September 10, 2006

Hello Everyone,

Gabriel spent the last week (Tuesday - Saturday) in the hospital because he spiked a fever Tuesday evening. No infection was found in his blood or urine culture. He was positive for an infection which, after being tested again, the results were negative. Gabriel's counts began recovering in the hospital and we finalized the decision regarding a feeding tube.

We decided it is in Gabriel's best interest to get a feeding tube. (After months of working on his weight and nutrition.) His weight, although he continues to gain, is the weight of a one year old child. Gabriel is the same weight he was on his first birthday. His nutrition is low and with the chemo he will be starting on September 18 it may become lower. If his nutrition continues the downward trend we will reach a point we want to avoid. He would be able to get any virus or infections easily, he won’t respond and recover from chemotherapy and it would be too late to catch up his weight.

Steve and I struggled with this decision, neither of us want this tube, but with all things considered he needs it right now. One of his doctors told us, "Out of all the chemotherapy regimens for all the different cancers the children get, Gabriel's is on the top three hardest chemotherapy regimens, This is not the exception it's the rule, all kids on therapy need a feeding tube....It is a compliment to you Gabriel has not needed the tube. It shows your perseverance and patience. Usually children need a tube 2-3 months after they start therapy." It is God's grace Gabriel has not needed the tube thus far and it is a testimony. The doctors are surprised he made it 2 months before maintenance to need a tube.

Gabriel is scheduled to receive a G-tube on this Monday. The G-tube is the surgery I mentioned in previous email. We will be in the hospital for almost another week depending on how Gabriel recovers and how his stomach responds to the feeds. I have no doubt Gabriel will respond exceptionally well. Our prayer request are Gabriel is able to get the PEG g-tube without any problems, he recovers well, he takes the feeds well and God strengthen his body to take the next chemo.

We thank you for your prayers and continue needing your support. We thank the Lord we have gotten this far and Gabriel is still surprising the doctors.

With thanksgiving,
Angela