With Natalie there has been a new development:
Her stomach pain seems to be attributed the slowing down of her intestinal wall movement from her chemo drugs. This slowing down has caused the processing of her food to take longer and have built up gasses (from the drugs too) that are having trouble moving through her bowels. Because of this semi-blockage, her risk of intestinal infection has raised so Natalie is now receiving new antibiotics to shield the possibility of any intestinal infection. The now difficult challenge is that Natalie has been placed on a limited diet. She has to refrain from eating or drinking for up to 2 days. In extreme conditions we can wet a sponge and moisten her lips. This is particularly difficult because the chemo steroids really make her exceedingly hungry. Please pray that this slowing down (blockage) clears quickly and her fasting is limited to a minimum).
Also
This is also a good link from the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It is accurate and informative.
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7049
Today's Update:
DOM/DANA/HOUSING:
Dom and Dana had to leave their hotel. Unfortunately, there was a conference coming in and they needed the space and since Dom and Dana are going day to day on how long they are staying, they didn't have prearranged reservations. So they are literally driving around to find new accomodations as I type this. Fortunately, someone from their church found a place they can stay. I believe they will be checking into that motel tonight. Please pray for their upcoming nights and accomodations. Also, if you know about housing options for them, it looks like they will be up for a month or more now.
We are hoping to find something long term for them like a short term rental in the Palo Alto area. If you know of anything, please let me know.
NATALIE
Natalie is having a second bone marrow aspiration today. This is a common procedure for leukemia patients. The doctors make Natalie comfortable for the procedure, but afterward she is sore.
Natlie now has one doctor who will oversee her treatment. Dr. O'Brien is overseeing all the other aspects of her treatment, e.g., Endocrinology, Vascular team, Oncology. Please pray for Dr. O'Brien and for God to grant her wisdom.
Natalie is experiencing some discomfort in relation to a number of things. Here is the list:
- The PIC line needs to be adjusted or replaced
- High Blood Sugar (causing temperature fluxuations, discomfort and need for Insulin shots)
- Insulin shots every 2 hours and pin pricks on fingers. This is very very difficult for a 2 year old
- Her Stomach is distended and uncomfortable
- Natalie is receiving hormone treatment as part of her Chemo Therapy, this is cause her alot of discomfort
- Constipation due to pain meds
Friday night, Dom and Dana got to go out for a few hours together. I think they even caught a movie. This connection time was a much needed relief. Thanks Jeff and Lee!
Just spoke with Dom.
Last night was very hard for the Orlando's.
Everything is really starting to wear on them: Fatigue, stress, seeing their precious daughter hurting, etc. Dom & Dana are just overwhelmed right now. They need connection time as a team together, but aren't getting it. Dana is sleeping at the hotel. Dom is sleeping at the hospital (and not getting much sleep due to interruptions, etc.) They really could use your continued prayers.
New Info today on Natalie's condition:
Natalie's blood sugar is high, so they are administering insulin. This results in monitoring the blood sugar hourly, e.g., finger pricks for a 2 year old every hour. This is very unpleasant.
Natalie also have very low platelets. Doctors can give her more, but they are hesitant to give her too much as her body can build an immunity to them. Find out more about what platelets are and what they do here.
Natalie is also having stomach/gas pains, which can be very uncomfortable for a 2 year old. She needs to eat regularly but has a low appetite and the combination of pain meds can make her constipated. So the result is an uncomforatble little girl who is probably scared, not knowing what is happening to her.
Dana & Dom are definately in need of your prayers today!
They ask that you would pray for 2 very specific things:
- Endurance
- Sensitivity with each other
They are getting hit with fatigue, mixed with not getting any relational time to spend together, and the stress of this entire situation.
Special Thanks to Grandmas and Grandpas who have regularly been up helping and to Lee Danzler who has been going up regualary to give them assistance. There may be others I haven't named, but thank you to all who have helped.