Thursday, October 15, 2009

Missing Hairs Are Numbered

Yesterday was a pretty good day for Danny. He was not feeling great in the morning but after a small dose of Phenergan his stomach settled and he fell asleep. He actually slept most of the day. Unfortunately, that is one of the side effects of this medicine. He was pretty disappointed when he realized most of the day was gone but I was quick to remind him "it is better than vomiting". Of course, he agreed and dozed off again.

We have been able to drop a couple of medications. For the past few months Danny has been taking Ativan, Phenergan, Reglan, Marinol, Protonix, Zofran and using a Scopolamine patch to keep his nausea & vomiting under control. We have been able to drop the Ativan completely and only use the Phenergan as needed (which has only been once in the last 4 or 5 days). Baby steps for sure but we are making progress!

Danny was able to eat a small amount of soup... YES, he was able to keep it on his stomach!! Yeah! Everyday he can eat is another day closer to being able to drop the TPN feeding. It really isn't that bad, it is just inconvenient. He is hooked up for 12 hours so he has to carry a back pack style bag around with him. Which really is okay because we are at home but he is a little pitiful when he has to go to the bathroom in a hurry and drag his bag with him. Just a small price to pay for a short time in exchange for the blessing of life!

His spirits seem to be getting better too. Sometimes it is hard to tell because the medicines cause him to be in a daze so he doesn't talk much or get engaged in what is going on very often. But I know he is happy to be home.

I think his hair is starting to grow just a little. We are curious what it will look like when it comes back in. Many people have told us it usually comes back in a different color and texture so they jokingly tell him it might be gray and curly. I don't see the gray in the small amount of growth but it is too early to tell. It would be funny if he had to deal with curly hair for once... then he might have a slight idea of what I deal with trying to tame my mane everyday. That could be fun!

He has been able to maintain his weight with the TPN feeding. He has only lost 35 pounds total. He lost that early when he first started getting sick so the fact he has not lost any more weight is wonderful and thanks to the TPN.

I am amazed me with the medical miracles we have today. I often think about the people who actually have the ideas & intelligence to study, invent and create the medical wonders we have available to keep our loved ones alive. Who would have ever thought of pouring poison in your body to kill cells, knowing all along you were walking a fine line between killing the person and saving their life... chemotherapy is pretty amazing!

Our bodies are such a complex work of our Creator... to think about all the intricate workings is mind blowing! 'Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; your are worth more than many sparrows' Luke 12:6-7 To think that the Lord knows the number of hairs (that are missing) on Danny's head brings peace in knowing He loves Danny and knows his body so much greater than do the doctors. He is the great Healer in whom we put our trust!

4 comments:

  1. hey guys, I've just read your blog for first time.I'm glad to hear things are better with time. Please know I think of you often and you are in my prayers. If there is anything you need, please let me know.

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  2. Always keeping you in my daily prayers. Stay Strong and faithful. God Bless, Love Jamie MABE Fitzsimmons

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  3. I'm glad to hear things are getting better; I will continue to pray for all of you.

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  4. Hi Danny and Regina,
    It was so good to get to see and talk with you this past Saturday. I'm so thrilled that Danny is doing better and the sickness has somewhat subsided. Lord willing all he has to do right now is get stronger.
    I'll right again soon. Preacher is hollering for me to go with him. :-)
    God is good....

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