Carpe Diem!! Seize the day! Pluck your feathers! Enjoy the moment! Today was one of those days. Todd and I both had the day off and we cleaned, cemented, cleaned, organized, cleaned more, did laundry, cleaned and mulched. We even to managed to score a nice cell phone plan deal and I will know be introduced to the wonderful world of Blackberries!!!
The day ended with one of the least painful dressing changes in months (about a 2 for pain). I want to be optimistic that we have reached a new "stage" with Kourtney's skin but the infections still lurk around and can play havoc with her skin. But today was a Carpe Diem day and I am thankful for it!!!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Home for a WEEK
Our lives have been relatively quiet since our return home. We started our "summer parties" on Saturday by celebrating Mom Kujawa's birthday. WE are anticipating many more "pool parties" in the month of June. The year end school parties seem to be a "hot ticket" as Kourtney is already getting asked about them.
Todd has been busy with outdoor projects. The plans he has for our backyard are amazing. He loves doing the work.
Kourtney has settled back to school, her pain is much less and dressing changes are becoming more manageable. I do believe that seeing her friend Megan really helped Kourtney and gave her so much Hope. I also picked up a great dressing tip from Megan's mom, it seems to be working very well.
Shaelyn is singing in a musical this weekend and enjoys skipping. She is anticipating the birth of Mona's cat's kittens. She has even made a bed for the kitten she will get.
I still am in awe at the generousity of the Make A Wish program. We were so spoiled. I am so thankful our family was able to have that oppurtunity. We also loved having Laura along as our "older daughter". She was great with the girls and my girls adored her.
Must run...I am going off to work.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Unpacked and Put Away
Yesterday I unpacked the suitcases and began putting all the stuff away. Mona did a spring cleaning in our house while we were gone so it was most delightful to put stuff away into a tidy house. I unpacked one suitcase full of souvenirs given to us at "Give Kids the World" (the village where we stayed), the girls received daily gifts including DVDs and Disney World gifts.
Our whole family was treated like royalty from the time we left our house with the firetruck escort, to the time we landed in Abbotsford (and all the stops in between including Orlando, Toronto and Calgary). We were able to go to the front of the line for all venues and for all the rides at Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. Shaelyn took full advantage of this for riding on roller coasters and the Tower of Terror. She even was on first name basis with one of the workers on the Aerosmith Rock'n'Roll Roller Coaster. He let her sit in the front car a few times in a row. I had to remind Shaelyn many times that she was a very fortunate child to ride so many times as most people had to wait up to 30 minutes for 1 ride. I did have a goal one day of trying to make her puke, but unfortunately Shaelyn did not meet the height requirement for all the roller coasters I was planning on taking her on at Sea world. Instead Laura and I braved the 2 very large roller coasters, including the Manta where you're hanging beneath the track (see picture).
Kourtney did very well despite the pain and the hot humid weather. She giggled on the teacups as Shaelyn spun her around. They stayed on for 2 back to back rides. She braved Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids and even the Tower of Terror (the name says it all). She added to her Minnie Mouse collection and wore her mouse ears with pride. I saw my little girl return many times. The pain and the fear vanished while we were there. It was definitely magical.
Our whole family was treated like royalty from the time we left our house with the firetruck escort, to the time we landed in Abbotsford (and all the stops in between including Orlando, Toronto and Calgary). We were able to go to the front of the line for all venues and for all the rides at Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. Shaelyn took full advantage of this for riding on roller coasters and the Tower of Terror. She even was on first name basis with one of the workers on the Aerosmith Rock'n'Roll Roller Coaster. He let her sit in the front car a few times in a row. I had to remind Shaelyn many times that she was a very fortunate child to ride so many times as most people had to wait up to 30 minutes for 1 ride. I did have a goal one day of trying to make her puke, but unfortunately Shaelyn did not meet the height requirement for all the roller coasters I was planning on taking her on at Sea world. Instead Laura and I braved the 2 very large roller coasters, including the Manta where you're hanging beneath the track (see picture).
Kourtney did very well despite the pain and the hot humid weather. She giggled on the teacups as Shaelyn spun her around. They stayed on for 2 back to back rides. She braved Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids and even the Tower of Terror (the name says it all). She added to her Minnie Mouse collection and wore her mouse ears with pride. I saw my little girl return many times. The pain and the fear vanished while we were there. It was definitely magical.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
WE ARE BACK....
Long day travelling home. We had a wonderful time. Exhausted.....but very glad we went. We were very spoiled even in Calgary airport we received $150.00 for supper!!!
Will blog more later. Going to bed.
Will blog more later. Going to bed.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
We are here!
It is Tuesday, 0643 (est). 0343 Bc time. Kourtney is with Todd and I in our hotel in Toronto and Shaelyn is with Laura in another room close by. Kourtney is awake; she’s too excited to sleep.
Last week, when we were at Children’s Hospital, the psychiatrist suggested to Kourtney that she leave her anxiety “dragons” behind in Abbotsford and not bring them to Disney World.
