- Daniel hasn't had any bleeds during the past week or so. This is a big answer to prayer. So, he hasn't needed any more transfusions or pamidronate, though I don't know what this week's levels have been.
- The IV issue has largely abated; another answer to prayer. A nurse suggested a product that numbs the IV site when they need to poke him, and this has really helped. His current IV has lasted quite a while -- over a week I think. The nurses are keeping it "live" with a saline drip between his tranexamic acid (blood coagulant), but that may be causing another issue...
- The swelling in his face has worsened and his right leg has seen some swelling. The leg is looking a bit better yesterday and today as he is keeping it elevated. His face though has gotten quite bad, and it may cause his other eye to swell shut too. Please pray this doesn't happen and that overall his body would be able to manage the fluid better. The issue is most likely the tumour restricting circulation.
- Daniel's pain with his bowels has gotten a lot better, praise God. The nurses have been able to manage that symptom pretty well, and the adjustment in his afternoon meal seems to have helped too.
- It's been more tricky lately with Daniel's trache attachment. The tumour continues to grow and seems to be heading towards causing his "T" piece (which connects the oxygenated air) to not want to stay on as well. It's not like you can just force it on; it would cause a lot of pain and most likely bleeding. If he moves his arms to adjust his ice pack or face cloth (he is always too warm because the tumour and dressing act as a giant scarf), the attachment comes off really easily. The nurses and RT's have tried a few different ideas. We're still trying to find the one that works best. Please pray the tumour wouldn't interfere anymore!
- Daniel has been very fatigued again. He had relatively more alertness for a few days earlier this week, which was great, but the past few days he is mostly just able to sleep and rest. His energy goes towards clearing his airway, managing his secretions, and just taking care of little things for his own comfort. He isn't texting, and barely has the energy to give basic sign language. Please pray he would get the rest he needs and be able to interact more.
- I've brought the kids nearly every day during the past week and a half. They are handling the visits very well. I explain that Daddy is just sleepy but that he loves having them there. Josiah happily colors and I keep Kezia content with rice puffs as she sits on Daddy's bed. It's still a lot of work though for me, so please pray for the strength and energy I need to make these visits happen. We love being together. It's extra time for me to hold my best friend's hand. That alone makes all the work worth it. I'm still there every evening too, and I have a few day time sitters -- thank you to all who are helping out!!
So, yes, we are still just trying to get through every day. We continue to rely upon God's strength and mercies. God has us all in suspense, doesn't He? We wait with hope and expectation to see what He has chosen to do. And amazingly our prayers play a part in that -- He uses our prayers as a means to His predetermined ends, so that we can get our wills in line with His and praise Him when He answers and displays the various facets of His character. What an honour it is to participate with the almighty God of the universe in His intricate plans. To Him be the glory; His will be done.
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