's been in ICU.  His pupils are fixed and dilated and there are no reflexes.  His blood pressure continues to fall, even while on life support.  The doctors have now given no hope.  They are going to remove the life support in the morning.

Please keep Hubby and MIL in your prayers.  I don't think she is handling it very well.  The crew and I will be flying down in the next couple of days. 

I will update as I can.

And please..PLEASE..use caution with tick bites.  I know living in the country they are very prevalent.  Please pay attention to when you get a tick bite.  Learn about symptoms of various tick-borne illnesses.  See a doctor if you exhibt flu-like symptoms within 2 weeks of a tick bite. 

This man fought cancer and won.  But is being killed by a tick.  Please be cautious.

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Posted by Jess

oh Kristi... I'm so sorry. There are no words I can say, I wish I could reach out and give you a hug. The thing that struck me is how great God is that He gave your husband and MIL Saturday. I pray that God would astonish the doctors and heal your FIL, but if that is not His will for now I pray that your family can rest in the promise of eternity.

Ticks are definitely a scary thing to me now after last falls incident with Max having one embed itself in his belly button. I actually found one on our shower curtain last week (no idea who it came from, but we all proceeded to check ourselves.)

But back to you please know that so many folks will be lifting you guys up in prayer. God is good, He is faithful, His mercy endures forever.

Much love-
Jess

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Posted by Ellen in Ellsinore

Please know you all have my thoughts and prayers. Living here in SE Missouri, and knowing this is happening to him HERE, in my neck of the woods, is scary stuff. :-( We live in the woods. We're always getting tick bites. :-( I'll be extra vigilant, for sure.
I'll be praying........{{{{hugs}}}}

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Posted by HSBFrontPorch

I am so sorry to hear about your FIL. I can only imagine how hard this all is on your hubby, MIL, and all of you. What a terrible shock, but I really do appreciate you posting this information. I'm going to have to google that tick disease. So scary.

Love you & praying. If there is ANYTHING we can do once you get stateside, just holler. Seriously. Anything.

Love you,
~Nancy

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Posted by Anonymous

Praying for safe travels and peace for the whole family. Huggggggggggggs
Mel

http://momnmore.blogspot.com

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Posted by wannabeone

Kristi and family,

My heart is broken for you. I lost my father suddenly 8 years ago...seems like yesterday. The passing of a Christian is so bitter-sweet...we love them and want to be with them HERE, but they are with the Lord...the goal of living. Oh, what a reunion!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

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Posted by stitchnchick

I just wanted you to know that I will be praying for you and your family. I'm so very sorry...
Amy

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Posted by findingcontentment

Kristi,

Please know that you have Christian friends out here in "blog world" that are praying for your family. And thank you for warning us about the ticks. You never know - it could save someone else's life one day...

Barb J.

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Posted by marmieto12

God's comfort at this time <3

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Posted by Anonymous

Kristi, I am so sorry to hear about your FIL. Ticks, here, scary. I will be praying for you all. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Let me know.
A in P.B.

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Posted by Anonymous

Oh honey I am so sorry to hear this : (
I am thinking of you all.
much love
Bri

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