Christmas Hospital - Style

Well, it's not ideal....but it'll do for now. A little chat with Dr. Weinkauf took all the wind out of our sails yesterday. Even though the bronch results were good, even though they've found sensitivities to the fungus and we are on lots of the right drugs....it's not enough to move Donovan to outpatient status. They aren't going to discontinue any of the IVs just yet, they even added another one yesterday. Dr. W. likened it to fighting cancer....you use all the toxic stuff you can until there are just too many bad side effects, then you cut back. Not what we wanted to hear. He also emphasized what a rare infections this is, how rare it was for it not to be "covered" by the drugs Donovan was already on, and how baffled they are by the whole thing.

Good news today, an X-ray showed some clearing of the lungs. An Infectious Diseases Doc said that if Monday's CT scan is clear, than perhaps on Tuesday we'll start as outpatients. They are not even talking about discharge to PA, as Dr. W. says he cannot think of a doctor wanting to "take on" Donovan's care. He want to be able to "lay eyes" on him personally, every day!

So yesterday was a real downer, but that is when we start looking up to God, who is bigger than all of this. He's gotten us through so many, many tough times, and He's not afraid of taking on Donovan's care. Yesterday Donovan got sick with a migraine and vomiting from one of the drugs. He's having ringing in his ears from another one. So, they are discontinuing one drug at least for a while. He's feeling better today and got out on a pass from 5-10pm tonite. We came back to the suite and watched "A Christmas Story" a family xmas tradition, and played a card game. It was fun! The boys wrapped a few gifts and did a little snooping under the tree....we can't wait for everyone to get here.....We think Donovan will be able to leave the hospital both Christmas Eve and Day for a few hours to have supper with us. We'll take Christmas to the hospital the rest of the day....

So....the prayer list: For the fungus, bacteria to recede....leave for good!
No more bad drug side affects!
A good, clean CT scan on Monday, no trouble in sight!
For encouragement for Donovan's heart...for him to keep looking up!
For safe travel for Katie & Kurtis and Amy & Tyler in this cold, cold weather!
For the docs to find a way to do outpatient drugs in PA if possible!

And lets not forget the praise list! A good x-ray, yay!
Talk of outpatient status next week!
Lots of special specialists on the case..they all have Donovan's best interest at heart....

I would also like to add that we are thinking of our precious donor family this time of year. It must be so hard, it could just as easily have been us having our first Christmas without Donovan had they not had the courage to donate their loved ones organs. My heart and prayers go out to them. May they be comforted at this family time.

Well, the countdown is on....today i baked one of our holiday traditional foods...maple twist rolls, and already made cherry balls, nuts n' bolts, and poppycock. The turkey is thawing, and tomorrow I'll make our traditional Christmas brunch casserole...and keep a watch out for Amy & Tyler.

We have so much to be thankful for in the midst of all the craziness. Praying that you too will be mindful of all God has done for you and yours. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Love, Beth