There are not enough exclamation points for how we feel right now! I just spoke with Andrew's doctor and "there is no need to continue testing" at MD Anderson. She said she isn't real sure what to think as she expected the last tests to indicate a need for more "studies", but the tests were "normal" for a 13 year old boy! YAHOO! PTL! As Andrew said, "Thank you, Jesus!" I don't even know how to act right now! I do know I will sleep tonight!
We will go to endicrinology on June 18 to meet with the dietician to make sure we are handling the "no sugar" rule OK. She said we could balance sugar with proteins so Andrew was thrilled as he can have on Dr Pepper a day and maybe even some ice cream on occasion.
I cannot even being to thank you all enough for praying for our son! We proclaim again and again" Praise the Lord! Who is faithful and loving and merciful!" Praise the Lord!!!!
See you Sunday as we worship the Lord who is Jehovah Jireh, my provider!!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tomorrow - test day!
Our patient advocate at Texas Children's said we should expect results tomorrow. We are quite anxious to get the results and see what is in store for us next. I was talking with a friend today and remember saying to her, "Joy is not circumstantial; not based upon current circumstances. Joy is joy; given by Jesus". I claim that tonight as my hold on Jesus grows tighter and tighter. In His joy I find completion and peace.
Kick a boy when he's down!
Well, besides the broken thumb and the pain inflicted there, it appears our fav team got SMOKED, and I mean SMOKED by the 'Stros last night. I watched all I could take. I guess we will have to dust off the Astros jersey today....AND BURN IT!!! he he he
Endocrin called last night and we look to have the final three test results tomorrow morning. Andrew is trying to manipulate his gaming with a broken thumb. A little difficult to play Guitar Hero with a splint on. I'm venturing to guess he's taking the splint off.
A request for prayers today as Wesley's brother and wife are having their fourth baby today. With a row of three boys, we are hoping for a girl. She's been in labor for three days and it picked up around midnight last night but as of 7:30 this morning, no baby. She's quite a trooper!
Blessings!
Endocrin called last night and we look to have the final three test results tomorrow morning. Andrew is trying to manipulate his gaming with a broken thumb. A little difficult to play Guitar Hero with a splint on. I'm venturing to guess he's taking the splint off.
A request for prayers today as Wesley's brother and wife are having their fourth baby today. With a row of three boys, we are hoping for a girl. She's been in labor for three days and it picked up around midnight last night but as of 7:30 this morning, no baby. She's quite a trooper!
Blessings!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Anybody got a BIG bubble?
Well, we visited the pediatrician today and as she is not well versed in endocrin (as she will tell you herself) we just know that he is keeping his "girlish" figure and hasn't shrunk any. She did say she would call endocrin and try to locate the status of the labs taken last week. I also called for good measure and left a message for his endocrin nurse.
While in the doctor's office I asked the doctor to take a peek at Andrew's thumb as he did a little damage to it Sunday night. One x-ray and one splint later, we discover he has broken his thumb. So, he's in a splint for 6 weeks! UGUGUG! I never thought Andrew to be the drama queen in our family! We need to put him in a big bubble and leave him there!
Blessing!
While in the doctor's office I asked the doctor to take a peek at Andrew's thumb as he did a little damage to it Sunday night. One x-ray and one splint later, we discover he has broken his thumb. So, he's in a splint for 6 weeks! UGUGUG! I never thought Andrew to be the drama queen in our family! We need to put him in a big bubble and leave him there!
Blessing!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Absolutely Amazing
Well, four days of PERFECT blood sugar levels. It's amazing! Andrew has not had PERFECT blood sugar levels for over 7 weeks and now...PERFECT. Even so perfect that we did a little test of our own today...we allowed Andrew some sugar this evening. Normally a little bit of sugar sends him straight up to near or over 200 and then within about an hour, drops him VERY low; we call it 'crashing' around here. We tested him 1 hour after eating sugar and he was a 106...a 106! AMAZING!! He did not crash!
