Efficiency at its finest

The Boy's oncologist said that what he would like to see this week is The Boy's issues to resolve, the biopsy to be done, and for us to be out at the end of the week. That means that as long as we are here, we just go do it. They will transfuse platelets as needed, but they really need this biopsy to get done.

So do we.

The Boy has been better overall. He has been off and on with the fever, and the breathing issues are still there. The heartrate is a bit high for him but not ridiculous. He ate and drank a bit too. Playing with blocks got him out of bed, and listening to the music therapist was fun.

We have consistently enjoyed the new hospital because it is a children's hospital, and they try to keep the family in mind with everything they do. The brand new facility doesn't hurt either.

Breathe

We're not entirely sure what we're dealing with here. The cultures are coming back negative and the virus tests are too. The antibiotics aren't doing much for him in terms of getting his fever down. He is getting some respiratory therapies. The chest x-rays are relatively clear, but he has developed a wheeze and has a horrific cough. He's very uncomfortable.

What I'm not sure about is whether they tested for something fungal. I think that last time he was in the hospital for a long time, they started him on Diflucan and that seemed to clear things up. It took a LONG time for them to figure it out. We'll ask them tomorrow.

I guess we were thinking viral because of the cold/flu symptoms.

Nights at the hospital this time around are VERY hard because The Boy just isn't getting quality sleep.

I really didn't see him much today. I have difficulty dividing my time between my children, and it seems as though everyone is happier when Meatball is with me and The Boy has Daddy or Grandma, regardless of whether we're all together or not. Only problem is, I miss my Boy time. He's sweet and nice, and he's so much fun even when he is feeling crappy. He's such a character these days.

I was searching through a drawer full of photos in an effort to find baby pictures of me that look like Meatball. I also found my baby book. Apparently at 18 months I could sing my ABC's and Twinkle Twinkle, name all the Sesame Street characters, and count to 5. I will scan some of those old pictures so that we can compare. He really does look a LOT like me. The Boy does too, although he resembles Daddy so much. And Grandpa (on Daddy's side).

It's hard to believe that I'm getting tired already and it isn't even 10:30.

On the upswing

The Boy is doing well. Better anyway. He was on special oxygen; now he is off entirely. His respiration and heart rates are improved although still higher than we like. Blood pressure is normal. Temperature is ok too.

The oncologist on the floor said that we will be moved up to oncology pending a decision from the PICU people.

Report from the source:

I am on the phone waiting to hear from the nurse. I was supposed to go to sleep but, surprise, I haven't been able to.

His heart rate and blood pressure are down, as is his temperature. The temp is still high but not ridiculous. 104 was the highest; it's about 101 now.

They had to put an IV in his foot. No fun. They also did a swab of his nose.

Now, they're sleeping in there. So I should be too.

Going up to ICU. This is NOT looking good.

Waiting in the ER for a room upstairs. This time, we are getting good ER  "service," and we wait for a room on the dedicated oncology floor.

He spilled juice on himself, which will necessitate a dressing change.

They are starting Vancomycin. Super. Nothing like restarting the diarrhea that we just stopped.

test-driving the new ER

Musical Daddy and The Boy left a little while ago because The Boy had a ridiculously high fever. As an added bonus, he threw up in the car as they were leaving on the brand new just-installed carseat. Not a big deal and not the worst thing that could happen, but still not fun. They switched cars and left me to clean up the mess. That also means that Meatball can't go anywhere until I can get the carseat cleaned or the cars switched.

Fortunately, everyone else is home now. I can go be with them or send someone else, either way they'll need food. Or, Daddy will need food anyway. Meatball, bless his little heart, is asleep. He was freaking out as we were getting out the door and I had to put him down. By the time I got to him, he had already fallen asleep.

So we'll see what happens THIS time around...