Gavin Christopher Owens
< > February 2008
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Fri, Feb 29, 2008 8:29 AM
Where to begin? We are home. Well, we actaully just got home a few hours ago but none the less we are home. It has just been a long week thus far and unfortunately just a continuation of our long weekend.
Gavin continues to fill our house with screams, which we assume at this point is mostly frustration and anger rather than something serious going on. With that said his labs this week show that his little body, as well, is a bit angry with his bilirubin up and liver numbers. also high. Despite the bleeding this past weekend Gavin did not need blood or platelets! This is probably because we just top off his tank last week and he had a bit to spare.
The most difficult news of the week came on Monday after I had talked with the team in Boston who explained to me the "criteria" for obtaining Omegaven and it looks like at this time Gavin does not qualify. The Dr. in Boston said that we could ask the FDA for permission to use Omegaven for Gavin's inflammation issues but again -- that is easier said than done and it will be a fight and to be honest -- we are a bit tired of fighting.
Our week was topped off last night with a trip to the ER after Gavin, is a fit of rage, snapped his central line in half. After fighting with the IV nurse for FOUR HOURS, insisting that "yes this can be repaired -- just get me the stinkin kit and I could do it myself," she finally came down FIVE HOURS later and repaired it.
We are tired. I am tired. We don't have much more to report than that. I was hoping to bring a little positive spin to this but it just ain't happenin' right now.
Thanks for riding this roller coaster with us!Add a comment:
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Sun, Feb 24, 2008 8:59 PM
It's been a long weekend. Gavin is just really struggling these past few days, screaming more often than not. We have been having some issues with him bleeding from his nose and out his G drainage and then today his GJ stoma starting bleeding as well. We are thinking that his blood counts might be down, so we will check them with labs tomorrow.
He has just been a very fussy little guy, not feeling well and frustration just don't mix very well. We were without a nurse all weekend so Adam and I have been having to get up during the night to run both his antibiotics, which have to be hooked up and then flushed out an hour later -- each one! Just makes for a long night and one tired mommie and daddy.
Dare I say Tuesday will be one week at home! I think I'll keep that as my goal for now.
Thanks for thinking of us!Comments:Mary Alice Carpenter: I am so sorry to hear Gavi is having a rough time. Hopefully there is a cause and can be taken care of. I hope things improve and Adam and you are able to get more rest. It's hard to keep a positive attitude when you are exhausted but don't give up. I'll pray for better days ahead.Lisa and Michael: Your family is in our daily prayers, we are so sorry Gavin is feeling sick and frustrated... we will keep praying and with more fervor! Take care, you are a GREAT mommy and daddy! God bless- The Walk familyAunt Pat and family: Karen, I am so sorry for Gavin and for you and Adam also. I can't imagine how difficult this is for you. As you know we continue to pray for you all every day and I pray also for you on my way to work every night. We love you all so dearly. Give Maddi a big hug for us! Love, Aunt Pat, Uncle Don, Manda, and Melissakatrina: Our Ryan has been acting just as fussy as Gavin. He screams and tosses all night entangling himself with the wires. The virus he had has kicked our butts for 4 wks! We have tried turning off night feeds, switched formula. The next thing is to decrease his Reglan. Does Gavin take Reglan? I am jealous you have a night nurse!! Somedays we are running meds/antibiotics 21 times throughout the day and night. Can you e-mail me and tell me how you got the nurse?Amy Basciani: I am so sorry you guys have been having such trouble and i have not been able to check in. I am hoping Gavin will be feeling better soon and you guys will get some rest. Let me know if i can be of some help when you are at Dupont. I think of you all the time and end up missing you when we are there. I would love to get these two better and meet up outside that darn place. Talk soon.AmyCindy Heintz: Hang in therekate & gavin: So sorry Gavin's not feeling well! I hope you were able to enjoy the wedding. I was thinking about you!Add a comment:
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Thu, Feb 21, 2008 12:51 PM
What a day -- this morning I took Gavin down to DuPont for a last minute clinic visit with Dr. R. The past two days Gavin has been waking up with fever and this morning it top off at 101.5, which although not septic high is high enough to raise a red flag. Gavin has also been draining a good amount of old and new blood out of his gastric bag, which was also a concern for me. Thankfully, by the grace of God, and the grace of Dr. Raab he let me bring Gavin home for now after he drew a blood culture and CBC. He placed us on an additional IV antibiotic to cover whatever the current IV antibiotic does not cover for. Hopefully we are looking at a virus and not an infection.
