Hello to everyone. Mark continues to remain in a stable state. He has had unbelievable nonstop hiccups for 3 days straight now. They've kept him (and me) up all night for the last couple of nights. They just wear him out and I don't know how he does it. He is so weak and they just take so much of his energy. He is getting more confused as well. I was talking to him this morning and telling him how sorry I was that he's had these awful hiccups and that he hasn't gotten much sleep because of them. He said yeah and I'm sorry for you too. I asked him what he meant, thinking he was going to say he was keeping me up all night, too, but instead he said "because you had hiccups, too". He managed to unhook his morphine pump tonight and I had to figure out how to get it back together. He constantly messes with the pump and the buttons and the IV pole. I tried to cover it up with a blanket. We will see if that distracts him. The combination of the liver failure, dehydration and morphine are not good.
Emily came in tonight to see her dad. She made him a card earlier tonight and wanted to come in to visit again tonight. He waved to her and smiled. She told him that she would miss him when he went to heaven and asked if he would miss her too. Before he could answer, so piped in and said "at least you won't have any pain in heaven". I think it's harder for me to keep my composure during those moments. They're just so pure, spontaneous, and honest. What do you expect from a 5 year old.
Andy came over and visited with Mark some today. Mark was awake pretty much all day. Mark's parents spent some time with him during the day while I was working and they got to sit and visit.
As I am sitting here typing this, Mark's hiccups are progressively getting worse. They are so loud and violent now. I don't know why they get worse at night, but they do. Julia brought him some medicine today to try and get rid of or reduce the hiccups. They did get a little better this afternoon, but never disappeared. I gave him another dose about an hour ago. Boy, I hope it kicks in soon for both of our sake. It has to be totally miserable for him. He is making this terrible sound. The cancer is up under the diaphragm and irritating it which causes the hiccups. At least, that is our assumption.
The boys spent the night at the Brooks' house last night and were both tired today, but went to hit some baseballs today when they came home. Tomorrow night is basketball for both of them. Colton has practice followed by Calen's game.
Thanks to all of you who continue to support us with prayers. We can't thank you enough. Continue to pray for Mark and all those battling cancer. Also continue to pray for the earthquake victims in Haiti. God bless!!!!
5 comments:
Hello,
We came to your site a few months ago from the Parker's site, and have been keeping you in our prayers ever since. The strength you show for your family is an inspiration.
I work in a unit with critically ill patients and we often see the agitation that makes them pull on lines and try to adjust pumps. One of the common things we do is give them something with assorted textures in their hands to help address the urges they feel--in a pinch we fold towels and cover them with different types of tape to create textures. They can feel the tapes or towel, or they can squeeze parts of it--whichever eases their needs.
We will be in prayer for rest and peace for each of you.
Emily is right.
O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
-- Psalm 8: 1-2 (KJV)
Bertus Family,
I know it is hard to go through situations such as this - but know that God has it in control.
Mrs. Angie
(AEEC Afterschool)
Bertus Family,
I know it is hard dealing with a situation such as the one you're going through - but know God has it all under control.
Mrs. Angie
(AEEC Afterschool Program)
I'm so sorry Ronda.
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