The struggles of the weekend are now making news all around the hospital.
So far today Davis has been seen by 6-7 different residents, 4 ENT specialists, 3 attendings, an eye specialist, 3 infectious disease doctors, and a few others along the way. It has been very discouraging to be known now as the "one" in whatever number, that gets it all. Davis has endured many side effects this weekend as we try desperately to fight this major fungal infection in his head. This is a great risk to Davis because his immune system is still at zero and his body is struggling to fight off the invaders.
The first two surgeries went as well as could be expected... with the lack of knowing what to expect being at the forefront. The problems of the past few weeks have now taken a back seat. The main focus right now is to get the infection under control with a few medications and daily surgical removal of the infected tissue. They flew in special equipment and specialists that allowed them to be as aggressive as possible and as careful as possible. Davis has been blessed to be able to handle the anesthesia well and the biggest complaint for a 14 year-old boy is not eating all day awaiting surgery and a scratchy throat afterwards.
He continues to show tremendous strength as the swirling of big words are discussed over and over. The biggest discouragement is whenever someone states that we will NOT see this or that side effect, or just how rare a certain reaction is and that is just what he experiences the next hour or day.
We are just headed back for today's surgery, followed by a CT scan of his body to determine any further spreading of the infection. We will see the eye specialist tomorrow to determine the issues as to why the vision in the right eye is still impaired.
As I feed, wash hair and care for this weakened physical body, I continue to take note of his inspiring inner spirit. Please fell free to send any uplifting words of encouragement that you have found in your trials in your lives. We have added photos and a few items from home to soften and lighten our new abode. Any friends that can text, email or Facebook would be a great source of emotional support to Davis. He has a few moments here and there where he feels good enough to chat and respond, and appreciates the distractions of normal conversations and happenings.
We again make the long hallway trip to the operating room, we decided that we will have to name this hallway after Davis for the frequency of use. I then walk the other hallway alone and decide this will be my hall. After the third day in a row of walking the hall, I realize my body is tensing from familiar uncertainty. The parent waiting room is full today, some will leave before me and others will remain long after.
So far today Davis has been seen by 6-7 different residents, 4 ENT specialists, 3 attendings, an eye specialist, 3 infectious disease doctors, and a few others along the way. It has been very discouraging to be known now as the "one" in whatever number, that gets it all. Davis has endured many side effects this weekend as we try desperately to fight this major fungal infection in his head. This is a great risk to Davis because his immune system is still at zero and his body is struggling to fight off the invaders.
The first two surgeries went as well as could be expected... with the lack of knowing what to expect being at the forefront. The problems of the past few weeks have now taken a back seat. The main focus right now is to get the infection under control with a few medications and daily surgical removal of the infected tissue. They flew in special equipment and specialists that allowed them to be as aggressive as possible and as careful as possible. Davis has been blessed to be able to handle the anesthesia well and the biggest complaint for a 14 year-old boy is not eating all day awaiting surgery and a scratchy throat afterwards.
He continues to show tremendous strength as the swirling of big words are discussed over and over. The biggest discouragement is whenever someone states that we will NOT see this or that side effect, or just how rare a certain reaction is and that is just what he experiences the next hour or day.
We are just headed back for today's surgery, followed by a CT scan of his body to determine any further spreading of the infection. We will see the eye specialist tomorrow to determine the issues as to why the vision in the right eye is still impaired.
As I feed, wash hair and care for this weakened physical body, I continue to take note of his inspiring inner spirit. Please fell free to send any uplifting words of encouragement that you have found in your trials in your lives. We have added photos and a few items from home to soften and lighten our new abode. Any friends that can text, email or Facebook would be a great source of emotional support to Davis. He has a few moments here and there where he feels good enough to chat and respond, and appreciates the distractions of normal conversations and happenings.
We again make the long hallway trip to the operating room, we decided that we will have to name this hallway after Davis for the frequency of use. I then walk the other hallway alone and decide this will be my hall. After the third day in a row of walking the hall, I realize my body is tensing from familiar uncertainty. The parent waiting room is full today, some will leave before me and others will remain long after.
This journey called life continues.
Davis, Gayle and Family-
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for what you are having to go through. So often in life we are handed things that we never thought we would be. Some of our trials come because of others poor choices and some come from our own and some just come, as yours has. You amaze me and are such an example of strength and compassion and charity. It would be a wonderful world if we could each try to be a little more like you when faced with challenges, or just in everyday living for that matter. I know that the Lord does not give us more than we can handle (though it might seem like it at the time) and I know that the Lord knows our hearts and he will help us through whatever challenges we face if we allow Him and let Him in. It is through Him and only Him, that true peace and comfort can come. He will heal our spirits and give us the strength to push through whatever may come our way BUT it is up to us to go to him with our burdens and allow him to help us carry them. I know that through prayer and scripture study peace and comfort does come into our lives. I know that you are loved by so many but most importantly our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that it is through him and your faith that some day, you will be able to say all is well. We never know what we will face in life but we know where we can turn for help. Thank you for your example to me of Christ-like love and it is my hope and prayer for those of us watching you battle through this, that we can learn from it and be a nicer, more compassionate and caring, charitable person. None of us never know what challenges may come our way or when we might need to call upon others for help and it is a blessing to have people like you to look to as an example. Our hopes and prayers are with each of you. We love you!!
Jen G.
Gayle, we are so grateful for your sweet thoughts and that you are keeping such a priceless journal for Davis - and all of us. We love you. You are an incredible mother. I'm so glad you are Davis' mom. What a blessed young man he is. I hope you can feel the love from all of us to all of you through the Spirit. Thinking of you today and always.
ReplyDeleteOur love and prayers are forever with you. We think about you constantly and hope that tomorrow goes well. Our lives have been so enriched by the incredible example that all of you have set. Each member of the family has made amazing contributions to this challenging time. We are in awe of the valiant and stalwart way you have remained true to the faith.
ReplyDeleteWe love you forever--
Grandparents Cox