ChloeWatts.com

Tuesday, Dec 15th, 2009

It’s almost 1 pm and I haven’t received an update from Dana since about 1 am, so my hope is that she’s sleeping. My cold is almost gone so I think I’ll be there for tomorrow, another big day. The first trach change is scheduled. If that goes well we can get in the unit where there is more room, relaxation and comfort… all-be-it slight.

Grandma Lee arrived yesterday and that boosted Chloe’s spirits a lot. The first visit was short and sweet but Lee will be taking the late shift tonight and that will be good for everyone. Rev. Barb is on call forever as well. That helps with the mental anxiety of who’s going to be there when Dana crashes.

Dana was very comfortable with the nurse and Rt last night so she said she would even be able to retreat to the quiet room if the recliner wasn’t working for her. It really isn’t a good fit but she makes it work out of necessity. Chloe has the soft call button and can use it well so that is also a relief.

The nausea has passed but they have also stopped the feeds for the night. There is a plan to take another picture to make sure the tube has stayed in place. I’m wondering if the feeds are just not agreeing with her… like a minor allergy. Maybe they have another type we could try. We’ll see about that.

Chloe lost a tooth yesterday, with the help of Mama. It was just too loose to be comfortable with it staying in her mouth. The last thing we need is for her to aspirate a tooth! So, after about 30 minutes the two of them were able to twist it out. Hope the tooth fairy has a wrist bracelet or she won’t be allowed into PICU.

Blessings to our Child Life Rep, Diane. She relieved Dana so she could get a shower and some food. Diane always knows what we need before we do. She’s always a pleasure. And Patty Brandt is another one who shows up at the right times. She brought Dana something to eat, not knowing she was sequestered in the room without an alternate.

Chloe didn’t get her road trip yesterday. The nausea was too much of a problem so they kept turning the feeds on and off and kept a fan on her to help keep the feeds down. We don’t want vomiting at this stage of the game! Her lungs sounded a bit better today so that’s another reason for caution with the feeds.

As soon as Dana is able to send me an update I’ll get it on the blog. For now I’m going to believe everything is calm and everyone is getting the rest they need. I know PT and OT will be up to see Chloe today. She was pretty beat yesterday but she has the determination. She will try and use her fingers in fine motor detail. Although it’s very frustrating for her, she goes back and tries to touch two fingers together or grab something or point and touch something. She’s in a do over stage of her young life.

Be well,
Ron