Some wonderful developments happened yesterday. Donnie got his port at 0730 which was a blessing, as he was NPO (no food or drink). Then he was able to eat breakfast and lunch. Nutrition is more important than ever these days.
His attending physician ordered IV fluids to keep him hydrated, to help with the dehydration from his pain meds causing his constipation. That was a good move. We are thankful for so many caring professionals on his case (and all the professionals in Donnie’s life that have his back!).
Dr. Zenghebot took over Donnie’s case as his oncologist. He came into our room, and announced Donnie would start chemo while he is still in the hospital (original plan was to start next week). He said no reason to wait, and he will be feeling pretty good for Christmas. I like the way he thinks!! Donnie was definitely wanting to start ASAP, as this cancer is agressive, and growing while we are awaiting chemo (and causing him secondary problems). He should be in the hospital until at least Tuesday, per his MD.
Donnie finally pooped yesterday (sorry to be so direct), and he went 4 times. This was vitally important, as he was miserable after 5 days of not pooping. The pain from his disease is in his intestines, so being constipated compounds that pain. He felt better after that, but drained. He was up talking a bit, but tired. He slept very well last night (David stayed with him), requiring no additional pain medication. Praise be to God!
So…keep praying and supporting. Donnie loves your blogs, emails, texts, FaceBook posts and visits. He is a people person, so it really keeps him positive. We feel like two of the luckiest people alive for all the love and caring that has been showered on us!!!
25 replies on “Chemo starts today December 19”
Hey Donnie and Tina just a hello today from R and I. Hope chemo treatments are going well and pain is minimal or gone. Yall are never out of our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Hopefully we can get up there after church tomorrow if you’re up to it Donnie. Will call first. Love you both
Donnie and Tina
Thank you for the progress report it’s nice to follow. It helps to know how to pray. Praying for healing and strength. God will be with you and your family. May love and peace surround you!
You’re in my thoughts and prayers Uncle Donnie. We love you so very much sending our love your way.
Hey Donnie & T,
I’m sending you hugs, kisses and of course lots of prayers. Stay strong let me know if there is anything I can do. Email has been sent to staff about the blog and to continue praying.
Love you both,
Karen
Thank you sweet friend!!
By now you have received your first Chemo.Pray all went as well as possible.Wonderful news that you had a bit of an appetite and rested well last night.Sending prayers for you.
Brother, you remain at the top of my prayer list. I feel extra confident knowing you are on Vanessa’s unit where she can keep close dibs on you.
Vanessa has been such a help and a gift to us. So thankful!!!!!
Hey Donnie. I miss you my friend and hope to see you soon. I as Ron and Dar about you two just about everytime I see them. My hopes and prayers are that we can all get together soon and share a few laughs about the good-old-days. Or, the bad old days. Whichever. As along as we can laugh. Call me anytime. My cell is 813-376-2840. You keep doing what you need to do to get stronger and I’ll keep praying for you to remain regular! Love you Brother.
Hope chemo went well today and you are feeling ok.
Just wanted to share a laugh with you.
Tim was getting worried that he was constipated from his pain meds as well. I got him some Japanese Hibachi noodles with white sauce. As he was almost done I said I bet that will help with your constipation!!
Well sure enough it worked like magic not even 30 minutes later.
We were laughing about it and Tim was saying it is a sure fire cure for constipation!
I said we have to share this new found information with Tina and Donnie. 🙂
Lol
Praying for you and Tina
All our Love
Japanese Hibachi noodles … I put them on my prevention list LOL
nothing wrong with sharing a laugh… BUT…
do you eat them…? or do you apply the noodles in white sauce direct to the location of the problem? =) …now THAT would freak the nurses out when they emptied the bedpan afterwards!!