Gavin has been very unpleasant these past few days. I think the first reason is that his belly is very tender, particularly his liver. Secondly, Gavin is almost two and wants to do the things that a two year old does but sadly he can't and gets extremely frustrated. Gavin learned to sign the word "hurt" and although it has made be proud of him it also breaks my heart to see him constantly signing "hurt."
So -- we are home at least until Saturday. Saturday night the doc will call and say if the cultures are positive and if they are we will most likely be admitted until they can determine the exact bug.
I'll try to update again this weekend.Comments:Matthew and Amy: Sorry to hear that Gavin is hurting, but that is so awesome that he's learned sign language. We'll be praying for you and for good test results.Terri & Bruce: Glad to hear you're home. We will be praying that you can continue to stay home. Praying, Praying, Praying....God is faithful as you very well know. We love you guys...if you need anything, please call....love ya...Bruce and Terrikate: your room! I'll be prayin'.......kate & gavin: Awwwwwwww, man!!!!!! I'm so sorry!! I hope the cultures come back negative...I really do. ESPECIALLY because I'm still inRon Continued: Sorry, my message was cut out. Hopefully his next sign will beRon Domeracki: We are all praying for your family that you get good news about the cultures and that Gavin can take a break from signing pain. Hopefully, his next sign will beAdd a comment:
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Tue, Feb 19, 2008 12:46 PM
After a round of blood and some lasix we were able to bring Gavin home! Even though I know we should be very happy about being here it is hard to deal with the fact that in the back of our minds all we are thinking about is "when" we will have to go back. Just kinda stinks.
For now, here we are, starting up life again. We can not thank you all enough for the support you give us!
Please pray for Boston. Gavin needs the Omegaven!Comments:The Hannum's: Yay, God! Glad you're home- may your time there be rich in love & restoration, and may your next trip be to Boston for Omegaven, not Dupont for maintenance!
We love you & continue to pray for you all!The Rich Family: Yeah! Enjoy the time at home and try not to think about going back. We had friends who used Boston Hospital for their son and it was a great positive outcome. Hope that will be your experience. Keeping you guys lifted in prayer.Fava Family: So happy to hear that you guys are home. We pray that the specialists in Boston can see Gavin quickly and that the treatment he receives will significantly improve his health. We will not stop praying!kate & gavin: Yay! Your Gavin's home! Now I just need to get MY Gavin home. We're sorry we took your room. I was so happy (but not) to see you again, and hope we can keep in touch. I admire you a lot, Karen, as do so many people at this hospital. I think of you and Gavin often and I will pray for that road trip to Boston!!!!!!!Barry & Lovell: We are so glad you are home! We are praying for a quick decision for Boston and that you will have favor there with the specialist. We love you guys!Add a comment:
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Mon, Feb 18, 2008 5:53 AM
We've got negative cultures!!! The only concern left is his blood counts and then we should be good to go. When we do get to go home we will be leaving on antibiotics, which at least almost 100% gives us 10 days at home.
Adam should be dropping Madison of with me any moment now so I wanted to get you all updated before we begin our day.
We were moved upstairs with our 3E family so it has been a little easier the past day.
Thank you all so much for you support, you truly make this a bit easier!Comments:Terri & Bruce: AWESOME!! Glad you're home...will continue to pray for God's mighty, awesome hand to touch your family...we love you guys...Bruce and TerriTerri & Bruce: YEH!! Great news....we will continue to pray..love ya lots...Bruce and TerriRandy & marilyn: Praying you'll be back in the comforts of home very soon!Cindy Heintz: Gavin...you are so strong :) As always you are in our thoughts and Prayers. Hope your home soon!!!!!The Rich Family: Praying the count can be right so you guys can go home.Lisa and Michael: so glad things are looking up!!! You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Way to Go Gavin! Feel better soon- we'll pray for strollers,etc too. God bless!Sandra DiCesare: yay for negative cultures!!!! Thinking of you all and hoping you get out of there soon!!!!! I will call you this week.Add a comment:
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Sun, Feb 17, 2008 1:03 PM
Today we are watching Gavin closely as he is showing signs of the inflammatory process. He's doing pretty well, however his platelets took a dive last night and once again this morning both his spleen and liver continued to enlarge. So far cultures are negative and will be officially negative for 48 hours tonight! At this point I have no expectations as things can change in a flash. There has been talk of home but once again I'm not letting home been on my mind.
