Wednesday, the 13th of June 2007

After Deqlan had a peaceful night in Neonatal ICU, the day dawned and brought with it new challenges for us all. Bloods were once again pulled and it was found that Deqlan's Hb (haemoglobin -oxygen carrying capacity of the blood) had dropped to 7.3 and it was decided that a blood transfusion was imperative. The blood transfusion is now in progress as this blog is updated.

During a mid-morning nappy change, Samm's very alert eyes (and intuition) spotted a large swelling in the right groin area. Once again, stunned disbelief is the only way to describe the moment. The ICU Sister called the paediatriac surgeon who assessed that the swelling was most likely due to the many sutures he had used in the area after yesterday's surgery. Our fear was that it was another haematoma and so we pray that the surgeon is correct. By early evening, there was some improvement in the size of the swelling, but we will all "relax" only when the swelling has completely disappeared. The surgeon will reassess tomorrow.

It is something quite extraordinary and beautiful to observe our Deqlan sleeping, even if it now has to be amongst all the tubes in and around him. With the high-tech of the ICU environment, the blanket he has covering him is one of Winne-the-Pooh, Tiger and Eyore and together with his specially selected soft toys in his cot, is enough evidence for us to have abundant faith and hope to visualize his coming home to play with these actual characters in the very near future.

Despite the sedation and analgesic medication, Deqlan has begun "fighting his war"and is tugging at any tube he can get his little fingers around. He succeeded in pulling out his nasogastric tube, which then had to be re-inserted to ensure efficient post-operative drainage. Deqlan remains nil per mouth and when Mommy gave him a glycerine-flavoured mouth swab earlier, he started sucking on it as if it was a delicious lolly - and to him - it certainly was.

Samm and Mark are feeling, understandably, "drained", as is the rest of the family after the ordeals of the last two days in particular. They earnestly request that your prayers continue 24/7 for Deqlan's recovery and for strength, courage, understanding, endurance, faith, hope and peace for themselves.

We hope that tomorrow (Thursday) will be a day blessed with only positive developments and outcomes. After the transfusion, Deqlan should be stronger and ready to tackle the road which leads him out of this clinic, so that he can, as planned, commence his chemo next week. Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in Thee, all for Thee o Lord, oh our Jesus, all for Thee.

God's blessings to you all.

Posted by Bev Bourne