We'll start with the good news:) Katrina got to get rid of her oxygen. Her oxygen saturation levels are staying good so one less "tube" to deal with is great news. Along with that her kidney function is doing well and the blood levels indicate the kidneys are beginning to return to a more normal level. She only had one renal doctor come in today to check on her instead of 3 yesterday. She had her catheter removed this afternoon and has already been able to pee so that is good progress. She lost another 12 lbs of fluid so she is getting back down close to her normal weight.
Nutrition is a problem right now. Between the continuing jaw pain (more on that in a minute) and the need for pain medication, she is not really eating. We got excited about some solid food a couple of days ago but the nibbles she was taking really didn't go well. The dietician has been back and we are doing more with nutritional liquids. That is complicated by her getting a sore mouth and sore throat which is a common complication of the chemotherapy. The ENT doctors are scheduled to come see her sometime today so we are hoping for some good insight and helps with that.
Dr. Pico, a chronic pain doctor came in to see her around 3:00 today. He spent a lot of time assessing her pain with questions and a brief exam. He is going to start a neuropathic medication called Lyrica and expects to see that help with her jaw pain. He said not only will it help if this is nerve pain, but it also will enhance the effects of the other pain med and make it work better. He is the doctor on call this weekend and will be in to see her and evaluate how the medication is working to relieve the jaw pain. Dr. Estrov is still quite confident that the jaw pain is a symptom of the Burkett's leukemia and the chemotherapy is going to take care of it. Pray that happens SOOON!!!
Please keep up the prayers. The most important things right now are getting jaw pain control and being able to eat- she needs some good nutrition. She is pretty fatigued and really can't talk. This is a good time to e-mail instead of a phone call.
Your prayer support and concern are so appreciated. I can't say that enough. We are reading the Scriptures you send and that is a real anxiety relieving tool for us- keep those verses you pray for her coming! blessings, Lori
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"Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs." ~Zephaniah 3:17 (MSG)
ReplyDelete"God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?"
~Hebrews 13:6
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
He delivers them from all their troubles." ~Psalm 34:17
Hi Katrina and Lori,
You are in my prayers continually! I am thankful that some tubes have been removed and I am praying for increased nutrition and decreased pain...esp. in Katrina's jaw area. I miss you and love you!
Warmly,
Wendy
Lori, I was sorry I missed getting to meet you today when Dawn and I brought up the care basket for Katrina. It was a pleasure meeting Steve and so wonderful to see Katrina. There are lots of goodies in the basket for you all to share!
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to hear today that she has been getting rid of all the fluids, and her kidney functions are doing much better. My continued prayer for Katrina is for her jaw pain to subside so she can get some good nutrition.
Continually praying,
Angie Robinson
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:7
Lori, I am so glad to hear the Katrina's kidneys are getting back to normal. I will keep praying for her pain to be released so she can eat and enjoy what she's eating. The Allen's send bunches of hugs her way. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." Phil 4:23
ReplyDeleteKatrina,
ReplyDeleteI continue to pray for you constantly through the day. I will pray for your jaw pain to start to get better and for nutrition. And also I pray that the overall pain gets under control. I think of you so often throughout my day and can't wait to give you a hug sometime soon! Keep that chin up girl! Love ya! Sara
you are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteKatrina is very special!!!
Martin and Sharon (wendy's parents)
"The Lord will sustain her on her sickbed and restore her from her bed of illness." Psalms 42:3
ReplyDeleteWe have been praying for all of you!
Love, Jeannifer for the Maalouf's