That was Donovan's pulmonary function results today, his highest yet, and very blog-worthy! Perhaps his lungs are celebrating, along with the rest of us, that he is now out of hospital, after a whopping 42 days as an in-patient to treat his fungal infection. We got the walking papers on Friday afternoon. What a huge relief! We still need to go in to the hospital each weekday morning for bloodwork, x-rays, doc visits, physio etc.. so this means early mornings, but it's still waaaaay better than being an inpatient.
We won't know if the fungus is irradicated until the next CT in a week, but we are hopeful. Donovan continues to do anti-fungal treatment by inhalation and oral meds and the effects of the IV treatment are slowly dissipating. So, we hung out here this weekend, walked the dog, watched a movie, and for the first time since before transplant, Donovan was able to attend church on Sunday morning. What a huge blessing! We also visited Al's aquarium supply store to scout out fish for the tank here....much better shopping than what we have at home. It was great to have such an ordinary weekend....don't think I thought about hospital once!
Turns out the treatment of a lung fungus is rather costly. We learned upon picking up drugs at pharmacy that the province of Sask (cheapskates that they are), is choking on the $1000/5-day cost of only one of Donovan's drugs. The inhaled ampho is also waaaay up there cost-wise. It's a good thing Donovan is worth every cent (most days, ha ha) ..... add all this to the cost of his regular CF drugs, the cost of surgery and hospitalization, and I'm sure he is worth millions! It may be a hassle to have some of these drugs covered by our province when he is finally discharged there, so we need prayer for this
Well, with 6-ish wake up this morning, I'm in need of a nap....take care all!
love,
Beth
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Puppy Love!
Hello all.
Well we have a new member to our little family here in Edmonton. No, Katie did not have her baby early, our new addition is Donovan's dog Scout, his beloved Springer Spaniel. Verla, the gal at whose place we have set up residence, has graciously agreed he can stay for the time being...seeing as we're here for a while. And he was welcomed with open arms as Laurier and Stephen brought him this past weekend....oh, and we were happy to see Laurier and Stephen as well, (with open arms! )
So, it was off to explore the dog parks in Edmonton, and with wonderful, warm temps we made it to two different places, and met all sorts of four-legged furballs....wow, folks here all have purebreds, it would seem. The place looked like some sort of dog show, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, the dogs were out in full force, and our sociable Scout was in doggy heaven.
We also had a great visit from Laurier's niece Julie and her boyfriend Jason this weekend, and it was great to see them. Sunday we celebrated Katie's birthday (which was on Monday) and then said goodbye to Laurier and Stephen on Monday as they headed back to work and school in PA.. So, a busy few days, but a great change of pace.
Now for the health report. I've discovered that "In the next few days" is a favorite quote of the docs. It is used to cover a variety of situations like "when can I go home" to "when am I getting off IV" to "when is the next scan" etc. it doesn't really mean anything in terms of actual measurable time, but it gives them something to say, and alas, it gives us false hope...but now we've got the code cracked, so we don't hold our breath. Hmmmm.
Actually there has been some progress made...Donovan's "ampho-terrible" IV drug, spoken of earlier was discontinued on Sat., and he now has inhalations with the same med. The thinking is that he will be able to be an outpatient with this med, but they have to find a way to fund it, being an out-of-province patient....which is tricky, apparently. So he's still in the hospital, coming out most days for the later afternoon and evening. He feels fine, is no longer napping during the day as he was around xmas time, still needs to eat more, but is not dropping pounds as he was earlier.
And here's some great news! Donovan is now running on the treadmill...yes, running! Building up endurance, a little more each day....so Thank You God! It is more than I ever hoped for to see him run again! It has been years since he had the lung power to run.
Today was a special treat as I got to see my grandbaby on ultrasound. All the bones of the spine, ribs, cute little toes...s/he is adorable, that's for sure. Just wait till I get to see him/her in the flesh!!! And more good news, the little one is no longer breech! Yay! About 3 more weeks till baby day....I hope to be around, but have Donovan all better....let's continue to pray to that end.
Well, "Nana" needs her sleep, so goodnight and God Bless!
love,
Beth
Well we have a new member to our little family here in Edmonton. No, Katie did not have her baby early, our new addition is Donovan's dog Scout, his beloved Springer Spaniel. Verla, the gal at whose place we have set up residence, has graciously agreed he can stay for the time being...seeing as we're here for a while. And he was welcomed with open arms as Laurier and Stephen brought him this past weekend....oh, and we were happy to see Laurier and Stephen as well, (with open arms! )
So, it was off to explore the dog parks in Edmonton, and with wonderful, warm temps we made it to two different places, and met all sorts of four-legged furballs....wow, folks here all have purebreds, it would seem. The place looked like some sort of dog show, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, the dogs were out in full force, and our sociable Scout was in doggy heaven.
