Love sick for Valentine's Day

Imagine one nurse trying to get blood out of your central line in one arm while another gives you a poke in the other to get blood cultures done. Doesn't sound pleasant to any of us, does it? That's what my boy was up to today. And he was calm and cooperative while everything was happening. 

Specifically he was up to a fever of 38.8 as a result of a self-inflicted scratch on his belly button when he was agitated earlier this week. The fever meant he had to have blood cultures which can't be taken out of his PICC. 

As if that wasn't enough to make his day difficult his post-chemo gifts that kept on giving were heartburn, major nausea and vomiting. Normally in the three days post-chemo we can manage this at home with Ondanzatron (called the Tony Danza medicine by Daddy and Ollie) and Gravol. This time after a much harsher dose of chemo those were not enough and no combination of meds, deep breathing, ice chips, soda crackers, bread, etc. could change things for him today.

Abby was here this morning to chat with the social worker, so ask for of us were together for a few minutes this morning. The sum total of our Valentine's Day together. We rarely do anything romantic and usually enjoy chocolate and little gifts with the kids. So we did it with even less fanfare this year.

While waiting, she had to see Ollie throwing up and at one point leave the room so she didn't get sick herself. This is not easy stuff for anyone to stomach. She was picked up by friends after and went on to have a great fun filled day of sledding for her PD Day and youth group tonight, so her day got better at least.

Also while throwing up today, Ollie's NG feeding tube came up his throat and out his mouth. Scary moment for me and thankfully the incredible nurse Megan (honestly my fave hands down) was calm and quick, telling Ollie she had to rip off the tape on his face quickly and take the tube out. 

So you'll note the photos show Ollie without it. On the one hand he and I were happy it was out, but on the other, Ollie was stressed about having to take more of the meds orally. Fortunately Megan rearranged his pharmacy orders to put anything possible in IV form and anything else in tablet to avoid the gagging from tasting the meds. 

I had a good long chat with my brother, Cory today. I know it's hard because when your family lives so far away (he's in BC) they don't know what to do or say to help you. I told him just keep checking in and talking to me and being as normal as he can be with me. That I'll always take his call if I can and love him for wanting to know what's happening with us, so he's not bugging when he checks in. You don't have a lot of down time to talk or a lot of energy top talk when you do have time. But you still want connection with your family and dearest friends during hard times like this.

This afternoon, Ollie requested a special but short visit from Mackenzie (who is a teenager) who came with her parents Aunt Jenna and Uncle Vic. We know it wasn't an easy visit because he wasn't feeling well and seemed sicker than he normally is, but Mackenzie handled it with grace and compassion and we love her for dropping everything to come and be there for him.

He's now sleeping and I'm hopeful this will continue. 

Hope your Valentine's Day didn't leave you love sick and you enjoyed those that you love, romantic or otherwise.

Better get to bed and get whatever sleep I can. Night John-boy! ;-)