We are waiting for the remainder of the test results. We waited nine days the last time these specific tests were taken so although we are eager to learn the results, we also don't expect them before Wednesday or Thursday next week. We will see the pediatrician this week for a check up.
I know you read this blog to discover updates concerning Andrew's health. We are sooo thankful you are interested in Andrew and what Jesus is doing for him and how God is using him. Jesus is using this to change and teach me as well. While sitting in the hospital room waiting for the CT scan results I remembered a story of an evangelist friend of ours from Alabama. His son was about 4 years old and their family was visiting relatives. There was a pond in the back of the property which the children were playing near. Suddenly, the family realized their 4 year old was no where to be found. Immediately, they ran to the pond only to discover their child no longer breathing. As they stood around the little body at the hospital the daddy placed his hand upon the little boy's head and prayed to His Father, thankful for his life and giving the child to live in his Father's kingdom.
I realized this week that I love trusting in Jesus when I can 'handle' the outcomes; when the end result is acceptable to me. But how do I feel when I don't know the outcome or when the end result is not what I want...do I still trust or do I fight or hide? Could I put a hand on my child's head and pray to my Father? I realized that I didn't know the answer to this question. I knew what I hoped I would do but I didn't know what I really would do.
I need to know that I trust Jesus! I have to learn to trust Him at ALL times; in ALL circumstances be content "whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want". I was reading today in the book The Great House of God by Max Lucado. He writes, "When you are confused about the future, go to your Jehovah-raah, your caring shepherd. When you are anxious about provision, talk to Jehovah-jireh, the Lord who provides. Are your challenges too great? Seek the help of Jehovah-shalom, the Lord is peace. Is your body sick? Are your emotions weak? Jehovah-rophe, the Lord who heals you, will see you now. Do you feel like a soldier stranded behind enemy lines? Take refuge in Jehovah-missi, the Lord is my banner." He is the foundation for my trust...no matter the situation; no matter the outcome.
PS. Hey 'stros fans...I bought Andrew an Astros jersey yesterday at a yard sale. He said he'd wear it...UNDER HIS CARDINALS JERSEY!!!
We are waiting for the remainder of the test results. We waited nine days the last time these specific tests were taken so although we are eager to learn the results, we also don't expect them before Wednesday or Thursday next week. We will see the pediatrician this week for a check up.
I know you read this blog to discover updates concerning Andrew's health. We are sooo thankful you are interested in Andrew and what Jesus is doing for him and how God is using him. Jesus is using this to change and teach me as well. While sitting in the hospital room waiting for the CT scan results I remembered a story of an evangelist friend of ours from Alabama. His son was about 4 years old and their family was visiting relatives. There was a pond in the back of the property which the children were playing near. Suddenly, the family realized their 4 year old was no where to be found. Immediately, they ran to the pond only to discover their child no longer breathing. As they stood around the little body at the hospital the daddy placed his hand upon the little boy's head and prayed to His Father, thankful for his life and giving the child to live in his Father's kingdom.
I realized this week that I love trusting in Jesus when I can 'handle' the outcomes; when the end result is acceptable to me. But how do I feel when I don't know the outcome or when the end result is not what I want...do I still trust or do I fight or hide? Could I put a hand on my child's head and pray to my Father? I realized that I didn't know the answer to this question. I knew what I hoped I would do but I didn't know what I really would do.
I need to know that I trust Jesus! I have to learn to trust Him at ALL times; in ALL circumstances be content "whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want". I was reading today in the book The Great House of God by Max Lucado. He writes, "When you are confused about the future, go to your Jehovah-raah, your caring shepherd. When you are anxious about provision, talk to Jehovah-jireh, the Lord who provides. Are your challenges too great? Seek the help of Jehovah-shalom, the Lord is peace. Is your body sick? Are your emotions weak? Jehovah-rophe, the Lord who heals you, will see you now. Do you feel like a soldier stranded behind enemy lines? Take refuge in Jehovah-missi, the Lord is my banner." He is the foundation for my trust...no matter the situation; no matter the outcome.