We also had a great visit from Laurier's niece Julie and her boyfriend Jason this weekend, and it was great to see them. Sunday we celebrated Katie's birthday (which was on Monday) and then said goodbye to Laurier and Stephen on Monday as they headed back to work and school in PA.. So, a busy few days, but a great change of pace.
Now for the health report. I've discovered that "In the next few days" is a favorite quote of the docs. It is used to cover a variety of situations like "when can I go home" to "when am I getting off IV" to "when is the next scan" etc. it doesn't really mean anything in terms of actual measurable time, but it gives them something to say, and alas, it gives us false hope...but now we've got the code cracked, so we don't hold our breath. Hmmmm.
Actually there has been some progress made...Donovan's "ampho-terrible" IV drug, spoken of earlier was discontinued on Sat., and he now has inhalations with the same med. The thinking is that he will be able to be an outpatient with this med, but they have to find a way to fund it, being an out-of-province patient....which is tricky, apparently. So he's still in the hospital, coming out most days for the later afternoon and evening. He feels fine, is no longer napping during the day as he was around xmas time, still needs to eat more, but is not dropping pounds as he was earlier.
And here's some great news! Donovan is now running on the treadmill...yes, running! Building up endurance, a little more each day....so Thank You God! It is more than I ever hoped for to see him run again! It has been years since he had the lung power to run.
Today was a special treat as I got to see my grandbaby on ultrasound. All the bones of the spine, ribs, cute little toes...s/he is adorable, that's for sure. Just wait till I get to see him/her in the flesh!!! And more good news, the little one is no longer breech! Yay! About 3 more weeks till baby day....I hope to be around, but have Donovan all better....let's continue to pray to that end.
Well, "Nana" needs her sleep, so goodnight and God Bless!
love,
Beth
Monday, January 12, 2009
We're really "pumped" today about Donovan's latest CT scan, which shows shrinking fungal nodules. Some have disappeared completely, and others are on there way to being gone! Donovan has now had over 5 weeks of treatment, you can see how this is a long process, but we getting there and trusting God that his lungs will soon be clean & pristine once again.
The doctor showed us the actual CT pictures, and I was horrified to see the early photos, which showed round, white balls with what is known as a "crushed glass" halo around each nodule. Some were over a centimeter around. They were scattered deeply in both lungs. What a terrible threat to his precious new lungs! And since he had plenty of lung tissue, they gave him no trouble at all as far symptoms and lung function. He could breathe just fine. To think we could have gone home and not known what he was growing is truly frightening! Today's scan is much better. Some of the nodules, the smaller ones are gone completely, and others have shrunk to half the size. The doctors are impressed...and so are we!
Yesterday Donovan's renal function was "down" again, so he had to tank up with a litre of IV fluid, and needed just half of that today. We must pray his kidneys will withstand at least another few weeks of the toxic fungal treatment so we can rid his lungs of the stuff for good.
Had another great visit with cousin Dave yesterday and his dog Dutch....pet therapy is good for the soul! And lunch with old friends Wayne & Pauline today. Great to see you, and what a great lunch...real food from Earl's, yum, yum! Nice to see Donovan dig into a plate with interest! Visits are always a bonus when one day just runs into the next, marked only by IV bag changes and the roster of nurses...so thanks a lot for coming to see us when you can.
Well today the white stuff is piling up on the sidewalk, and having lost a game of crib to Verla, it's my turn to shovel! (Don't laugh Laurie E. I'll be thinking of you with each shovel-full, and I'll still love winter!).
take care everyone!
Love,
Beth
The doctor showed us the actual CT pictures, and I was horrified to see the early photos, which showed round, white balls with what is known as a "crushed glass" halo around each nodule. Some were over a centimeter around. They were scattered deeply in both lungs. What a terrible threat to his precious new lungs! And since he had plenty of lung tissue, they gave him no trouble at all as far symptoms and lung function. He could breathe just fine. To think we could have gone home and not known what he was growing is truly frightening! Today's scan is much better. Some of the nodules, the smaller ones are gone completely, and others have shrunk to half the size. The doctors are impressed...and so are we!
