On The 11th Day There Was Very Little Change

Good Evening,

Once again I have the task of writing a not so encouraging update. Over the last 4 days since you last heard from me there have been no positive changes in Chad's condition. He has continued to measure in the same range in all categories, going up a few points then down a few points on repeat with no improvement on any front.

Chad was strong enough to receive his peritoneal catheter yesterday. They were able to drain another 5 liters of fluid from his stomach and place the catheter without incident. Today I was taught how to use the new catheter and we drained an additional liter of fluid bringing his total to 16 liters removed over the last 8 days. Think about that, 16 liters which is just over 4 gallons. Consider how heavy a gallon of milk is then imagine what it must feel like to have 4 of those removed from your belly in a week. It's no wonder a whole host of issues have arisen. I am thankful for this catheter though because we will be able to get better control of the fluid and the smaller drains will be less harsh on Chad's organs. These large drains so close together are very hard on his kidneys, liver, bladder and bowels. 

The kidneys are still the main area of concern for Chad right now as the function does not seem to be improving. His lab work shows a very slight improvement after dialysis but then drops back on the days that he has not had dialysis. There is hope that now that such a large amount of fluid has been removed and we now have the tools to keep it low that tomorrow's dialysis will be the most successful that he's had. Dialysis with little to no fluid retention is the best shot at giving Chad's kidneys a chance to possibly repair and recover. Of course regenerated kidneys would be the best outcome but short of that Chad responding well to dialysis would be the next best thing. Staying on dialysis indefinitely brings on a different set of complications as far as his cancer treatment goes because he may not be able to go on the immunotherapy while on dialysis but we will deal with that if and when that becomes an issue. For now we jsut need to focus on kidney improvement.

A new obstacle for Chad is the amount of wasting that he has experienced by being in a hospital bed for 11 days. His muscle tone and strength are shot. He was upgraded from restricted bed rest to light movement and it took 3 of us to stand him up from his bed and take about 4 steps to a chair. He worked very hard though and got into the chair and then back into the bed later. I am extremely proud of him. Once we turn the corner with his current issues he is going to need a lot of physical therapy. 

For the first time since his diagnosis Chad has become discouraged. The physical, mental and emotional stress of his situation has taken a huge toll on him and he is no longer seeing the omelette, just the cracked eggs. I ask all of you that when you pray for him and send the good vibes and the super juju that you do it not only in spirit of his physical healing but also for his emotional healing. I am convinced that his positive attitude helped get him this far and he needs it back in this critical time now more than ever. Your words of encouragement mean so much and I thank you. I also thank those of you in advance who have been texting Chad directly this week for understanding when I have had to respond to some of you or there has been no response at all. Chad is very weak and tired and it has become difficult for him to keep up. We appreciate your support and understanding.

I will never be able to thank you all enough for your love and support. You've all helped in so many ways! I want to say an extra special thank you to everyone that has helped me with Cami these last 11 days. A lot of you have asked me what I need and how you can help me and honestly the best thing that anyone can do for me is to look out for my girl. Those of you who know me well or have gotten to know me recently know how involved I am with my Camille. The hardest part for me about being here is worrying that I am letting her down or that she is not getting what she needs, it's hard to split my attention in the way that this situation has forced me to without feeling guilty. Thankfully my village hasn't missed a beat and she's an amazing kid who loves Chad and is very understanding. She has had little disruption to her daily life and I have a lot of people to thank for that. I am hopeful that our little family will be back together again soon. 

I believe in Chad. I believe in miracles. I believe that love conquers all. I believe that this is not where our story ends. 

I need all of you to believe it too.