Update!

Hi everyone, just wanted to give you all an update on all that is going on. I'll make a quick mention of my health then move on to better things. I am on another picc line. I'm taking two different medicines 3 times a day. Yesterday my eardrum ruptured very badly. The Dr. said it was my worst rupture to date. I had to have two painful injections yesterday and have to repeat them Monday. The injections hurt worse than the operations, so I've been pouting quite a bit.
Britt had to get someone to cover her shift today at work because she is having more esophogus spasms and she spent the better part of last night awake in pain. She has been asleep the majority of the day today to catch up.
I mention it every entry, but I love Britt so much. Monday is our one year anniversary, so we're excited. It's been a wonderful first year other than the health crap. I know I married my soul mate. We just watched "Up" the other day. I looked at Britt and told her that I wanted to grow old with her like the old man and his wife in that movie. She's been teasing me because the Dog in that movie is named Doug, and he's very unafraid to talk to people like me so she says that he is me. But really I am excited for the rest of my life with Britt.
Paige is still a busy kiddo. She's going dance and choir, all while doing such a great job at school. On December 4th, the choir is performing at Macey's grocery store on 36th. I'm not sure yet of the time, but if you're interested in attending, let us know.
Maddie is still doing well too. I feel that our family is more complete on the days she is here. She comes tomorrow so I can't wait to see her. I love my three sweethearts so much.
I hope you all are well. Please continue to pray for us. We feel all of your love!

Love,

Doug

Can I be done already??????

Hi all my nice family, friends and fans (he he). Doug again here. O.K. here it goes. I had my 5Th 2009 operation last week as most of you know. My doctor said that he took out close to 3 inches of scar tissue throughout my right ear/head/neck area. Plus my incision site was MRSA positive. The biopsy of my ear cartilage revealed a benign cancer like bacteria that will negatively affect the MRSA infections, fevers, and everything else. Poop! Also, he said that I have a mild form of Sepsis, which is the result of all of the infections and operations. Double Poop! A low pulse rate is one of the affectsof Sepsis and while I was in the hospital, my pulse was at 35 beats per minute, when normal is 75-100 per minute. Now I'm taking my pulse regularly and today's average has been around 40-45. So I am riding our stationary bike every day to help the heart rate, and praying and trying really hard to be positive because I feel that attitude with this will play a big part in how all of this crap affects me. Britt has taught me how to look at things practically, because I am overly emotional, whether it's a good emotional or bad emotional, I'm both. I've faltered a bit and have been boo hooing a lot tonight because I'm in a ton of pain, had a lot of ear bleeding and 104 fevers to boot, and hearing (out of my good ear:-) about the sepsis has scared me. My ex mother in law nearly died 6 years ago from sepsis, and I worry about it because damn it I have a beautiful wife, two cute daughters and awesome family and friends that support me, so I want to be rid of this crap. Britt's having a sleep study done tonight so I'm here being a boob because she's not here to cheer me up. I guess I'm admitting my Britt dependency. Hi, I'm Doug, I've been a Brittaholic for over a year now, and I don't for see kicking the habit ever! Oh well!
So speaking of Britt, she is doing well. Since I've had to take the medical retirement, I've decided to devote every waking second to my family because they are what makes me happy. I have been taking Britt lunch every day she works, and I'm not just being biased, she is SO good at what she does. I tell her that she is good enough to be doing big time hair and make up, but she humbly laughs and shakes her head. I am so proud of her and the person she is. She makes me so happy. I am the luckiest man in the world to have a person like her in my corner. That's why I know I can win my fight.
Paige is also doing great. She is doing dance and choir. I'm in the PTA and gladly accepted an assignment to assist with her choir. The teacher in charge, calls me the bouncer. She also calls Paige the best kid in the choir. I agree. Again, no bias involved! I still, four months later, can't believe that she is my girl officially. Now I'm boo hooing again!
Maddie, my little sidekick, is also doing well. She still does gymnastics, and now is joining Paige's dance class. They are learning a routine for their Christmas show (on December 18th at 7 pm at Northridge High, tickets go on sale December 1st, FYI), and in one day Maddie has it down, while the rest of the class is still learning it. The teacher loves her! She is such a special kid. Maddie is such a big part of me. She has always been there for me and I am so lucky that she is my daughter. I can't say enough how much she means to me.
See, now you all see why I'm so emotional. I've got the best family a man can have, but I'm always hurting so bad that sometimes my pain overwhelms me so much that I emotionally let it overtake what is important. One day, I won't let it at all. Because I'm going to do whatever it takes to win this fight. I've got three special teammates pulling me through it.
I love you all, and hope all the happiness in the world is with you as the best time of the year approaches. Take care, and please keep me and my beautiful family in your prayers. You're all in ours:-). Happy Halloween!!