Thursday, the 14th June 2007

A bright new day dawned in the ICU and Samm sent word from the unit at 07h00rs with a cell MMS containing a photograph of Deqlan propped up on 2 pillows playing with Noddy !! The blood transfusion had already contributed to Deqlan's colour and he had rosy cheeks and beautiful rosy lips again. Overnight, his Hb went from 7.3 to 13.2 !!!!

The paediatric surgeon was happy with Deqlan's overall condition, as was the paediatrician. Today he re-examined the swelling in the right groin and stated that it could possibly be an incisional hernia, believe it or not, from the second laparotomy of this last Tuesday !!!! He is not unduly worried (versus how stunned we were to hear of this possible hernia) and is more concerned with getting the nasogastric tube removed asap so Deqlan can start oral fluids in preparation for discharge soon. The drainage is miminal and at last, transparent, a great sign as this means that in the morning, the nasogastric tube can be removed and Deqlan can start taking in oral fluids on Friday. All going well, milk intake on Saturday and then possible discharge on Sunday, please God. What a wonderful gift this would be for daddy Mark to have his precious son come home on Father's Day !! As for the hernia, if it eventually can be correctly diagnosed, we envisage that when the surgery is done to remove the primary tumour on the adrenal gland (after the chemotherapy has "shrunk" the tumour significantly), the hernia repair could be done at the same time.

The greatest blessing of the day was Deqlan opened his beautiful eyes and responded to our voices. Mommy, Meggie and Nanna, took turns singing songs to him and playing with the soft toys he has in his cot in ICU. Nanna felt blessed and very emotional when her precious Deqlan, reached up his hand with the drip and despite the splint to keep the intravenous line secured, his little thumb made its way out of the splint to stroke Nanna's cheek whilst she was singing to him. A very precious moment indeed. Daddy, early in the evening also was privileged enough to have the same little thumb play with Dad's hand. We have all tried out best to make him smile, and although the movement of the lips was there, the smile did not quite materialize. We will be patient.

Generally, Deqlan is looking much better and should soon have more energy, but he remains sedated and is still receiving pain medication to keep him calm and comfortable in ICU. Today was a great, positive day; we know tomorrow will be even better as Deqlan starts to drink fluids again. We thank you Lord for bringing Deqlan to this improved condition and may You as the great and mighty healer, continue to bless him, protect him, comfort him and heal him. We pray also that you give Samm and Mark and the whole family, renewed strength and courage, wisdom and understanding and increased acceptance and faith that Thy will be done. We know that you WILL answer our prayers in YOUR way and in YOUR time.

God bless you all. Please continue praying in earnest for Deqlan's complete and permanent healing.

Posted by Bev Bourne.