It has been a month since the last entry to the blog. Donnie has been healing slowly but surely during that time.  He even had the courage to go to Op, Alabama, for family reunions (his Mom’s mother’s and father’s family reunions). That was a pretty big deal, since he had to ride in the car with Lorraine (sister) and Robert (her husband) for 7 hours in the car with a seat belt over his surgical site.  He also did lots of talking (which gives his surgical site a work out) and eating great food.  He felt very loved.  He was glad he went, and it gave me several days to take a breath.  It was good for both of us.

Donnie has been improving slowly but surely ever since his surgery.  He was able to cook breakfast for us in the mornings (as I am already in the office working from home . . . so he serves me breakfast when he gets up!  It’s pretty wonderful!).  He also felt like washing clothes, going to the grocery store, and doing small errands.  He has also gotten out to see a few people.

In the last few days, he has had increasing “gallbladder pain” under his right rib. This was one of his initial problems in December, but with the priority of treating his cancer, it took a big back seat.

Now he is having increasing problems with pain after eating every single meal, and it comes and goes all the time. He has increased his pain medication back to 30 mg extended release morphine, AND he takes hydrocodone intermittently on top of that when the pain exacerbates.  Also, he has increasing pain in his surgical area.  He is staying on the couch most of the time now, not feeling like doing much because he is hurting.

We are so fortunate to have amazing doctors.  We called Dr. Shultz (gastroenterology) and made an appointment for 2 days later.  He ordered an ultrasound of the gallbladder, which was completed last night.  We also called Dr. Z (oncology) and told him Donnie’s symptoms, and he ordered a stat CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis for that same day.   I like that they don’t hesitate.  He will follow up with Dr. Shultz this Friday, and Dr. Z on Wednesday next week.

So we have no answers.  We are concerned Donnie might have to have gallbladder surgery on his already compromised body.  He has still not healed from the pancreatic/spleen surgery he had 2 1/2 months ago.  IF he does have surgery, Dr. de la Fuente will be our surgeon.  We will wait for test results and discussions with our docs.  If you have had gallbladder problems yourself, you know how painful it can be.

You have all been so wonderful to pray for Donnie and for me.  Please pray that this problem is only his gallbladder.  Please pray for continued healing of his surgical site, and for Donnie to gain strength, gain weight, and continue to be an example to others of the power of prayer.

We are already so grateful to God (words really cannot express!!) for the amazing time we have had with Donnie since last December.  We are so grateful to God for sending amazing physicians and health care providers to care for Donnie during this journey.  We are so grateful for the love of God that passes all understanding, and the wonderful family and friends around us that exhibit the love of Christ to us every day.

Love,  Donnie & Tina