Wednesday, May 14, 2008

CT prep and other stuff

Well, so much for surprisingly calm and peaceful. The last two days I have been sad and anxious. I hope it goes away soon. When I am feeling like that I find myself trying to talk myself out of it, willing myself to get up off the couch and do something with my kids. Why am I wasting my time being sad, when I could be making good memories with them?

Yesterday I talked to the radiology nurse about Drew's CT on Tuesday. We have to be there at 2:30 for a 3:30 appointment. He will need to have no solid food for 8 hours before, and can have clear liquids until 3 hours before. I cried when they told me. How can they make a 4-year old fast all day long? I asked about an earlier appointment time but she told me they do pediatric MRIs in the morning because the scan takes longer and they do the CTs in the afternoon. That's just the way it is. So I'm trying to think of ways to make it as fun as possible for him to have apple juice and popsicles and chicken broth. I also bought lemon jello to make jigglers, he seemed to really like those last time I made them.

I also called Stanford about the blood Drew needs and left a message. I haven't heard back yet.

Then I called the Housing Department to find out what our options are. They are:
1. RV parking for $5-7 a week, on campus close to the hospital (we don't have an RV, but maybe we could borrow one)
2. Ronald McDonald House, $10 a day. Close to the hospital, but not walking distance. We stayed at the RMH during Drew's first surgery at UCSF and it was great.
3. Discounted hotels in the area. If we choose this option Stanford will make reservations for us at the special rates.

We haven't even decided if we're going to need housing, but it's nice to know what our options are.

Yesterday I received a call from the American Heart Association asking if I would be willing to speak at their Kick-Off at the end of June. I haven't been able to speak with them yet, but I would consider it. Since Drew's been born we have participated in the Heart Walk every year and raised over $1000 each time. I am hoping we can start to see more and more of that money go towards CHD research.

3 comments:

The Portas said...

I sure can relate to your sad/anxious feelings. I felt the same things leading up to Elijah's surgery. I kept trying to figure out how to be more calm, etc... but in the end I learned that the feelings just needed to run their course.

I know you have some extra circumstances and anxiety to deal with (CT), so I totally feel for you. Just keep in mind that soon, you will be home with a healthier boy and these worries will be behind you!

You are doing a great job juggling all of this. Drew is so lucky to have you looking out for him.

Amber said...

I hate the anxiety! "We" don't get along well either! By the way, the RMH is in walking distance and especially this time of year...it's a really nice walk. It always helped me to re-group before entering the hospital doors. Please know that I'm praying for all of you and my heart is aching for the upcoming events. :(

Anonymous said...

How about Macarroni and Cheese or pasta for an early breakfast that morning, with jello jigglers all day long. I know he doesn't like to eat breakfast, but the 'special' food might help. Or a quesadilla, maybe? I also looked it up on line and cranberry juice and popsicles also count as clear liquids, if that helps.

Love, Mom