Here is latest update on Daegen. Much has changed since the last update. I will try to get all the information in and try to make this e-mail as short as possible.

Daegen was taking a drug called Methadone to help control the pain in his abdomen. Methadone is a narcotic that can have withdrawal symptoms associated with it. Well, Daegen had withdrawal symptoms. He was seeing spiders on his bed that were not actually there. Janelle was with Daegen during this and she said it 'freaked' her out. Daegen was so sure that there were spiders on his bed but Janelle could not see them. The doctors and nurses and probably Janelle quickly recognized this was a withdrawal symptom. Daegen was given morphine to counteract the withdrawal. Thankfully that was the only withdrawal symptom that was visible.

Daegen had a bone marrow aspiration on Monday, July 26th. The bone marrow was pretty much empty. The doctors were not able to tell us if Daegen was in remission or not. Another aspiration was scheduled for Monday, August 02, 2004.

Daegen has finally started eating. He is still getting TPN (nutrition through his central line) but he is eating on his own. His taste buds are still playing havoc with what he wants to eat. The hospital Hershey bar smelled funny but the one Janelle brought from the store was fine.

Daegen has been going outside daily and visiting and feeding the gold fish on the hospital grounds. Daegen can tolerate about 30 to 45 minutes outside before he is wore out. At first, Daegen had to be pulled around in a wagon and was wore out in 30 to 45 minutes. Now he is able to ride on his car (one that he sits on and uses his feet and legs to move) for about 30 to 45 minutes before he is wore out. I know the fish are going to get big and fat from all the food.

Daegen wanted to go camping like Caillou so I took a sleeping bag and tent up to the hospital. I set up the tent and Daegen got in it for a short time before he wanted to get back in his bed. There will be some pictures on the website later.

One night Janelle and I were out on a 'date' and the nurses needed to do a blood draw for test. It took three pokes to get the blood out. While attempting the blood draw, Daegen told his nurse, "I guess I ran out of blood."

Daegen has all of the sudden become even more obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends. Probably because he got a few new trains and now he wants all of them and he wants them now. I showed him some on the Internet and he just wanted to keep looking at them on line.

Daegen was given some 'Silly String' by one of the nurses. Daegen has had a lot of fun squirting everyone he can.

A young lady from Topeka, Kayla White was recently admitted to KU Med with Leukemia, ALL. Kayla is almost 9 years old. Alexa and Kayla have become close friends. So much that when Alexa gets to the hospital, she almost always wants to go straight to Kayla's room. I hope Alexa and Kayla can remain friends when both Kayla and Daegen are out of the hospital.

I have been able to take Alexa golfing a few times over the past couple of weeks. She is improving quite a bit since she has been able to actually go out and play some. Daegen has said he wants to go golfing when he gets out, so I think I will have to take both Daegen and Alexa. Nobody is going to have to twist my arm to do that.

My youngest brother Marc Kline is being deployed to Iraq sometime soon. He will be stateside for approximately 45 days before he goes over. He stated he will be gone for about 18 months. I would appreciate everyone to say a few prayers for his safety and well-being while he is gone. His wife Heather will be home with their two kids, Jake and Jessie.

We have to be at St. Jude on Monday, August 09, 2004. We will probably drive down this time and spend some time there after the initial visit. St. Jude will send us on our way on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 and we will have to go back to St. Jude sometime after that. I am currently trying to find out when that exactly will be. It looks like maybe mid September or the end of September.

I almost forgot, Daegen had his bone marrow aspiration on Monday, August 02, 2004. HE IS CURRENTLY IN REMISSION. Although that is great news, it does not mean Daegen has been cured. The doctors have cautioned us that the leukemia will come back if he does not get another transplant. The chemotherapy alone will not cure it. So it is great news that he is in remission but he is definitely not over the hump yet. Keep praying for Daegen and his continued remission and health. Don't forget to visit the website at www.dmanhero.com and sign the guest book. Thank you all and God Bless.

Detective Lance Feyh
Juvenile/SVU
Crisis Negotiator
Topeka Police Department
320 S. Kansas, Suite 100
Topeka, KS, 66603
785-368-9033