Yesterday Donovan's renal function was "down" again, so he had to tank up with a litre of IV fluid, and needed just half of that today. We must pray his kidneys will withstand at least another few weeks of the toxic fungal treatment so we can rid his lungs of the stuff for good.
Had another great visit with cousin Dave yesterday and his dog Dutch....pet therapy is good for the soul! And lunch with old friends Wayne & Pauline today. Great to see you, and what a great lunch...real food from Earl's, yum, yum! Nice to see Donovan dig into a plate with interest! Visits are always a bonus when one day just runs into the next, marked only by IV bag changes and the roster of nurses...so thanks a lot for coming to see us when you can.
Well today the white stuff is piling up on the sidewalk, and having lost a game of crib to Verla, it's my turn to shovel! (Don't laugh Laurie E. I'll be thinking of you with each shovel-full, and I'll still love winter!).
take care everyone!
Love,
Beth
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
"Ampho-Terrible"
That is the nick-name of the drug of choice used to treat Scopulariopsis, the name of Donovan's fungus. it's nasty stuff, and has barrage of side-effects, much like chemotherapy. The idea is to give it as long as the patient can take it.
The last week it's been difficult to watch as the life gets sucked out of Donovan, much like a balloon deflating. He looks a little now like he did pre-transplant. The color is gone from his face, he moves in slow motion, has little appetite,and wants to sleep a good portion of the day. So frustrating....he's losing weight.
There was a ray of sunshine today as Dr. Lein told us his last x-ray looked normal! A consult with infectious diseases suggested cutting back on the ampho so that he could take it longer. So,as of tomorrow we are down to 200ml from 300, and hopefully the dark & gloomies will back away....(depression, not people)....
We're really hoping the next CT will show more clearing of fungus, and the next bronch will be even more improved. Donovan can get passes, even overnight passes, but it's too hard to go out when you have zero energy.
However, we soldier on, and today Donovan got to the gym for a treadmill workout,something that's been too difficult this last while. I'm hoping to snag him home to make some Taco Soup with me later today....should chase away the winter chills! He also needs to fix the computer for me, which says I'm disconnected from the internet.
Soooo, we keep praying, and God keeps meeting our needs. Blessing each one of you who are lifting us up to the Throne....
love,
Beth
The last week it's been difficult to watch as the life gets sucked out of Donovan, much like a balloon deflating. He looks a little now like he did pre-transplant. The color is gone from his face, he moves in slow motion, has little appetite,and wants to sleep a good portion of the day. So frustrating....he's losing weight.
There was a ray of sunshine today as Dr. Lein told us his last x-ray looked normal! A consult with infectious diseases suggested cutting back on the ampho so that he could take it longer. So,as of tomorrow we are down to 200ml from 300, and hopefully the dark & gloomies will back away....(depression, not people)....
We're really hoping the next CT will show more clearing of fungus, and the next bronch will be even more improved. Donovan can get passes, even overnight passes, but it's too hard to go out when you have zero energy.
However, we soldier on, and today Donovan got to the gym for a treadmill workout,something that's been too difficult this last while. I'm hoping to snag him home to make some Taco Soup with me later today....should chase away the winter chills! He also needs to fix the computer for me, which says I'm disconnected from the internet.
Soooo, we keep praying, and God keeps meeting our needs. Blessing each one of you who are lifting us up to the Throne....
love,
Beth
Saturday, January 3, 2009
New Year, New life....
Happy 2009 everyone! May this be a wonderful new year, full of health and harmony! How are the resolutions holding up? Haven't had much time for resolutions here in Edmonton. After much prayer and waffling on our part, Laurier and I have come to the decision that he will go home, and I will stay for now with Donovan.
We are all adjusting to the reality of this setback, and gradually accepting that hospital and treatment in the reality for now, but all for a great cause...Donovan's eventual freedom from all things medical, and the start of his new life. The discouragement of not going home is gradually abating, and we are filling time with as many fun things as possible, afternoon passes from hospital, learning to play Canasta (card game) and finishing off the Christmas goodies, hanging out with Stephen who is with us until he goes home with Laurier tomorrow. Also had a great visit from Laurier's cousin Dave, who bought his Golden Doodle (half standard poodle, half golden retriever) "Dutch" to visit with us at hospital today. What a great puppy, so friendly and a real head-turner. Hopefully that helped with Donovan with his loneliness for Scout back home.