We have talked more about trying to get Gavin on Omegaven, which would save his liver and help stop the inflammation he experiences. This may require us to travel to Boston's Children's Hospital but we are willing to do whatever it takes to get Gavin on this clinical trial. Dr. R also stated that there is a leading expert on Mitochondrial GI dysmotility located in Boston who we could possible get connected with. We'll see. This have been talked about before and sometimes it's hard to get things moved beyond "talked about." There is a link on the home page for more information in the Omegaven.
We are tired. Adam and I have enjoyed spending the weekend as a family but it also sometimes can be exhausting trying to entertain Madison and give her the attention she needs from Mommie and Daddy and also give Gavin the attention he needs while he is stuck in his crib.
Also please keep in prayer our attempts at finding Gavin a stroller/chair/whatever to meet his needs of support and mobility as well as provide space for his equipment. This has been an endless battle and we have gone through about 5 strollers and none have really worked thus far.
Think "negative" cultures!Comments:ivey: Acouple of weeks ago we went through our Children's Hospital in ATl to order Ivey a kid kart. Have you looked at these? You would need an order from your doc, and since you are in the right place ask them about it. The hospital sent us through their rehab/equip group in the hospital. It will take months to get due to insurance and all the other formalities. The kid kart is made to fit the child and has storage space for oxy, bags, pole if you need them, it can be coustomized. We will also need other pieces of equipement that I am looking for that I am not running through insurance. Go to a website call disabilities r us. I look it up to double check the address, but it is parents looking to sale equipement that they no longer use or have out grown. email me when you get a chance gwensirmans@comcast dot netMary Alice Carpenter: You poor things. I am always a positve thinker but this time I'll think Negative Negative Negative. I can't believe the hospital can't get you in touch with someone to give you a stroller that suits. Ask them for help!!!! Prayers on their way.The gardners: We're praying for some extra energy so you can get the most enjoyment together! And, if it's the Lord's will, that he'd open the doors for Boston! We aresending big hugs and prayers!Add a comment:
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Sat, Feb 16, 2008 7:51 PM
Not much going on around here today. They did identify the bacteria growing in his lines and Gavin was placed on another antibiotic. We were told that the bacteria that is growing in his lines tends to be very resistant to treatment, but our Dr. is really going to try to treat as long as we can before having to pull the line. So far the cultures that were drawn this time yesterday are negative, though they are still given another 24 hours before we can really count them as negative cultures. This morning Gavin's liver and spleen were noticeably larger and he also is once again a puffy little guy. Nothing else new to report. We are all just a bit tired today. Looking forward to a new day.
Comments:Fava Family: Praying strongly for your little body to heal Gavin. We hope that you can come home soon!Landis family: His mercies are new every morning! Praying that tomorrow brings good news and that Gavin is feeling better soon! Rob, Stephanie, Taylor, and Cassidy LandisAdd a comment:
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Fri, Feb 15, 2008 6:37 PM
Today has been another frustrating and exhausting day. Last night Gavin dropped his blood counts and today has been acting very "off". His second round of cultures are still growing out positive, which only prolongs our stay and increases the chances of us losing his brand new line.
I was so thankful for the child life program here are the hospital for extending there hours to practically all day! Madi spent a few hours there this morning doing heart, liver, stomach, and a bit of kidney surgery on the "medical doll", which is a doll that completely opens up to perform "therapeutic" pretend medical play.
