Friday, September 19, 2008

God's show

We saw Dr. Gilbert on Wednesday as scheduled, and the visit went pretty much as Daniel explained in his last post. She said she doesn't know for sure if there is still tumor on Daniel's tongue - Daniel believes there is due to his increased pain - but she said it won't change his prognosis or treatment either way. We are supposed to see Dr. Netterville next week for a more definitive answer about this.

Dr. Gilbert said Daniel could begin a new chemotherapy regimen today. We came home Wednesday evening with our minds all set to get started. We'd only been home a short time when Dr. Gilbert called and said Daniel had hypercalcemia, a high blood calcium level. It was serious enough that she said we either had to bring him back to Vanderbilt for fluids or he must drink or take into his feeding tube at least one liter of water that evening. She said the condition was caused by the cancer itself and/or dehydration. We had a couple of liters of fluids left from when Daniel was taking IV fluids at home a few weeks ago, so a dear friend came by to start the IV for him. Dr. Gilbert wanted Daniel to return to Vanderbilt yesterday to receive more fluids and a special medication to treat his hypercalcemia. We kept that appointment, and everything seemed to go well. Our nurse cautioned us that some patients develop a fever after taking this medication.

As I said before, Daniel's tongue pain had worsened, so Dr. Gilbert increased one of his pain medications on Wednesday. By yesterday evening, Daniel was quite confused, and we were worried enough to call his doctor. She recommended that he be seen in the local ER since there was a possibility that his calcium level was still too high, clearly a serious problem. She also said it might just be the increased pain medications. Daniel was seen at a local hospital, and the doctor said his calcium level was definitely too high. He was admitted overnight for IV fluids and a diuretic to help rid his body of the excess calcium. His pain medication was also adjusted. He continued to receive fluids throughout the day and was discharged this afternoon. Upon discharge, he had a temperature of almost 101, and that was attributed to yesterday's medication.

By the time we got Daniel home and settled this afternoon, I noticed he seemed hot. We checked his temperature and were alarmed to find it at 103.5. We gave him ibuprofen and then phoned his local doctor. He said if the medicine didn't bring down the temperature within an hour we should call Dr. Gilbert to see if she wanted to evaluate Daniel. Thankfully, the fever subsided. I should say, though, that Mom asked if anyone had prayed about the fever. To be honest, none of us had, so she led us in a prayer asking God to reduce the fever. It's 10:35 p.m. right now, and his temperature is 98.6!

These few days have been eventful and difficult for Daniel. He was so anxious to begin the new treatment plan. I told him it was only a temporary setback. He said, "It's okay; it's still God's show!" Indeed, it is.

Please pray that Daniel will be well enough to begin treatment soon, that his side-effects will lessen, and, as Daniel, says, that God be glorified above all!

God's best to you all,

Doug

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. -Psalm 27:14

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

CHRIS TOMLIN LYRICS

"Everlasting God"

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Anonymous said...

thank you Doug for the updates on Daniel. Prayers go out to not only Daniel but for his family also, for strength and courage. May the power of our Father touch each and everyone of you. A friend always, Nancy Tobola

Unknown said...

We were in the mountains this weekend and we thought of you often, knowing of your love for His creation. We spent time asking the Lord to intervene and care for you. We love you, sweet friend, and continue to pray...

Stacey and Elijah

Anonymous said...

Daniel, Doug and Family, Robert and I continue to pray for you daily as do our boys. We pray that he will ease your pain and we know that if its his will he will cure your cancer as he cured Roberts. Daniel we love you and think of you often during our day. May God continue to use you as he has and we pray for your body to recieve the rest and nurishment that we know you need. "We praise him in this storm, and we continue to lift our hands". We are with you and know that you are with us. God loves you and has blessed us with your friendship. Kim and Robert Marascalco

Sherry said...

i was one of the nurses that came to visit you while in the hospital. You have touched so many lives with your blog. You have many people looking to your blog for strength for hope. Your words encourage me. I am amazed how even when you can't keep your head up and grimacing in pain, that you able to smile and give a thumbs up. May God bless you and ease your pain and give you strength in these upcoming days and months.
Sherry Taylor

Anonymous said...

Doug,
Thank you so much for keeping us all informed regarding Daniel. The hypercalcemia is a scary thing. I pray that it is under control and that his fever will subside, as well as a decrease in pain. Always we pray that God will be glorified. Daniel has taught us all that. Hopefully, the treatment plan will be back on track soon. That is so "Daniel" to say that "It's still God's show"! How we do love him!! Please let him know his MS family is thinking of him and praying for him and all of you constantly.
In Him
Tammy and family

JenP said...

ALL of the family is in my prayers...each one of you for strength, courage, faith. May God carry each of you today in his strong arms.
Jen

Biter said...

Doug,

Praying for Daniel and praying for you, too, and your Mama and Daddy and Becky and your brother in law. Praying for God to continue to give you stamina in the fight alongside your brother and son, Daniel.

Praying for courage and God's tender mercy to you during unforseen obstacles, to hang in there with renewed strength each day and know we love and embrace you all, as we pray for Daniel to be healed!

Amy Biter

Anonymous said...

Daniel,

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and keep you strong.