Saturday, the 9th of June 2007

Apart from the vomiting during the night again, Deqlan started a brand new day to find both Mommy and Daddy in his room ! Daddy Mark did a 15hour stint and managed,like Mom, to get some rest sleeping with Deqlan on their chests. Deqlan is most settled sleeping in the arms of either Mommy or Daddy on the "parent bed" in Deqlan's ward, and thankfully, the ward sisters here seem to have no objection.

After the paediatrian saw Deqlan, there was some concern as to the persistent vomiting. Abdominal X-Rays were ordered to exclude any obstructions and the results were normal but showed that Deqlan had a lot of abdominal gas. Bloods were also pulled and all the results came back normal. In order to exclude a gastric or intestinal infection causing the problem, a stool specimen was also collected. Deqlan was nil per mouth until lunchtime when we restarted clear oral fluids again. The vomiting is persisting but the quantity has been greatly reduced. Of all the "pipes and tubes" around, on, and in Deqlan during the week, only his intravenous drip line remains, in order to provide Deqlan with fluids, proteins and glucose and for the administration of medicines. A decision has also been taken to ensure he remains pain-free and so his pain medication has been revised to a more regular schedule, rather than on demand.

Samm contacted the paediatric oncologist this morning who reported that the final biopsy results had still not been received. He assured Samm that by Monday morning, the final results will be available. Deqlan needs to be stabilized, and completely tolerating oral fluids (clear foods and his milk) before the chemotherapy sessions (scheduled for Tuesday- 11th June) can start. The 3 doctors (paediatric surgeon, specialist and oncologist) will take a final decision on this on Monday.

Deqlan had a restful afternoon, playing "tickle games" with Mommy and Megs, watching his DVD's and YES !!!! he smiled and reacted to them in his usual adorable way. Mommy, Megs and Nanna acted out a "threesome songshow" for Deqlan who had to tolerate the impromptu performance which included songs such as "Do-Re-Mi", "Happy Talk", "Que Sera Sera", "Belly Button", "Getting to Know YOu"and a short cabaret of Nanna's interpretation of "Tarzan of the Jungle". His eyes told us to never give up our day jobs.

We have decided that we will all continue with "our shifts" over the weekend, so that Samm gets quality sleep whenever she can, and between Mark, Megs, Nanna and even Grandpa Derek, there will be someone with her and baby most of the time.

Unfortunately, Deqlan's vomiting had not ceased and at 20h00rs, the nasogastric tube had to be re-inserted. Unbelievably, about 250mls of bile-stained liquid was removed from his tummy. He appeared far more restful afterwards and we pray to our dear Lord, that He grants our precious Deqlan, a peaceful night's sleep, with only beautiful dreams. In the morning, the likelihood is strong that another drip (CVP line) will have to be inserted to ensure Deqlan's nutritional requirements are met, since he does not seem able to tolerate oral fluids. It is imperative that Deqlan is in the best nutritional condition possible to strengthen his immune system before the chemo can be started. It has been a tough day for our precious boy, and being the true hero nd courageous warrior that he is, delighted us with beautiful smiles and giggles, laughter and baby "babble" this afternoon, despite his discomfort from the accumulated fluid !

The results from the stool test came in at 21h30rs and revealed no signs of infection. This is another peice of good news, as was the X-rays and blood tests coming back as normal.

As Samm's mother and Deqlan's grandmother, I am so humbled by their courage and bravery and I salute them in love. I ask our Precious Saviour, the Lord Jesus to bestow on Mark, Samm and Deqlan, His unending love, peace, mercy and compassion.

We implore you to continue praying for Deqlan, Samm and Mark as prayer is the "medicine of the Lord".

Posted by Bev Bourne