Updated 1/17/07 by Diane Doolittle:
From Doug: Doug is unable to use the computer (details below) and he is dictating this to me. “I thank the Lord that His mercies are new to us each day. I probably don’t have much time left on this earth before God calls me Home. But I know Who holds the future and I trust His good hand.”
Doug was having a lot of pain. An RN friend from church told us that he should not have to have pain like that. We needed to call hospice and have their help. They came quickly and have been a big help. I never knew that it would be so difficult to find the right combinations of pain medications for him. That has been a big struggle for him. The pain is now under control. Then he began to have problems with nausea and vomiting. Yesterday was the first time in several days that he has been able to keep food down. After the switch in pain medications, we started noticing that his legs were wobbly and he had trouble grasping things and having control of his hand. I called the nurse to let her know and asked if we could switch pain medications again because of the side effects he was having. She told me that the medication wouldn’t be causing affects like that. Then I thought, what else could it be? Brain tumor. Doug had told me that he had the most trouble with his right side. There will be no scans or testing. They have him on steroids to try to shrink the swelling in the brain and release some of the pressure which is most likely causing the vomiting. He is no longer able to use the computer. He has also had problems with blurred vision and double vision and he has a hard time focusing his eyes. This change has been sudden for us. One day he could go up and down the 17 steps to join us for meals downstairs. The next day his legs were weak and wobbly and there was no way that he could do the stairs. He has told me that he doesn’t have much time left. His family is coming in today and tomorrow to have another visit. He is still coherent and enjoys visitors but tires easily.
Doug and I first met on February 1, 1997 and had our first date on February 2, 1997 -- 10 years this year.
I continue to see God’s Hand at work and rest in the fact that our God continues to be good…all the time. HIS way is perfect and I must trust, even when I don’t understand.
How to pray:
1) continued relief from pain
2) witnessing opportunities with Hospice workers
3) Doug will be able to enjoy the visit with his family
4) continued grace and peace for the kids and I
5) for Lauranne—she is struggling but doing well—I’m so thankful she already knows the Saviour . What a difference that is making in her being able to deal with all of this. The boys are oblivious to what is going on.
6) for rest—I’m having trouble sleeping again
7) for the MANY details and plans I must see to—that God would give me wisdom and a clear mind. I jotted down things to do during the night last night when things would come to mind. I have a notebook page full
Updated 1/18/07: Doug had a very rough night last. The pain was so bad throughout the night, that they called hospice around 2 am. After taking the medicine hospice recommended, Doug vomited, so the medicine wasn't effective. Please pray for Doug and Diane.
Newest Update: Doug's pain is under control. He was having hallucinations in the night and was very restless. He told me this morning that he sure did "chit chat" last night. He said he had lots of dreams. I called Hospice in the night to see if there was anything else I could do to help him. He is resting comfortably this morning.
He vomited after spraying medicine in his mouth which is used just to moisten his mouth.
Well, this afternoon at Grandma's house, Antonio decided
