Sick Day
First off, yesterday’s clinic appointment was uneventful, except for the fact that it took 3 hours for Robin to receive one dose of vincristine through her port, a “push” that takes all of 5 seconds. But alas, we have come to expect long clinic appointments by now. Her ANC was 2750 so all of her medication was pushed back up to the 75% dosing schedule. She took methotrexate last night and started 5 days of steroids (dexamethasone). Her other counts looked good. Perhaps the most exciting part of the visit was learning Robin’s “end-of-treatment” date. Since as of tomorrow, we will have made it one year, I felt like I finally wanted to know the answer to “How much longer?” And the drumroll, please……………August 11, 2010! Of course, this assumes no delays but at least it allows us to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am picturing a huge bash next summer before she starts Kindergarten. Mark your calendars, folks. We can do it!
Now on to the other drama of the day. We had to reschedule the clinic appointment from morning to afternoon because Henry was up all night Sunday night with a fever and I couldn’t possibly take him with us. An afternoon appointment allowed Jon to stay with Henry while Robin and I went to the hospital. We assumed teething was his problem and kept him on a steady diet of tylenol all day. He waffled between moments of great discomfort and periods of utter delight. But by late evening house, he was totally miserable, crying uncontrollably and nothing we did or gave him seemed to make him better. It was horrendous.
By midnight, we didn’t think we could wait until the pediatrician’s office opened in the morning, so Henry and I packed up and went to the ER. Exactly 364 days after sitting in the very same ER and hearing Robin’s diagnosis. Can you believe it?
Henry continued to wail while we waited in the sparse waiting room. He wailed in the triage area, especially when his blood pressure was taken. We waited some more in the waiting room and then were finally called back into an exam room. To make a very long story short, we really don’t know what was causing his discomfort. His ear is “red,” but there is no infection. It could be the beginning of an infection or he could be fighting another virus. He was given motrin and some ear drops to numb the pain and started to feel much better. Part of me felt a little dumb for being there, but then I remembered how inconsolable he was at home. He couldn’t sleep, wouldn’t eat, and refused to nurse (and this is a kid who never turns down a chance to nurse)!
Three hours later, we headed home. It was neat to see the streets of Cincinnati at 3:30 a.m. So quiet and peaceful. If he had stayed awake, I would have stopped by the Busken Bakery on Madison Road. They bake all night long and rumor has it the best donuts are ready in the wee morning hours. I don’t even like donuts. The last time I had one was when I was pregnant with Henry and craved a cake donut. But the thought of checking out Busken’s at 3:30 a.m. was alluring. Thankfully, he fell asleep on the way home and I was happier watching his sweet sleeping face in the rear view mirror than carrying home a box of warm, fresh donuts.
I was able to transfer him inside and get him to sleep by 4 a.m. I was wired at this point and didn’t dare move away from him. I finally crashed at 4:30, in my clothes, and slept until 7:30. Henry woke up at 9:00 a.m. without a fever. Until 10:30 he was a wreck, but soon rallied and we had a pretty good morning of play. Robin, bless her heart, has been patient with me and with Henry. Although none of us feel very good, we’ve actually had a pretty good time hunkering down at home.
The effects of Robin’s steroids kicked in immediately. She feels crummy, is tired, and is not too interested in eating. She is currently taking a nap. Henry has been asleep for 2.5 hours. Thank goodness. Oops—he is waking up now. More later.
Sara
5 months ago