PS. Hey 'stros fans...I bought Andrew an Astros jersey yesterday at a yard sale. He said he'd wear it...UNDER HIS CARDINALS JERSEY!!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Early Wednesday Morning
Andrew was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning...AT 6:00AM!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think he was waiting for the nurse to come in to take more blood!
It was very nice sleeping in our own beds last night. I didn't sleep as much as I would have liked as I wore a trail in the carpet back and forth to Andrew's room. It reminded me of when the kids were first born and I'd sleep with my hand on them just to make sure they were breathing. Andrew feels pretty good. He's taken to guessing his own blood sugar and is actually pretty good at it. We are just watching for symptoms today and only testing 6 times rather than every hour or every two hours. His fingers are like pin cushions so he's glad for the break. He can't be alone right now until the doctors are certain about his insulin levels so he and I will spend a good day at home with Granny (my mother who is visiting from Missouri).
We continue the waiting game today. We are waiting on three tests to come back. These three tests are the same three that required the emergency plane ride home from KC Friday. Again, we pray for peace as we wait. We are so thankful there were no 'visible' tumors on his pancreas and soon we will be thankful there are no 'invisible' problems either!
I was reading in Isaiah this morning, 40:28-31 - a familiar passage. "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength". Remember that one? Then I was reminded about what Paul said in 2 Corinthians "strength is made perfect in weakness". And then again Nehemiah "the joy of the Lord is our strength". In my weakest (sometimes faithless, worrysome, fearful, tempted, stressed out) moments, He is strong.
Owen Lambert visited Andrew in the hospital this week, rocking Guitar Hero! He and I were playing with the blue doctor gloves. However to Owen they were 'superhero' gloves; as were his shoes, shorts, shirt...the things a superhero might wear, ya know. I'm thinking today about what my "superhero" wears...he's clothed in white with radiance surrounding him; armed with goodness, faithfulness, kindness, self control, honesty, peace, wisdom, mercy, power, water for the thirsty, food for the hungry, rest for the tired, hope for the hopeless, healing...anything for anyone anywhere.
Thank you for praying with us and for us. Thank you for the visits. Thank you for the calls, emails, texts...we love you all!
It was very nice sleeping in our own beds last night. I didn't sleep as much as I would have liked as I wore a trail in the carpet back and forth to Andrew's room. It reminded me of when the kids were first born and I'd sleep with my hand on them just to make sure they were breathing. Andrew feels pretty good. He's taken to guessing his own blood sugar and is actually pretty good at it. We are just watching for symptoms today and only testing 6 times rather than every hour or every two hours. His fingers are like pin cushions so he's glad for the break. He can't be alone right now until the doctors are certain about his insulin levels so he and I will spend a good day at home with Granny (my mother who is visiting from Missouri).
We continue the waiting game today. We are waiting on three tests to come back. These three tests are the same three that required the emergency plane ride home from KC Friday. Again, we pray for peace as we wait. We are so thankful there were no 'visible' tumors on his pancreas and soon we will be thankful there are no 'invisible' problems either!
I was reading in Isaiah this morning, 40:28-31 - a familiar passage. "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength". Remember that one? Then I was reminded about what Paul said in 2 Corinthians "strength is made perfect in weakness". And then again Nehemiah "the joy of the Lord is our strength". In my weakest (sometimes faithless, worrysome, fearful, tempted, stressed out) moments, He is strong.
Owen Lambert visited Andrew in the hospital this week, rocking Guitar Hero! He and I were playing with the blue doctor gloves. However to Owen they were 'superhero' gloves; as were his shoes, shorts, shirt...the things a superhero might wear, ya know. I'm thinking today about what my "superhero" wears...he's clothed in white with radiance surrounding him; armed with goodness, faithfulness, kindness, self control, honesty, peace, wisdom, mercy, power, water for the thirsty, food for the hungry, rest for the tired, hope for the hopeless, healing...anything for anyone anywhere.
Thank you for praying with us and for us. Thank you for the visits. Thank you for the calls, emails, texts...we love you all!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
IT'S NOT A TUMOR!!