A little better news from the docs today. They are thinking seriously about dropping one of the IV drugs and moving Donovan to outaptient IV. Finally!!! But we have learned not to hold our breath with these proposed changes, so we'll be Doubting Thomases till we see it happen. I had to push today to and put the words in the doc's mouth that we are indeed winning this battle. I find these medical types to be very guarded with any type of encouragement, and all to willing to say how worried they are, and how serious everything is. So scary, and not good for my anxiety!! They've also mentioned "three more months" several times, and jokingly the other day "we'll have you out of here before xmas!" ha ha ha....not so funny.
So friends & family....c'mon down and visit us....Edmonton, the land of cheap gas and sub-arctic temperatures. I'm going to need lots of distractions and visitors, hanging out here, far, far away from my hubby, family, friends & darling little preschoolers....I miss you all already!
We have depended on God thus far, and he has not let us down. I still stand back and marvel at Donovan walking the stairs sitting and sharing a meal with us, laughing as he plays video games with his brother. We are so, so blessed to have him with us at all, and we will surely get through whatever is ahead this year.
Thank God there is no limit to what we can ask for....and tonite I need prayer for the adjustment to living here, away from my usual routine, to be able to encourage Donovan as he goes through all of this (he hates to see any form of worry), as he and Laurier had a very workable guy's thing going here....for the adjustment for him as well....for laurier & stephen as they head back to school and work, for safe travel....and of course, for outpatient status for Donovan early next week, and for complete healing for his lungs.
On another note...Katie's due date (Feb. 14) is just around the corner. One bonus of being here instead of Sask. is that I get to see her about once a week. Could we all pray for health & strength for her and for my precious grandbaby? Not sure if I mentioned that we're waiting for the little one to be in the appropriate position for birth. S/he is currently head-up....as well, Katie is on her feet much of the day with her two jobs, and we all remember the discomforts of the last weeks of pregnancy....
Blessings to all this cold, cold Edmonton evening,
Beth
We are all adjusting to the reality of this setback, and gradually accepting that hospital and treatment in the reality for now, but all for a great cause...Donovan's eventual freedom from all things medical, and the start of his new life. The discouragement of not going home is gradually abating, and we are filling time with as many fun things as possible, afternoon passes from hospital, learning to play Canasta (card game) and finishing off the Christmas goodies, hanging out with Stephen who is with us until he goes home with Laurier tomorrow. Also had a great visit from Laurier's cousin Dave, who bought his Golden Doodle (half standard poodle, half golden retriever) "Dutch" to visit with us at hospital today. What a great puppy, so friendly and a real head-turner. Hopefully that helped with Donovan with his loneliness for Scout back home.
A little better news from the docs today. They are thinking seriously about dropping one of the IV drugs and moving Donovan to outaptient IV. Finally!!! But we have learned not to hold our breath with these proposed changes, so we'll be Doubting Thomases till we see it happen. I had to push today to and put the words in the doc's mouth that we are indeed winning this battle. I find these medical types to be very guarded with any type of encouragement, and all to willing to say how worried they are, and how serious everything is. So scary, and not good for my anxiety!! They've also mentioned "three more months" several times, and jokingly the other day "we'll have you out of here before xmas!" ha ha ha....not so funny.
So friends & family....c'mon down and visit us....Edmonton, the land of cheap gas and sub-arctic temperatures. I'm going to need lots of distractions and visitors, hanging out here, far, far away from my hubby, family, friends & darling little preschoolers....I miss you all already!
We have depended on God thus far, and he has not let us down. I still stand back and marvel at Donovan walking the stairs sitting and sharing a meal with us, laughing as he plays video games with his brother. We are so, so blessed to have him with us at all, and we will surely get through whatever is ahead this year.
Thank God there is no limit to what we can ask for....and tonite I need prayer for the adjustment to living here, away from my usual routine, to be able to encourage Donovan as he goes through all of this (he hates to see any form of worry), as he and Laurier had a very workable guy's thing going here....for the adjustment for him as well....for laurier & stephen as they head back to school and work, for safe travel....and of course, for outpatient status for Donovan early next week, and for complete healing for his lungs.
On another note...Katie's due date (Feb. 14) is just around the corner. One bonus of being here instead of Sask. is that I get to see her about once a week. Could we all pray for health & strength for her and for my precious grandbaby? Not sure if I mentioned that we're waiting for the little one to be in the appropriate position for birth. S/he is currently head-up....as well, Katie is on her feet much of the day with her two jobs, and we all remember the discomforts of the last weeks of pregnancy....
