I took the night shift last night and gave Dan his first night of sleep at the hotel with Ava. They had a good night and so did we. It's not so bad sleeping here, if you don't mind lots of interruptions. We have a sweet 17 year-old roommate, but I think he's moving down to the PICU tonight and we're getting another roommate.
This morning the surgical PA came in to do the dressing change. She thinks it looks really good and we are no longer packing it. In fact, she said we only have to do it once a day now. Yay! So I tried to convince her that they should let us leave. He's only on two IV antibiotics, everything else is oral and the dressing change is just putting a clean piece of gauze over the wound. I'm pretty sure I can manage that. Even if they make us stay locally and I have to bring him in every day, that would be better than staying here. So I mentioned this to the surgical PA, the NP, our nurse today and our social worker. It sounds like most people think we could work something out, but we have to hear what Dr. Hanley thinks. Here are the options I've heard:
- discharge us to RMH or hotel. They would have to change one of the IV antibiotics to oral and then teach me how to give the other one. We would have periodic appointments for them to check the wound.
- discharge us to RMH or hotel, and have us go to the "day hospital" for IV therapy. I guess it's like an outpatient clinic or something.
- discharge us home, probably with one IV antibiotic and one oral, and do follow up care with Dr. Mainwaring at Sutter.
- keep us here forever and ever.
Today our pastor, Kevin, came to visit us. We had a fun secret excursion (I dressed him in street clothes so they wouldn't try to stop us from leaving) to the duck pond/fountain, ate some yummy tri-tip sandwiches and had a nice visit. Then we had some time in the play room, watched another dinosaur movie, rode bikes and saw the trains. The more I see Drew just acting like a normal kid, the more convinced I am we need to get out of here!
Nice looking incision
Secret trip to visit the ducks
Don't we look like a normal family visiting a pretty fountain?
22 comments:
you're such a rebel. way to live outside the box. i think that your "secret excursion" was probably the best therapy drew could have had. he looks SO much happier and healthier outside doing normal kid stuff. by the by, it was good talking to you today! i'll call you in a couple weeks. hugs and love to all.
love the secret excursion...that's awesome. sounds like you had a great day - lots of good diversions. and, sounds like you have some good options for leaving the hospital. i, too, hope you hear from Dr. Hanley SOON! You all look great in that family photo. Lots of love to you all, Kacie
So funny! At first when I read the comment, I thought you had Kevin wear street clothes. And I was so confused, because Kevin always wears street clothes. I thought you were trying to hide the fact that he is a pastor. Like he is not allowed in the hospital or something, like Greta! I reread what you wrote and then realized that you meant Drew!! I had a good laugh at my mistake! Enough rambling! Glad you snuck Drew out!!
I so hope and pray that Dr. Hanley agrees to discharge you. Even if you had to stay close by, that would be so great! You could all be together somewhere and feel more like that normal family by the fountain! Miss you!!!
Wow, that secret excursion was so cool! I love it! Didn't I see that on Law and Order once???
That kid is ready to be OUTTA THERE!
I'm with Katie, I thought you meant Kevin wearing street clothes too! The "secret excursion" was a great idea! Hopefully you won't be there long enough to have to do another one, but if so, you should do another one soon!!! It's so good to see a picture of all 4 of you in front of that pretty fountain, you all looked so happy!!!! Praying and praying and praying for the "new plan".
The Sheridans
Its crazy to think you could be there until the incision is completely healed over. I mean, its so close already. Do the medical team feel that because the incision is healing it means that there is less chance of infection elsewhere or is that CT cyst thing just something else entirely?
I also thought you were smuggling a pastor out of the building :)
We are so glad to hear that Drew is doing so much better. Prayers are being answered, yay! We will keep praying for more good luck!
Garrett family <3
I really hope they let you at least go to the RMH. I'm praying in favor of going home cause I know that's what you want.
Glad to see you guys out and enjoying the sun. Shhhhh, I won't tell anyone you skipped out for a bit.
Hugs!
You DO look like a "normal" family.:^) I can't believe you are still sane after this experience!
His incision looks fabulous, praying they set you free soon.
I thought you were trying to hide the fact that your pastor was a pastor so you could go be crazy or something. :) I'm glad you guys got out to the pond and felt like a "normal" family for a bit. The photo is wonderful...looks like you're out for a stroll as a family, stopping by a pretty fountain. :)
I will PRAY HARD that you can get out of there and take care of things yourselves and through the clinic. There should be no reason why you should need to stick around just for IV medication and one dressing change/day. Praying for you guys!!! Sending you lots of love. xoxoxo
Praying that they will let you get the heck out of there. You all looked like you were having so much fun with the ducks.
The end is coming so soon. I know it doesn't feel like it but you will be out of there playing with us again any day now. Your doing a fabulous job sticking it out. Way to go Himmels!
Eben says, "I love you and I miss you and I hope you get out of the hospital after your surgery."
We miss you! Especially after such a fun weekend.
Love,
THe Scott fam
I LOVE the secret field trip you took. That is awesome. I can picture you going down the hall all stealth, trying not to be noticed...so cool! We are praying for good news from Dr Hanley. Keep us posted.
-Kristen
What a fun family adventure! We are praying for favor that you can start packing and be homeward bound!
Blessings,
Marisa
I'm glad you had a chance to get away for a bit, I can tell just through your writing that you are feeling more positive and it truly sounds like you are nearing the end of this turbulent journey. I am so happy for that. Please let me know if you want to make a secret excursion to our house sometime :)
I'm glad you had a chance to get away for a bit, I can tell just through your writing that you are feeling more positive and it truly sounds like you are nearing the end of this turbulent journey. I am so happy for that. Please let me know if you want to make a secret excursion to our house sometime :)
Hi guys...I think you'll be able to handle the IV antibiotics on your own, if it's anything like my experience with the portable pump. It is really easy, and based on what you're already doing to take care of Drew, it shouldn't be difficult to understand.
Bravo for you guys! Sounds like it was a well deserved excursion.
And such wonderful news! You are almost there. I anxiously await to hear what you and Dr. Hanley decide.
I am sure you can handle the mechanics of any care he needs at home. The biggest difficulties with home antibiodic therapy is getting coordination with the pharmacy, delivery of his IV antibiodics, IV pump, and any home nursing/monitoring/education in order. Of course you have to remain meticulous about anything associated with his IV, its dressing, and his chest dressing. You know you can use me as a resource if you wish.
Sutter does have its pediatric out patient clinic if that makes things any easier. I'm sure Dr. M. remains completely willing to assist in making things as convienent as posssible.
carl
Hi there,
Just thought I'd check in on Drew and see how the recovery is going. He looks so great and looks like he's feeling awesome. He's absolutely on his best "health behavior" and wants to get out of there! ha ha
Sounds like you guys had as good as day as you can have while living in the hospital, which was great to read about.
We're still praying for Drew and for a continued good recovery. Hoping that the incision will heal and not require more surgery.
Our thoughts with you, Drew and your cute family. God bless!
Susie and Brynlyn Jensen and family
I really hope they let you out soon! We'll be praying for it!
-Jennifer
You ARE a normal family! You just have a bit more excitement than the rest of us! Drew looks fabulous!!! We miss him at school! Love and Hugs to all!
Hey your friend Dawn said exactly what I was going to say!!
I hope you are not there on Monday, but if you, we are coming for a visit!
-Liz
I don't like the "forever and ever" option!
Glad to see you all together and happy and smiling!!
love you!
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