Hi guys! Sorry I didn’t get to tag along with Joey and Tim. I’m fighting a terrible cold and I know that’s the last thing you need. I’m praying for you and your family every day. Strength, peace, and much love, Lisa xo
I was shocked to find out that some folks weren’t aware of my baptism. Let me tell you about the happiest day of my life! I’ll do my best to keep the story brief, but I’ve learned from my grandfather that a good story has details, anticipation, and calculated delivery. I’ll do my best…but I’m no T. Wilson, so cut me some slack…
I can’t particularly remember what summer or fall it was, but Jeff McFarland (my stepbrother) and I were sitting in the hot tub, probably a bit after lunch. I’m pretty sure it was the weekend, but I’ve been wrong before, plenty (just ask any of my siblings on my lack of time frame accuracy, like when I was 4 years old). So we started talking about life in general, and that conversation eventually directed us toward God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, and everything above and below what we call this life. I had been raised in church, by church in part, so I was familiar with “the program” but never really committed to it. I hadn’t really developed an importance or urgency for the matter. Jeff shared a few moments of his life, and moments of concern about my own since I hadn’t been saved yet and he had. We went back and forth about it for a bit, and it became a bit emotional. “If I were to die tonight”, he asked me and I thought to myself, “would I go to heaven? Or hell?” Man, talk about a cross-examination. Yeah, it hit home a bit. At the end of the day, I decided it was time to give my life to The Lord, to commit totally. Not out of fear, mind you, but out of the love I felt from Jesus and his sacrifice for me, AND out of fear of my own stupidity that I hadn’t been paying attention all those years. But I have to wait until Sunday to get baptized in the church? Pssh…I don’t think so. Neither did Jeff. Next thing you know, our hot tub (which was still warm…be jealous) was converted into a baptismal with just Donnie and I in it, the whole family laying witness in the immediate vicinity. Donnie asked me if I believe with all my being that Jesus, The Son Of God, died on the cross for all our sins including mine, so that we may be saved and enjoy everlasting life. I said yes, and he said: “Then I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!” The rest of what used to be the world I knew disappeared behind a mask of water, never the same.
I can recall very clearly what the feeling of coming up out of the water felt like. If you could imagine being a reptile of some sort and keeping the same skin since you were born, now 11 years old, then having someone gently wash it away to show you a new you…that’s remotely close. The wind felt different, the world looked different, and there was an indescribable sense of hope and happiness that only comes from God. For those of you who have been saved, you know what I’m talking about. For those of you who haven’t, if there are any reading this, I encourage you to talk to someone now. Not tomorrow. Now. Stop reading and go.
I shared that day with God, Donnie, Mom, Beau, Jeff and Rachael. If you knew us growing up, getting us to peacefully decide on what move to rent from Blockbuster was a miracle in itself. This, this was totally different. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Not one single detail.
My apologies for being unaware that I haven’t shared this with some of you. So the next time you head over and see scoping out the hot tub, I’m thinking that it’s still warm, and that’s where my life really began.
Beautiful Dave!! You are so special 🙂 Mom
So glad you experienced some relief! Good to hear his doctor is on the same wavelength with aggressive treatment. Sending you positive thoughts & hugs. Love ya!
We’re here for you both. Praying for you all.
hey bud knew you could do it!
sounds like tina getting you the best care ever. God is good. all the time! I am bring you both some Cuban sandwiches. just cuz I love you, see you soon!
God bless and keep this young man safe and sound.. he’s got the voice to praise you right here! thank you for the miracle for Donnie! God bless you all love Linda
My family & I. Are praying and pulling for you!
We love You Dmac !
Donnie and Tina,
What a wonderful idea of a blog!! I appreciate how you have kept everyone informed. I have been really sick with an upper respiratory infection and unable to go to the hospital to see my son. Getting better each day, and plan to go to see you on Sunday. My heart is so heavy for you…..I love you soooooo much!!
Well PRAISE THE LORD!! Nothing like a good poop to make you feel better. God is good! Glad the port is in and they can get started with business. Keep that smile on your face we love you!
Thanks for sharing the great news! In this case, there is NO such thing as TMI !! I love to see the pictures on this site with your smiling faces and surrounded by your loving family. We will be praying that God’s grace will keep things moving in a positive direction so that you’ll be home by Christmas, Donnie. Sending much love and prayers!
Donnie & Tina,
I am so happy to hear that today is looking bright for you! We, at work, are still in shock to hear all of this tragic turn of events. But we know that God is in control and he will never put you in a situation that you can’t handle. I’m glad to hear that you may be home for Christmas! We would love to come visit you in a few weeks after you are feeling well enough. Please know that we are thinking of you everyday and always praying that God brings you health and peace. We love you!
Being constipated is no fun on a GOOD day. And I know how important it is to get things moving through and not causing additional problems. So THANK YOU LORD! I mean really, who wants to be told they’re full of… well, never mind.
While it’s a bummer that he can’t be out sooner, I think it’s awesome that he’ll be home for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I’ve spent a period of several days in the hospital myself (that one, in fact). Makes you realize there really IS no place like home. Plus the TV is WAY bigger 😉
Love you guys! We’ll continue praying. Actually it’s the ONLY thing we’re praying for each night. It’s a persistent knock on God’s door 🙂
Please keep the information coming. It helps a lot.
Your in our prayers!