Ambrose in Hospital

Today Ambrose was admitted to Phoenix Children's Hospital. We have been waiting a week for a non-surgical bed to open and today we got the call. At last week's appointment with his GI Specialist, we were told that the doctor would like an endoscopy to be done, some biopsies of his esophagus, stomach, and small intestines, and a possible feeding tube switch from a G-tube to a G/J-tube. The Nutritionist said that their office sees the "worst of the worst" and they consider Ambrose to be one of the worst they currently see.

Over the last nine months, we've struggled to find a formula that Ambrose can tolerate. He would vomit after every feed. In December, he was switched over to goat's milk and tolerated it well. He gained weight and, for the first time, took an interest in feeding by mouth. However, the Nutritionist urged us to go back to the formulas, because he said the goat's milk is not considered a proper, whole nutrition. Although we supplemented the goat's milk with the missing nutrients, the protein content is more than recommended and could potentially harm his kidneys. The GI and Nutritionist have ordered numerous formulas for Ambrose, but with each formula he continued to vomit after every feed and refused to take any food by mouth. He's also lost weight with their plan of care. Last week, after another weight loss, there was a heightened concern for his nutrition and hydration. That was when the order was written for him to be admitted to the hospital.

After last week's appointment, we gave him Pedialyte for 24 hours, then reintroduced the goat's milk. He tolerated it well and even began to show interest in oral feeding. Tomorrow we'll have a better idea regarding the plan of care for this hospital stay. We will alternate shifts staying with Ambrose.

Ryan's mom discharged from rehab a few weeks ago. She has been receiving nursing and therapies in her home. She has been to the Oncologist and received the results from some scans done last week. The MRI showed five spots on her brain and also cancer around her lungs. In the last two months she's been told the cancer was in various places. After many tests, they have still not pinpointed the primary source.

All the other boys are doing well. Charlie is very close to walking. He's really good at sneaking up the stairs. Josef is starting his terrible threes a couple months early. The other day, after asking him to go get his pajamas from his room, he said, "Why do I have to do everything?!" Of course, we know which brother he learned that phrase from....or maybe it was from Gina. Ambrose started crawling a few weeks ago, despite the pelvic brace, feeding tube, and being tethered to the oxygen tank. John Paul tested for Kindergarten this week. On Thursday, April 29th, we will celebrate his 5th birthday! He's been counting down the weeks and days.

We'll try to update as much as we can with Ambrose's status.

Ryan and Gina

Today Myra was transferred back to the rehabilitation facility. She is looking forward to resuming her therapies.

Many many things have happened in the last week. My mom has been doing great in the ICU. She has her ups and downs, but, overall, she's beginning to get her strength back. A few days back she had a chest tube inserted to drain fluid. They first drained 1200cc and then another 1200cc the next day. Suction was then added to remove the air that had gathered around her left lung. Thursday night her pulmonologist did a pleurodesis on her lung at her bedside. It was similar to what was done on her right lung, but without the need to be in the operating room. Also, she had a port placed in her chest to receive meds and, eventually, to receive chemotherapy.

Today I visited with her and she was in great spirits. She was even weaned off the oxygen! Amazing turnaround. She's been doing physical therapy in the ICU as well! Soon she may return to the Rehab facility, which she prefers to the hospital. The oncologist would like to begin treatment on the cancer as soon as my mom's strong enough. It was also mentioned that the source of the cancer may be pointing to the pancreas and not to the breast as originally thought.

We continue to pray for her recovery and hope she continues to get stronger. Thanks again for the wonderful outreach and concern for her. Keep praying!

Ryan

P.S. All the boys are doing well. Colds are almost gone. Charlie has a huge shiner on his forehead. Ambrose is trying to crawl. Josef is afraid of the Chick-fil-A cow. John Paul continues to be the inquisitive one with all the questions. He'll be five next month! The two big boys can really make those little boys laugh!

Happy Boys!

Over the weekend, Myra had many visitors from near and far, out-of-state and overseas (Spain). We're not sure if it's related to the support from her visitors or from all the prayers, but she seems to have rallied. Myra is in good spirits and has a lot more energy. She was moved from the ICU to Palliative care earlier this week, and last night was moved to a rehabilitation facility. She is eating, even feeding herself and doing some physical therapy; rolling over and sitting on the edge of the bed, etc. Her overall demeanor is very positive. No one really has an explanation.

Last week she was given 2-4 days to live. They disconnected the monitors, discharged the high-powered antibiotics, and pulled the chest tube. After the grim report the doctors gave us last week, we had started to do research on funeral arrangements. The doctors did not seem to think she would make it through the weekend. We then met with the Palliative care nurse to arrange a Hospice transition. But, after a night of 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep, she rebounded and started to gain some strength. You could see the change in her eyes. She was no longer being heavily drugged for the pain and was even able to get her smile and humor back. She will now receive three hours of physical therapy every day. She will meet with doctors as needed.

Thanks for the continued concern, support, and prayers.

A biopsy Tuesday showed that Myra has stage 4 cancer in her right lung and is not well enough for the doctors to treat it. She is alternating between a Bi pap machine and high-flow nasal cannula to assist her in breathing. A respirator would be the next step, but in Myra's case, this would be considered extraordinary means, and would only serve to prolong her suffering. Because of this Myra has requested not to be put on a respirator, she also has authorized a "Do Not Resuscitate" order. The doctors say it is day by day now.

Myra is awake and alert and aware of what is happening, and is enjoying her many visitors, including several from out of state and abroad. The hospital has allowed her grandchildren to visit and she enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to see them.

There is precious little time left and the family appreciates your continued prayers as this is obviously a very difficult time for all of us. Please pray that Myra has a peaceful transition to her heavenly home. God bless you. Thanks again for all the prayers. We greatly appreciate them.

Ryan

Please pray for Ryan's mother, Myra Iker. She was admitted to Mercy Gilbert Med Ctr from the ER on Ash Wednesday when they couldn't find a pulse in her very sore right foot, which had been broken for some time. The culprits turned out to be blood clots, which have done enough damage to her leg, to require mid-calf amputation. She also had her right lung collapse, while in the hospital. Over 30oz of fluid was removed from around her lung, which was analyzed and found to harbor evidence of cancer. Myra is a 12 year breast cancer survivor, but three weeks ago she had surgery to remove cancer from her bladder. Her Oncologist thinks the cancer is systemic and could be behind all of her current problems. The amputation will provide relief from the pain of her "dead" foot, so that she may fight the cancer more comfortably.

The amputation went well today. It was made about 6-7 inches above her ankle. This evening she was in a lot of pain, but the doctors and the nurses found the right balance for her pain management. Saturday she will have her lung tapped to get some of the fluid out. Possibly Monday or Tuesday they will do a larger procedure to remove the rest of the fluid and do a biopsy of the lung to determine if the cancer is in the lung or not. Once the pain was under control tonight she was in good spirits.

Please pray that Myra is able to courageously and cheerfully accept God's Holy Will for her, and that He may comfort her and our family during this time of trial.