We are hoping for a quiet night -- is that really possible? I'll update again tomorrow.Comments:Randy & marilyn: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like Eagles, they shall run and not grow weary they shall run and not faint, Teach me Lord, Teach me Lord, to wait....for some reason that song's been on my mind as I read your email. Know we're praying and lean on Him who will be your strength when you feel so weak. Love you guys.Theresa: Hi Karen and Adam,
Thanks for the updates. I will keep praying and praying for you and your little figher Gavin. May God do all that is needed at this time. May you have all the stregth, encouragment and grace that you need at this time. So many people are praying for you. From your friends in Quakertown... Much love TheresaMatthew and Amy: We're praying that you can find peace amid the chaos of the hospital. Lord, please let Gavin keep his line so that he doesn't have to have another surgery. And be with Adam and Karen and Madi as they wait at watch Gavin by his bedside.gram: Come on Gavin keep fighting as we keep praying. Sounds like you have a pediatrician in training. Love and kisses to you all. GramTerri & Bruce: Karen....thank you so much for keeping us all updated. I know that this is theraputic for you but it enables us to pray very specifically. We love you guys. You are amazing. God give you strength and encouragement even in this very difficult time. May you feel His presence and his Spirit with you and just fill you with joy and peace. Praying, praying, praying...love...Bruce and TerriLisa and Michael: Karen, hang in there- you and your family are amazing. You will be in our prayers in a very special way tonight, I can feel that you need them. God will renew your strength and always hears our prayers. Have heart! And we hope you get some rest! :) Blessings- the Walk familyAdd a comment:
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Thu, Feb 14, 2008 3:30 PM
After spending 12 hours in the ER due to the hospital being completely full we are finally in a room downstairs on 2A far away from our "family" on 3E. After only 5 hours Gavin's blood cultures came back positive in both lines. I am very frustrated as we were hoping to be good results from the ethanol locks we began this last week as well at the gut decontamination protocol we began a few months ago. The bacteria in from is bowel, which is also very frustrating as his bowels are not functioning properly and are "leaking" bacteria into his blood which then attaches to the lines.
I'm hoping for some sleep tonight. Will update with any new news.Comments:carrie-anne & crew: praying for comfort, healing and peace for everyone.gram: Sleep yea! Karen we are all in there pulling and praying for our little man. The picyures from the party were great and it looks like Madi was having a great time. luv ya gramThe Marculo Family: Sorry to hear that Gavin is in the hospital again.
We'll continue to pray for his healing,and strength for the family.
God bless you!Fava Family: Continuing to pray for Gavin's healing and added strength for your family.Sarah Endy: We're praying for you baby Gavin! Also for you Karen and Adam, and Madi. For rest, comfort, and peace. Lord, keep your hand on Gavin and help his body!Terri & Bruce: Hang in there Karen. We are ALL PRAYING FOR YOU GUYS....we love your...Bruce and TerriThe Stone Family: I am so sorry. We are praying for healing and strength for all of you.The Rich Family: oh Karen, We are sad along with you that test results came back the way they did. We will continue to pray.Randy & Marilyn: Know we are praying .... Love you guys!Liz: I'm so sorry Karen! You know there are many people praying and love your family. I'm praying that you can feel our prayers NOW.Gardner Gang: We're praying for you all!!! Jesus, please touch little Gavin's bodyAdd a comment:
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Thu, Feb 14, 2008 2:20 AM
Off to DuPont we go... again
Karen and Gavin are on their way down to the ER. Gavin had a 103.3 fever this morning. Please pray for all of us as we yet again shift from normal everyday life to living in the hospital.
We will post when we have more info.Comments:jess: So sorry to hear that!!We will pray for a speedy awnser and stay! Email me and let me know what floor and room you are at so I can visit 2 morrow when I am at Dupont. My sister is coming with me so She can sit with the kids so I can stop in!!Sandra DiCesare: Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Gavin stay strong!!!!!!! hugs to all of you...Cindy Heintz: Gavin, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and
hoping for a quick recovery. Big Hugs :)Terri & Bruce: We are praying....love ya...Bruce and TerriFava Family: Strongly praying for you guys as always.Ruby: JESUS BREAK THE FEVER- AND HAVE MERCY!Ruby: JESUS BREAK THE FEVER- AND HAVE MERCY!Marilyn & Randy: So sorry to hear that! We will be praying....Add a comment:
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Tue, Feb 12, 2008 8:46 PM
It's almost been one week that we have been home -- half way there to our goal! Gavin is doing well. We are still trying to increase his rate on the Pedialyte and he is up to 8, which sounds minimal, but is great for Gavin. We are still looking forward to an increase in his TPN calories to give the extra boost he needs.