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF CT SCAN - NOOOOOO TUMOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ZERO, ZIPPO, ZILCH, NOTTA, AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!
This is the first look at the CT scan. We have appointments with the pediatrician this week and with endocrinology as soon as the remainder of the tests are back. We wait for good results on the insulin levels, C-Peptide, and hormone. The interim diagnosis is "reactive hypoglycemia". Back to little to no sugar and lots of complex carbs and proteins. Good thing he enjoyed the milkshake and thin mints yesterday and today!
I will say again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for praying for our boy. I have not stopped crying since the good report...I don't think I realized how very afraid I was. We now continue to pray for the remainder of the tests so we don't have to go looking anymore for anything anywhere else!
ZERO, ZIPPO, ZILCH, NOTTA, AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!
This is the first look at the CT scan. We have appointments with the pediatrician this week and with endocrinology as soon as the remainder of the tests are back. We wait for good results on the insulin levels, C-Peptide, and hormone. The interim diagnosis is "reactive hypoglycemia". Back to little to no sugar and lots of complex carbs and proteins. Good thing he enjoyed the milkshake and thin mints yesterday and today!
I will say again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for praying for our boy. I have not stopped crying since the good report...I don't think I realized how very afraid I was. We now continue to pray for the remainder of the tests so we don't have to go looking anymore for anything anywhere else!
Tuesday, I think
We just saw the endocrin and the pediatrician. The CT is scheduled for as soon as they can get to him. Time kind of stands still in the hospital, as most of you know. Andrew did get to eat last night about 11:00p. He was quite sick (said that the milkshake didn't taste as good the second time) but he finally settled down enough to eat french toast, sausage, eggs, and of course, a large Dr Pepper. He also had an entire row of thin mints around 1:30a. I know, I know...he shouldn't have that much sugar and we will get him back on track starting tonight at home but how do ya say no to a kid who hasn't eaten in 75 hours?!?!? :)
After talking with endocrin this morning, we should get a very preliminary report this evening concerning the CT scan; if anything was large enough to be seen right away. However, the test taken last night along with the CT will take a bit of time to get back. She said that the really important tests of insulin levels, C-Peptide, hormone, etc can take up to a week (UGGGGGG!) and they would probably not make any definitive diagnosis until ALL tests are back. It appears we will be waiting a while longer. At least we won't have to wait in the hospital for the rest of the tests as they tested the emergency glucagon last night and he responded 'ok' so we can use that at home if necessary rather than having to stay in here. That is a relief. He will rest better at home. They have begun scheduling his appointments for endocrin for this week and next but we can do those outpatient. YIPEE!
Again, I cannot begin to express my sincere gratitude for praying for us. I KNOW your prayers made a difference...we were able to express Jesus to those here treating us! We are making certain they know that when they do NOT find the tumor, it will be because of Jesus!
Loving prayers!
After talking with endocrin this morning, we should get a very preliminary report this evening concerning the CT scan; if anything was large enough to be seen right away. However, the test taken last night along with the CT will take a bit of time to get back. She said that the really important tests of insulin levels, C-Peptide, hormone, etc can take up to a week (UGGGGGG!) and they would probably not make any definitive diagnosis until ALL tests are back. It appears we will be waiting a while longer. At least we won't have to wait in the hospital for the rest of the tests as they tested the emergency glucagon last night and he responded 'ok' so we can use that at home if necessary rather than having to stay in here. That is a relief. He will rest better at home. They have begun scheduling his appointments for endocrin for this week and next but we can do those outpatient. YIPEE!
Again, I cannot begin to express my sincere gratitude for praying for us. I KNOW your prayers made a difference...we were able to express Jesus to those here treating us! We are making certain they know that when they do NOT find the tumor, it will be because of Jesus!
Loving prayers!
Labs are drawn . .
