It has been some time since Dan has updated this blog and I apologize…. he asked me weeks ago to do it but I have held on to hope that he would be able to himself.

I have written and rewritten this blog a few times but decided to start fresh tonight. So much has happened since his last post and I originally started writing every detail but as the days go by I don’t have it in me to relive it all.

In the middle of November Dan went into the Hospital for jaundice. Turns out his bilirubin count was 5 times what it should be and we discovered that his disease had progressed. The tumors are now pushing and blocking the ducts in his liver; not allowing for the bile to flow properly.

While in hospital they inserted a biliary Drain to help open up the ducts and start the flow again. They were only able to stent the right side of the liver as the left was to trick to get to. He spent 2 weeks in the hospital and had this procedure done 3 times before I was able to take him home on Nov 29th.

It has been over 3 weeks now at home and things have not gotten better. The external drain has stopped draining but they do say the internal one is working. Unfortunately not enough. He has struggled with nausea, vomiting, pain and recently confusion. He has trouble eating and has lost quite a bit of weight. He is on a handful of drugs to help with everything and Home Care comes daily to check on him and change his Biliary dressing.

Yesterday the respiratory nurse came out to assess his breathing as it has been slow. He is now on oxygen and that seems to have helped some.

I am sorry that I don’t have better news to write about. I spend most days tracking and managing everything he does and takes. I write it all down. Things change every day and one day seems to just move into the next. We are very fortunate to have the support of both our families; even though I have trouble letting go of the reins. It is pretty much the only way I know how to stay afloat. We love you Pittet/Woods and I am forever grateful for the food, babysitting and all that you do.

I do have to send a special thank you to my sister Nadine, brother in law Sebastian as well as our good friend Jammer for stepping into parental roles both when Dan was in the hospital, that I barely left and when I just can’t due to taking care of Dan. It has been a big help and has allowed Audrey to have some sort of routine. She is now off for the holidays and I already feel like I have neglected her a bit to much.

Christmas is obviously a challenge. I have had a hard time getting into the spirit of things. Our tree stood undecorated for at least a week and it took Audrey convincing Dan to come downstairs for a bit to get it done. She told him that she would hold his hand and help him down the stairs. It was short lived but just what I needed at the time.

We will be hosting both sides of the family for Dinner and I took a step back and delegated everything but the Turkey. I am not in the festive spirit and am probably not alone in saying I could skip it all together but making it as normal and special for Audrey is what I am trying to focus on. She is only 5 and it breaks my heart daily when I see her struggle to understand. Which is probably why I have overcompensated in the gift department.

As always we thank you all for your love, support, food drops and prayers. I know we are in your thoughts but know that you are in ours as well. I hope the Holiday season brings health and happiness to you all. I had planned to post a few pictures but will have to get to that after Christmas.

Much love…Renee, Dan and Audrey. XOX