ChloeWatts.com

Wednesday, Dec 16th, 2009

There haven’t been too many days that I would classify as good days, but today was as close as it’s come so far. Chloe did very well all day off the ventilator. She needed the cough assist machine a couple times and she needs to be suctioned regularly as she still doesn’t swallow. We had her out for a spin in her big wheel recliner and she loved it. Her driver escorted Dana and Me with her and we went to watch the construction of the new Children’s Hospital. Then we went and looked out over the city. Then Dana noticed a big fat guy in a red suit down in the lobby so we hustled down to him. Wouldn’t you know it, there was one thing left in his bag! It was a nice furry bear just for Chloe. Why were we not surprised? She loves it but, knowing how many stuffed animals she has, Chloe has decided to donate it to the Celebration Church toy drive. I’ll drop it off on Sunday.

Today was not only a good day it was also a big day. Chloe went through her first trach change. Although she admitted she was scared we had a very smooth procedure. She saw what her own trach looks like with the help of a mirror. This was her first view of it. Then she saw what the new one looked like before they inserted it into her trach opening. It’s a bit scary looking as it has a tube of about 3 inches that actually goes into her windpipe. Then they inflate a cuff (bulb) to keep it in place. She held Mama’s hand and I played with her toes as the doctor went to work. Dana and I had good vantage points to see the entire procedure. The scary part will be the next one. Either Dana or I will be doing that one. Even with a good look at the procedure doing it will be another story. The doctor will be right there with us.

Around 1 pm the child life program held bingo. Chloe was a three out of three winner. Her first prize was the DVD “Misty,” a horse movie. Second was a make-up kit and third was a very neat eyeliner pencil with a blush brush… or whatever you call it. Think I really know? Just fakin’ it here folks.

Dr. Dorsen and his assistant Tony dropped by later in the day. I haven’t seen M.D. in awhile and it was really amazing to see him in the spirit he was in. He asked about Chloe and when I told him she was off the ventilator all day and was planned to be off all night. He went to a broad smile and said this is “Very Exciting. You know this is VERY EXCITING. You know we may just have a great recovery.” That’s as positive as this medical giant gets. It was a real treat to witness it myself. The other doctors have confided in Dana that Dr. M.D. has a real thing for Chloe. Go figure… Not like she can wrap anyone around her finger or anything like that…

I’m on for the overnight shift tonight and thank goodness I have a really good nurse on duty. She wants Chloe to do as much for herself as she can. So far she has rung for the nurse three times by herself. Minor positioning things but at least she’s in control. She even turned herself quite a bit before ringing for some help.

We have been reading her facebook hits to her nightly. There are almost 500 hits so far. Again, why am I not surprised? She told Dana and me that she wasn’t going to shut up once her vocal cords come back. Her hand mimicked a hand puppets’ mouth. So I’m sure she will be getting in touch with as many of you as she can down the road a piece.

Be well,
Ron