I talked to Codi last night about 9:30 and they had drawn the labs, and he had to wait 1 hour to eat. So, as far as I know, Andrew was able to eat!! Today will be the scan, and then maybe a couple of nights at home before surgery (if needed). I'm sure Codi will post much more info this morning. Continue to pray for clear test results and wisdom.
p.s. . .eventhough it went against my better judgment, I made Andrew's blog reflect his love for the St. Louis Cardinals :)
p.s. . .eventhough it went against my better judgment, I made Andrew's blog reflect his love for the St. Louis Cardinals :)
Monday, May 19, 2008
49 minutes and counting
He is at 52...they are going to call the doctor to see if that is low enough for the insulin check. How low can ya go? How low can ya go? How low can ya go?
1 hours 15 mins and counting
As I have LOTS of time on my hands, I can almost give you minute by minute updates. Andrew is counting the minutes until he eats. He's quite weak but I think any of us would be if we couldn't eat for 3 days. I was just reviewing the pages and pages of notes I have...I wrote down each phone call, email, text, visit, since we got here...it's literally pages and pages. I am so grateful! I just think about all those in Texas, Missouri, Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Africa, Canada who are praying for Andrew. Quite amazing! We have stopped knowing how to pray but always remember to whom we pray.
Blood sugar level at 6:00p was 64 which is still considered "normal". He has one more at 8:00p and one more at 9:00p. The doctors still believe the numbers can and will drop to the 40ish needed for this study. I guess we'll see...or we will just rejoice that they don't drop!
Love to you all!
Blood sugar level at 6:00p was 64 which is still considered "normal". He has one more at 8:00p and one more at 9:00p. The doctors still believe the numbers can and will drop to the 40ish needed for this study. I guess we'll see...or we will just rejoice that they don't drop!
Love to you all!
comments please :)
Hey everyone! This blog is a great way to send well wishes andrew's way! They have internet access at the hospital, and will be able to read any comments you leave on the blog. Just click on "comments" at the bottom of the most recent blog and you'll be able to post comments!
Not much new...
Well, we are sitting here visiting with more of the wonderful friends from FBCH...I hear more are coming tonight. YIPEE! Andrew has 3 hours and 50 minutes left of his fast and is counting down the minutes! He's beginning to make his order and it's growing.
Not much is new. We do know that the CT scan will be in the morning to try to find where they think is the tumor, if they actually decide it is a tumor. His blood sugar isn't dropping as they thought it would and who really knows what that means. I'm so glad we have resident nurses around to help us decifer the information.
They did say we MIGHT, JUST MIGHT get to go home tomorrow afternoon for a bit. That would be really, really nice. However, this could be another something that changes...we are learning to go with the flow!
Not much is new. We do know that the CT scan will be in the morning to try to find where they think is the tumor, if they actually decide it is a tumor. His blood sugar isn't dropping as they thought it would and who really knows what that means. I'm so glad we have resident nurses around to help us decifer the information.
They did say we MIGHT, JUST MIGHT get to go home tomorrow afternoon for a bit. That would be really, really nice. However, this could be another something that changes...we are learning to go with the flow!
Past updates
Hello all! I talked to Codi this morning and thought it would be a good idea to open a blog that people can check at their convenience for updates on what is going on with Andrew.
This first post will include any email correspondence I have sent/received since Friday. . .
Friday afternoon: Wes & Codi and the kids have gone to Missouri for Wes’ graduation. They got a call just an hour or so ago from Texas Children’s saying that Andrew has a tumor on his pancreas. Told them not to drive but to get on a plane and get to the hospital as soon as possible. Tim is going to pick them up about 7 tonight and get them to the hospital. Some of Wes’ family is driving their truck back with Rachel so Wes can come back with Codi & Andrew. Please be in prayer for them.
late Friday night(actually early Saturday morning): We just got back from the hospital, and he has been admitted to a regular room (he's been in the ER since 8 p.m.). When we left they had just started a fasting blood test where his blood sugar will need to drop down to 40 for them to get some critical lab values. Pray for this, as he usually feels like passing out when his sugar drops to about 60. After these labs (which could take a few hours to a few days), they will do an MRI to determine the size/location of the tumor and then schedule surgery in the near future. Some of Wes and Codi's family will be driving down with Rachel today. Wes and Codi are very appreciative of everyone's prayers and offers of help.
