Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Successful Surgery!

Caleb is resting comfortably at home after an all-day hospital stay.  Surgeons removed the PICC line in his arm (two IV's) that ran from his forearm to his heart.  When he got them a month ago, his fun doctor asked him if he wanted to name them.  In Caleb's own words, "No way - I only name my pets."  Therefore, older brother Zachary named them "Frank" and "Stein".  Fitting, since Halloween is just around the corner. I "flushed" them with saline and Heparin (blood thinner) for the last time last night.

Goodbye to "Frank" and "Stein".  They were somewhat "high maintenance", yet real life savers, as they kept Cal from having to get weekly painful IV's for his blood tests and chemo.

When Caleb woke up today, he had a port-a-catheter in his chest.  This also runs to his precious heart and will now be how he gets weekly blood draws and chemo.  This will be much easier for him, as he can shower and swim.  Whaaaawhooo!  He knows what to expect, because a loving "Child Life Specialist" at the hospital let him see it on a doll.  He got to touch it and play with it.  He decided it DID need a name, since it will be with him for the next four years.  He named his port "Porty Pig".  Too cute.

Caleb is excited he gets a 4-day break from the hospital, yet he's always willing to go back.  That's because the caring and loving staff at Texas Children's has figured out a way to make the awful
"c word" bearable for little ones. 

Thanks to all of our dear family and friends for your words of encouragement, the pats on the back, and most importantly - your prayers.  Much love to you all. 

3 comments:

  1. Caleb, Melissa, David & Zachary,

    The Peschel Family is "praying without ceasing" for you. You are constantly on our hearts and our minds all the time, and we are lifting up prayers for you all the time. Melissa & David - we love you and we're praying for God to give you courage, strength, endurance, and a peace that surpasses all understanding.

    Lord Jesus, I pray this scripture over the Cook Family, and I ask that you speak to them through your Word and deliver them through this time.

    God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NIV)

    The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. (Zephaniah 3:17a NIV)

    Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)

    “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. (Exodus 23:20 NIV)

    Love,

    Barkley, Jill, Caden, Gracie & Bella Peschel

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  2. Hi Caleb!....Joe and I have been reading your blogs every day!....and keeping you in our prayers every night! You are SO strong and brave! You really ARE a Super Hero! We are so happy that you have so many great doctors and nurses that take care of you too. Sending lots of love and hugs to you and your Mommy & Daddy and Zachary <3 Susan & Joe Combest

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  3. Prayers continue for you Caleb, and your wonderful family and the TERRIFIC medical team all working on your behalf. The Lord holds you close, and will deliver you from this evil, because YOU WILL BE BETTER BEFORE YOU KNOW IT!!! Hugs.

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