Our Mexican Camino: Ending MS and Finding New Life: December 21, 2016: Day +32

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

December 21, 2016: Day +32

Day 14 in ICU

Life these past weeks is so interesting. I live in the ICU and come home to sleep. Things have improved so much this week in the ICU. The nurses have all been fantastic and caring. They check to see how I am feeling and if I need anything. They welcome our family and offer support. It seems much different then much of the first 10 days. I am resting more comfortably knowing Doug is well cared for even though he is very fragile.

I am so appreciative of all who attended the prayer service last night and today. I have felt more at peace. And I am so grateful for all who have offered prayers who could not be there. Each day I want to respond to all the comments people leave on the blog, but my attention is so fragmented. Doug is often over breathing the ventilator, and I am at his constant side to speak to him, to calm him even though he is heavily sedated. Often I need to talk to the nurses and staff. They are in the room very frequently because of all the medications they are dispensing, monitoring his ventilator, his vitals and drawing blood samples and re-positioning and caring for his body. The doctors too come in regularly to check on him and want to talk to me. The day passes before I know it.

This morning, I woke early with much on my mind. I thought of the last days and wondered more about the cause of Doug's dramatic change in his health. Angie had woken early too with worry and concern for Doug. We talked for a while. As a result of our conversation I called Dr. Ruiz in Mexico. Doug refers to Dr. Ruiz as the living legend. Corinne made me laugh today. When I was telling Doug about calling Dr. Ruiz, I told Doug that I had called his favorite doctor. Suddenly there was a loud clearing of a person's throat behind be. I started laughing, I said oops, your second favorite doctor after Corinne! :)

I got hold of Dr. Ruiz through our driver Angel. Angel and I are Facebook friends. Within an hour of calling Angel, Dr. Ruiz called my back. He said he would be happy to consult with the doctors about Doug's condition. He affirmed that he believed that steroid treatment would be most appropriate right now, but would need to see more records to be more help. He said he was very willing to talk to the doctors and he gave me his personal cell phone number. Later today I got an email from his, affirming his willingness to help.

Today the hospital doctor wanted to meet with me to review how Doug is doing. I have asked that no updates on his condition be talked about in his room. I only want love, peace and hope spoken in his room. And so we went to the conference room. The main update is that Doug's condition has not changed very much. His kidney function was not as good today and his oxygen levels are lower. He is reguiring more support from the ventilator. The doctor wanted to talk to me about my plan if his condition worsens. This was a very hard conversation, not totally unexpected, but still difficult. He has given me much to think about. I asked him if I should ask family members to come. He said I might want to invite them.

I then called Doug's brother Dan. Apparently he was just in a car wreck in Denver. He is okay, but cannot make it until the 27th, Cory, my nephew is here with us now, he has to leave on Saturday. My niece Nikki arrives on Friday or Saturday. Dan and the kids will be here on Friday. Corinne will stay with Dan and the kids until after Christmas. Angie and Tom are here along with my sister Kate. And so we are keeping vigil with Doug. I try to be with him most of the days and nights. I do try to go home to sleep.

I am very tired tonight, and so it is time for rest. Once again thank you for all who attended prayer services and are praying for us. A special thank you to Fr. David Wettstein and Bishop Brian Thom for leading the services. Someday I hope to be able to thank each and everyone of you. God bless you all for your faithfulness and support.

And so we pray:

Holy and gracious Lord, we give you thanks and praise for all who surround us and fill us with your life giving spirit. We give you thanks for the kindness and support of our nurses and doctors. Be with us now dear Lord. As this long night comes to an end, guide us and light our path for the new day to come. Give your servant Doug rest and peace. Help him to rest in your peace and your light. And dear Lord we pray that you will heal him. In your name we ask it. Amen

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About Doug

Fr. Doug Yarbrough was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008. Although judging from his MRI scans he probably had it for many years prior to his diagnosis. Since the diagnosis he has experienced continuous progression of the disease resulting in more and more disability.

Today he is dependent on an electric wheelchair to get around outside of his home. At home he uses a walker to walk short distances. His eyes loose focus easily and he cannot read. This is difficult for someone who has always been a voracious reader and life long learner. He experiences extreme fatigue. Most days it is all he can do to just take care of his own personal needs. We are grateful he can do that and fear the day that he will loose these skills. But with the progression of this disease that day may not be far off.

This is not the person Fr. Doug has always been. Many will remember him as an active member of his family, church, community and state. He is an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. As a priest and community leader he has been a passionate crusader working on behalf of the poor, the abused, the homeless and minorities. He has been a husband, a father and a grandfather. He has always been the person who helps others.

Fr. Doug is a learner and believes in education to serve the common good. He has a B.A. in Education and Philosophy, a Master's in Counseling and a Master's in Religion. He has a doctorate in Educational Psychology. His education nurtured his thirst for learning, to make God known to the world and to serve others in the example of Christ. His favorite Bible passage is from Micah 6:8. In the New English Language Version of the Bible it reads "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" These words have framed his work in the church and the world.

In 2005 he was awarded the Canyon County Humanitarian Award for his contributions, care and concern for the most needy and marginalized people in Canyon County. He chaired the Nampa Shelter Coalition board and was on this board for many years. He also served for many years on the Nampa Family Justice Center and the Idaho State Domestic Violence Boards. He founded the Open Arms Baby Boutique in Nampa. This is a resource center for low-income women. The women earn points for prenatal and postnatal check-ups. They may then trade the points in for diapers, baby clothes, furniture, etc. He was on the "Success by Six" Treasure Valley committee. Fr. Doug served on the Mercy Hospital Ethics Board. All this he did while pastoring a church and serving on many church boards and committees.

After many years of service, Fr. Doug is now in need of your help. He is in the fight of his life to stop the progression of this horribly debilitating disease. Up until now, there has been little hope, but upon returning from a pilgrimage of prayer for healing we learned of a new stem cell treatment that some are calling a cure. This treatment is HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant). Using this treatment the patient's own stem cells are harvested, then the patient's immune system is killed using chemotherapy and then the patient's own stem cells are transplanted back into their body. It works similarly to a reboot of a computer. The immune system is being rebooted. This treatment is in Clinical Trials in the United States, but in other places in the world it is being used as a treatment for MS. Worldwide data shows that more than 80% of MS patients receiving this treatment see an end to the progression of the disease and many see a reversal in disability. The brain is able to heal from the bodies own attacks on the myelin insulating sheath around that surrounds nerve fibers

Unfortunately HSCT treatment is expensive and not yet covered by insurance. To get this treatment he will have to travel outside of the country. To help pay for this treatment family and friends of Father Doug are raising money to help pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with HSCT (HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT) to halt the progression of his Multiple Sclerosis. We don’t have time to wait for Clinical Trials in the US. Fr. Doug is rapidly progressing in disability from this disease. We have to act now if we are to save and hopefully improve the quality of Fr. Doug’s life. We have a goal of October 15, 2016 to raise all the money needed. This is the earliest possible date that the treatment may be available.

Fr. Doug has chosen to fund-raise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay for unreimbursed medically related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you and God Bless you for your help!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

December 21, 2016: Day +32

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