late Saturday morning: Just talked to Codi. They were able to talk to the Endocrinologist this morning, so they have a much better understanding of what is going on. Though not confirmed by MRI, they have diagnosed Andrew with and Insulinoma, which pretty much means he has a tumor on or near his pancreas that excretes excessive amounts of insulin. The reasoning for them needing to come home immediately was that, according to the tests they had done, his insulin levels were 7 times higher than a grown man. So, he runs the risk of his blood sugar dropping to dangerous levels at any moment and needs to be in the hospital under close observation. At this point, his blood sugar has only reached 90 during the fasting test they are doing. He'll have to fast until it reaches below 40. They had scheduled an MRI this morning at 7:30, but they don't want to do it until the fasting test is over, because if the insulinoma reacts while in the MRI, it would be hard to get to him. The MRI should show them where the tumor is and how big it is. Sometimes, they can't visualize these by MRI, and if they can't, he'll have to have a PET scan. After all of these tests are back, and they have a better picture of what's going on, they will make a plan for surgery. Again, Codi says to thank everyone for their prayers, and she will keep us updated
Sunday 8:00 a.m.: Just talked to Codi and Andrew's blood sugar is only down to 74. He is understandably frustrated! So, the plan is to keep fasting until the blood sugar is down to 40, get the lab values, do the MRI, then talk about surgery. Just wanted to do a quick update.
Sunday night: Just wanted to update everyone who doesn't know that Andrew's blood sugar was only down to 76 last time they checked at 8 p.m. Understandably, they are beyond frustrated, as he has been fasting for over 48 hours now. Andrew feels terrible and this is taking much longer than they had hoped. They are hoping to do a scan tomorrow, whether they have gotten the labs done or not.
Right now, please pray for Andrew, Wes & Codi as they are very frustrated and ready for some more definitive answers!
update from Codi, Andrew's mom (this morning): Not much has changed...Andrew still wants to eat; we still want to let him :) One doctor visited early this morning and we are plotting to keep Andrew fasting as he wants a milkshake, pepperoni pizza, KFC, thin mint cookies, dinner rolls with honey butter (Philip and Andrew would have a hay day at this meal!); he moans when food commericals come on the TV. However, he has been a trooper after 62 hours, 15 minutes, and he is couting the seconds. His blood sugar is checked every two hours; he just holds up a new finger each time they stop in. He is however protecting his Wii fingers to play Guitar Hero.
So today we will attempt to maintain the fast (until midnight tonight) and wait for the CT scan. The doctor said this morning when I asked why the blood sugars had not dropped as expected she said that either the tumor is hiding and not "spewing" insulin or it's just not there. I told her that was the prayer for us...it's just gone!
My mother has Rachel in Highlands, attempting to keep her world as normal as possible. My sister, brother in law and their three girls are here as well staying with his mother in Manvel.
A heartfelt thanks: From our families (both kin and kindred) putting us on a plane in Kansas City to picking us up at the airport to just being here when we thought we would be alone; to driving me when my tears blocked the road to unloading trucks and trailers to babysitting our dog to calling, texting, emailing, visiting, bringing magazines, movies, snacks (which we are hiding under lock and key!) texting more and most importantly praying for our family, we want to say THANK YOU!! Never in a million years could we repay what you have all done for us. We will express our gratitude to our Father as we are all in one blood, praying His richest blessing upon each of you and yours. We'll keep you posted!
today at 12:00 noon: andrew's blood sugar was back up to 63 when they checked at noon. will check again in a couple of hours
This first post will include any email correspondence I have sent/received since Friday. . .