Blessings to all this cold, cold Edmonton evening,
Beth
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Only "The Shadow" knows...
...That would be an early '90's teal-colored Dodge Shadow, with a wicked loud stereo and not so much under the hood, owned by one Donovan Gobeil, who is really missing his "ride" so dad is heading home to Sask. tomorrow to pick it up for him. Actually, the stereo in the aforementioned car is in need of a little tuning up, so that will keep Donovan busy in the days to come....
But let's back up a bit and say we had a great Christmas here in Ed-town. Christmas Eve Donovan came home from hospital for supper, then we sat around and ate, played "Settlers of the Catan" the kids favorite game, opened a few gifts and hung out until it was time for Donovan to head back to hospital. The next morning, Katie & Kurtis met us at hospital and we had our traditional Chritmas brunch (complete with Maple Twist Rolls, sorry we couldn't share with y'all) in the 4th floor atrium, and played games again until it was time to take Donovan with us once again. We ate a huge turkey feast and opened gifts, took pictures, played Monopoly and ate some more until it was time to take Donovan back. Did I mention I'm avoiding that bathroom scale....but all the eating seems to be doing wonders for Donovan....I think he may finally have passed me weight-wise, a dream of both of ours....
So, hospital it is for now, but we're really hoping to stop some of these toxic IVs soon. One of them is really damaging Donovan's hearing, starting with ringing in the ears and ending with some deafness. We've gone down this route in previous years, so he has already sustained some hearing loss and cannot really afford anymore. They've taken him off an oral med hoping for improvement, but none so far. On a good note, an x-ray has shown some clearing of the fungal infection, and one doc is suggesting that if Monday's CT scan is also improved, then he may be heading out of hospital soon. Renal function is improving as well, so that is also good news.
So, some prayer is needed for our Donovan's situation, but Christmas is the season for miracles, so let's ask away....and topping my list would be an improved CT scan....off IVs, out of hospital and tinkering with that Dodge Shadow early next week, with his hearing intact! (not to be damaged by the "wickedness" of the car stereo!)
Laurier, Donovan & I also would like to figure out where we will be living in the days to come, who will be here & who goes back home to work and be with Stephen....so we could use some wisdom for these decisions. Please pray for the choices we will make.
I would also ask that we all pray for Kristen....she needs those new lungs soon...and is also on IV treatment at the moment.
Hope everyone's Christmas was merry, and Happy New year to all!
Love, Beth
But let's back up a bit and say we had a great Christmas here in Ed-town. Christmas Eve Donovan came home from hospital for supper, then we sat around and ate, played "Settlers of the Catan" the kids favorite game, opened a few gifts and hung out until it was time for Donovan to head back to hospital. The next morning, Katie & Kurtis met us at hospital and we had our traditional Chritmas brunch (complete with Maple Twist Rolls, sorry we couldn't share with y'all) in the 4th floor atrium, and played games again until it was time to take Donovan with us once again. We ate a huge turkey feast and opened gifts, took pictures, played Monopoly and ate some more until it was time to take Donovan back. Did I mention I'm avoiding that bathroom scale....but all the eating seems to be doing wonders for Donovan....I think he may finally have passed me weight-wise, a dream of both of ours....
So, hospital it is for now, but we're really hoping to stop some of these toxic IVs soon. One of them is really damaging Donovan's hearing, starting with ringing in the ears and ending with some deafness. We've gone down this route in previous years, so he has already sustained some hearing loss and cannot really afford anymore. They've taken him off an oral med hoping for improvement, but none so far. On a good note, an x-ray has shown some clearing of the fungal infection, and one doc is suggesting that if Monday's CT scan is also improved, then he may be heading out of hospital soon. Renal function is improving as well, so that is also good news.
So, some prayer is needed for our Donovan's situation, but Christmas is the season for miracles, so let's ask away....and topping my list would be an improved CT scan....off IVs, out of hospital and tinkering with that Dodge Shadow early next week, with his hearing intact! (not to be damaged by the "wickedness" of the car stereo!)
Laurier, Donovan & I also would like to figure out where we will be living in the days to come, who will be here & who goes back home to work and be with Stephen....so we could use some wisdom for these decisions. Please pray for the choices we will make.
I would also ask that we all pray for Kristen....she needs those new lungs soon...and is also on IV treatment at the moment.
Hope everyone's Christmas was merry, and Happy New year to all!
Love, Beth
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)