We made a trip to DuPont today to have a new GJ Tube placed as Gavin chewed through his tube last night. -- some things never change.
Our little Madison turned three years old on Monday and we had a blast celebrating princess style! She has been through so much these past two years and so often she is pushed aside, it was a great to take the day and celebrate Madi and let her feel like the true princess she is! Enjoy the pictures of her princess party.
We look forward to giving another "home" update next week!Comments:Mary Alice Carpenter: That is such good news...Gavin keep up the good work and no more eating tubes. Madison you are a beautiful princess. Especially loved the pictures in black and white. Then again my favorite might be Pap Pap (Jim) in his bath robe! LOL So great to see everyone smiling and enjoying the life you all so truly deserve. Happy Birthday MadiLisa and Michael: YAY! Great that you are still home! Happy Birthday Madi!Raeann: Happy Birthday Princess Madi! And YAY for being home!:)Randy & Marilyn: Praising the Lord for a great report! Happy Birthday, Madison!!The Rich Family: Happy Birthday Madi. The pics are great. It's great to have a day that is not like all the rest. Prayers are still going up for all of you.Add a comment:
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Wed, Feb 6, 2008 5:59 PM
We are home! Gavin is feeling much better and as always we are so happy to be back home. Gavin came home without any IV antibiotics, which means we are keeping our fingers crossed for no fever or infections! We are going to start the ethanol locks tonight, which we believe will be the start of good things for Gavin.
We changed his feeding a bit and took him off the 1/2 strength elecare and he is now going to be running pedialyte starting at 5cc/hr for 10 hours and we are going to try to get up his volume very slowly. Once we feel his is doing well with that we are going to start to add very small amounts of the powered formula to see if his body will tolerate it. This needs to happen, and part of making this work is Gavin staying infection free. Evey time Gavin gets sick his gut just seems to shut down and we are having to start all over from the beginning.
Due to Gavin's recent difficulty keeping his temp up and maintaining his heart rate we are going to increase his TPN calories. This should give him the energy he needs to play some during the day and still have enough reserve left for the important things -- keeping his heart a pumpin'!
I am looking forward to keeping him home long enough to plump him up and help him move forward developmentally. We are shooting for 2 weeks home! That would break our going record over the past few months.
Thanks for the prayers! You all are amazing!Comments:Cindy Heintz: WooHoo....Home again. Way to go Gavin :) Hope Mom can plump you up and you get strong so you can play with Maddie.
Keeping you in my heart, thought and Prayers Always.gram: Welcome home little man. Looking forward to see the little prince at the princesses party. luv ya all gramThe Hannum's: Yay, God! We're so happy for you... and'll keep praying that you make your body plumpin'/heart pumpin' goals...Fava Family: How wonderful to hear that you guys are home! We will not stop praying for Gavin and your whole family.The Rich Family: Yea Go for it Gavin. We know you can do it buddy. Keep smilin' mom. We love yaSandra DiCesare: We are so happy you made it home today!!!!! Thinking of you.................Mary Alice Carpenter: There's no place like home! Glad you are on the road to a new strengthening program.. You are the amazing parents and big sister! Keep up the good work! Prayers continue as always.the gardners: WE're praying that Gavin makes it pass the two week mark at home! You guys are such troopers and we're praying for you all everyday! Let us know if you need anything!Jess: I am glad to hear you guys are home!! I thought of you last night As I was driving Melina to the ER at 2am!! I was only there 2 hours and was wiped. I don't know how you guys do it!! you are amazing and God has something great in store for you all!!God BlessAdd a comment:
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Tue, Feb 5, 2008 9:03 AM
Sorry for the delay in updating, duPont decided that Gavin’s website is not appropriate for children and has blocked it – go figure. Things here are going well. Gavin has been fever free for over 24 hours and nothing has grown on his cultures as of now, which is a good thing but also leads to questions as to why he had a persistent fever with no viral symptoms. The concern is that Gavin is translocating bacteria from his bowels, which has been a concern for a long time now.