Friday afternoon: Wes & Codi and the kids have gone to Missouri for Wes’ graduation. They got a call just an hour or so ago from Texas Children’s saying that Andrew has a tumor on his pancreas. Told them not to drive but to get on a plane and get to the hospital as soon as possible. Tim is going to pick them up about 7 tonight and get them to the hospital. Some of Wes’ family is driving their truck back with Rachel so Wes can come back with Codi & Andrew. Please be in prayer for them.
late Friday night(actually early Saturday morning): We just got back from the hospital, and he has been admitted to a regular room (he's been in the ER since 8 p.m.). When we left they had just started a fasting blood test where his blood sugar will need to drop down to 40 for them to get some critical lab values. Pray for this, as he usually feels like passing out when his sugar drops to about 60. After these labs (which could take a few hours to a few days), they will do an MRI to determine the size/location of the tumor and then schedule surgery in the near future. Some of Wes and Codi's family will be driving down with Rachel today. Wes and Codi are very appreciative of everyone's prayers and offers of help.
late Saturday morning: Just talked to Codi. They were able to talk to the Endocrinologist this morning, so they have a much better understanding of what is going on. Though not confirmed by MRI, they have diagnosed Andrew with and Insulinoma, which pretty much means he has a tumor on or near his pancreas that excretes excessive amounts of insulin. The reasoning for them needing to come home immediately was that, according to the tests they had done, his insulin levels were 7 times higher than a grown man. So, he runs the risk of his blood sugar dropping to dangerous levels at any moment and needs to be in the hospital under close observation. At this point, his blood sugar has only reached 90 during the fasting test they are doing. He'll have to fast until it reaches below 40. They had scheduled an MRI this morning at 7:30, but they don't want to do it until the fasting test is over, because if the insulinoma reacts while in the MRI, it would be hard to get to him. The MRI should show them where the tumor is and how big it is. Sometimes, they can't visualize these by MRI, and if they can't, he'll have to have a PET scan. After all of these tests are back, and they have a better picture of what's going on, they will make a plan for surgery. Again, Codi says to thank everyone for their prayers, and she will keep us updated
Sunday 8:00 a.m.: Just talked to Codi and Andrew's blood sugar is only down to 74. He is understandably frustrated! So, the plan is to keep fasting until the blood sugar is down to 40, get the lab values, do the MRI, then talk about surgery. Just wanted to do a quick update.
Sunday night: Just wanted to update everyone who doesn't know that Andrew's blood sugar was only down to 76 last time they checked at 8 p.m. Understandably, they are beyond frustrated, as he has been fasting for over 48 hours now. Andrew feels terrible and this is taking much longer than they had hoped. They are hoping to do a scan tomorrow, whether they have gotten the labs done or not.
Right now, please pray for Andrew, Wes & Codi as they are very frustrated and ready for some more definitive answers!
update from Codi, Andrew's mom (this morning): Not much has changed...Andrew still wants to eat; we still want to let him :) One doctor visited early this morning and we are plotting to keep Andrew fasting as he wants a milkshake, pepperoni pizza, KFC, thin mint cookies, dinner rolls with honey butter (Philip and Andrew would have a hay day at this meal!); he moans when food commericals come on the TV. However, he has been a trooper after 62 hours, 15 minutes, and he is couting the seconds. His blood sugar is checked every two hours; he just holds up a new finger each time they stop in. He is however protecting his Wii fingers to play Guitar Hero.
So today we will attempt to maintain the fast (until midnight tonight) and wait for the CT scan. The doctor said this morning when I asked why the blood sugars had not dropped as expected she said that either the tumor is hiding and not "spewing" insulin or it's just not there. I told her that was the prayer for us...it's just gone!
My mother has Rachel in Highlands, attempting to keep her world as normal as possible. My sister, brother in law and their three girls are here as well staying with his mother in Manvel.
A heartfelt thanks: From our families (both kin and kindred) putting us on a plane in Kansas City to picking us up at the airport to just being here when we thought we would be alone; to driving me when my tears blocked the road to unloading trucks and trailers to babysitting our dog to calling, texting, emailing, visiting, bringing magazines, movies, snacks (which we are hiding under lock and key!) texting more and most importantly praying for our family, we want to say THANK YOU!! Never in a million years could we repay what you have all done for us. We will express our gratitude to our Father as we are all in one blood, praying His richest blessing upon each of you and yours. We'll keep you posted!
today at 12:00 noon: andrew's blood sugar was back up to 63 when they checked at noon. will check again in a couple of hours
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