Yesterday Gavin had a bone scan done to check his bone age and to see how his metabolic issues are affecting his growth. The scan showed that Gavin’s bones are a 3-6 month size. This is rather disappointing but we already know that he is small, so I guess it is no surprise.
Today Gavin is going to get a blood transfusion, as he has dropped his counts. Nothing else new to report. We should be going home tomorrow if all cultures stay negative – of course I don’t believe that until I am at home.
Karem
Comments:ivey: Good luck during the transfusion and praying the cultures are negative. Ivey and Gavin are little kindred spirits...tiny little spirits! She will be turning two in April and is a whopping 14 pounds. But remember dynamite comes in small packages!!gwenMatthew and Amy: Glad to hear that this isn't as traumatic of a hospital stay for you. Wow! Can't believe that Gavin is the size of 6 month old yet. Thats okay. We love him just the way he is.Fava Family: Continually praying for Gavin's health to improve and for your family's strength!The Rich Family: Lifting you guys up today and hope you'll be home TODAY.Cindy Heintz: Gavin, Keeping you my thoughts and Prayers. Hope your stay is short and that nasty bacteria stays away.
Big Hugs and Love to all of You.
F R O G and B+ Always : )
God Bless you AllSandra DiCesare: So happy to hear Gavin is on the Mend, Let's Hope those cultures stay negative. Thinking of you and it was so nice to talk to you last night.Praying you get to go home tomorrow!!!!!Add a comment:
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Mon, Feb 4, 2008 2:39 AM
Gavin was admitted to duPont tonight with fever. As always we will wait and see what grows.
***sigh (Can you sense my frustration?)
Comments:Cindy Heintz: Gavin, Hope your stay is a short one. Keeping you All in our thoughts and Prayers. Keep the Faith and Strength and B+ Always.Lisa and Michael: You're allowed to be frustrated! You are doing great and are very strong. Keep up hope-we'll pray you'll be out of there in no time. Gavi- feel better!!Sandra DiCesare: We are so sorry Gavin is not feeling well. We pray it is a quick stay and you will all be home soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers!!!!!!Terri & Bruce: Praying quick fever reduction and out of that hospital ASAP. Love ya...Bruce and TerriMarilyn & Randy: We are so sorry to hear yet again Gavin has to be in the hospital. We will pray that this will be a short stay and he will be feeling better real soon. Praying also for your strength and peace of mind.Christine: Every time I see an update arrive in my email, I am hoping that it is that you are all doing great and at home. I am so sorry that you are dealing with the constant up's and down's. I admire your strength.Sarah: Hi everyone, praying for strength, rest, and peace for you all. We'll be praying for that fever to pass quickly, thinking of you baby Gavin!Lisa Stone: I was thinking about you guys around 3AM (we have fevers here too.) Now I know why. We will be praying for your strength as well as Gavin's.Add a comment:
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Fri, Feb 1, 2008 7:15 AM
Well It's been one week! Yeah Gavin -- you are still home! Things are going pretty well here. Gavin is getting stronger and stronger, recovering from this last stay. During this last hospitalization Gavin was off all feeds and TPN for 5 days, which really proved to be a major stress on his system as far as energy level, heart rate, breathing and over all demeanor. I think he has a bit of weight to gain to return to baseline but is still looking pretty good!
Hope you enjoy all the new videos. The two of Madison are are her ballet class during free dance time. The others are of Gavin at duPont.
Thanks for your continued prayers!Comments:The Gardner Gang: Hey guys! We are thinking and praying for you all so much!! You are such troopers and we know that you have lots of guardian angels!! God Bless!Sarah: Hi Gavin and Madi! We are excited to visit and play with you. We pray for you and your mommy and daddy every day, and know the Lord is with you all! See you soon!Connor and McKennaFava Family: We will continue to pray for Gavin's health to improve and for your family's strength. As you guys know better than anyone,Terri & Bruce: YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!Thanks for keeping us all updated on Gavin and Maddi. Love her dance class video and the one of Gavin with the heart on his head! We love you and continue to pray for you guys....Bruce and TerriAdd a comment:






Jesus, sustain Gavin on his sickbed. Ps 41:3