Kourtney woke up Tuesday morning feeling completely miserable. She was complaining of sore eyes and a sore body. To add insult to injury the dressing change needed to be done. The bath ranked among one of the Top 10 Worst Baths Ever. I really started to question my sanity in taking this broken child to Disney World. I felt Peace though in knowing that she could only get better if we went. After the dressing change Kourtney was complaining of pain, and crying. The arrangements for the fire truck escort to the Abbotsford Airport were made and our family continued to press on.
When the firemen arrived at our house, Kourtney cried even harder and started to crumble to pieces. She didn’t want to have pictures taken and didn’t want to go near the fire truck. I believe at that point not only did I question my sanity, but everyone else, including the fire men, were wondering what we were doing taking this child to Disney World. (I knew what they were thinking).
Shaelyn was of course over the top with excitement and the arrangements were made for her to go with Todd in the fire truck. Instantly, there was this change in Kourtney (not to be out done by her sister), and she said she was going. She got on the fire truck (the sore back seemed to disappear very quickly) and off they went. Laura and I got our own fireman to escort us in the van. The anxiety dragon not only was left at home, but, as Shaelyn has coined the phrase, “It got kicked in the nuts.”
When we got to the Abbotsford Airport we were greeted by the Abbotsford News and Kourtney was whisked away by a reporter. The firemen and WestJet staff took our luggage and checked us in while Kourtney was having her little interview. Kourtney had a little press conference and looked adorable dressed from head to toe in a Lululemon outfit. The control freak in me wanted to make sure that the right suitcases were put on the plane but I let go yesterday and enjoyed watching my daughter articulating telling her story to the Abbotsford News (something she does well).
The airplane ride to Toronto was a milk run through Calgary and a 6 hour process. Surprisingly enough the only thing that Kourtney was complaining about in Toronto was being hungry. We chuckled as we watched her down a grilled cheese sandwich and a 1/2 litre of milk. Her appetite has been insatiable lately which is very unusual for Kourtney, but is a known side effect from one of her pain meds.
Todd and I shook our heads in disbelief and both felt relieved that Kourtney was able to leave behind her pain and face this trip with courage. Really, if you saw her skin I don’t believe that anyone would question why she would have pain. I also believe that a change is always better then rest.
We are off to Orlando this morning. We will arrive in the heat of the day . . . looking forward to a great time!!!
I am not in Sane!!! Janelle
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
OFF TO BED..
I think I have everything packed and repacked, Shae has repacked her suitcase and has added many little items(pet shops). 7 suitcases-4 carry ons. That is the way the Tkujawa's travel. Shae is soooo excited, she was headed off to bed full speed ahead and slid on her clothes that she carefully put out for flying on the airplane and landed supine on the floor She laid on the floor for a while and told me she could not move. OH THE DRAMMMMA!! The nurse mom always comes out in me at times like this...if you are not bleeding you are fine. Suck it up!!!
I am finally off to bed. Just wanted to say a big and I mean a big thankyou to everyone who keeps up with the blog....it really is awesome when we get comments and also when we know that there are may people reading the blog.Tonight I was at Costco with my cousin Leanne. I told her I knew the lady at the door, she said ya you get to know the people here. I said no really she reads the blog. Sure enough Maria asked how Kourtney was doing and when we were leaving for our trip.
Blogging has been my outlet, I find it very relaxing to let my feelings out knowing we have a supportive group of people reading it. I love the fact that Illinois pops up very frequently on our map. I know my cousin Lori is a very faithful supporter of our family. I know she understands my pain having been through difficult circumstances many years ago. Thanks Lori!!!
Disney World......here we come. We will keep you updated.....if we have time.
I am finally off to bed. Just wanted to say a big and I mean a big thankyou to everyone who keeps up with the blog....it really is awesome when we get comments and also when we know that there are may people reading the blog.Tonight I was at Costco with my cousin Leanne. I told her I knew the lady at the door, she said ya you get to know the people here. I said no really she reads the blog. Sure enough Maria asked how Kourtney was doing and when we were leaving for our trip.
Blogging has been my outlet, I find it very relaxing to let my feelings out knowing we have a supportive group of people reading it. I love the fact that Illinois pops up very frequently on our map. I know my cousin Lori is a very faithful supporter of our family. I know she understands my pain having been through difficult circumstances many years ago. Thanks Lori!!!
Disney World......here we come. We will keep you updated.....if we have time.
Monday, May 11, 2009
HOUSEHOLD INVASION OF STREPTOCOCCI A
So......remember that lesion on my the side of my nose....Shae developed the same one on the same side of her nose as mine. Last week we got swabbed, today the results are in. (sounds a little bit like American Idol.)Shae and I both have strep growing on her skin, exactly the same thing as Kourtney.We are all on antibiotics now. Todd has managed to stay clear this time but he will be swabbed when we get home.
It hurt....I can't even imagine Kourtney's pain. All I can say that I respect my child so much for everything she has gone through. She is doing a bit better. The pain is slowly going from a 10+++ to about a 7. Everyday it will improve. We are planning on leaving the dressing on her back for a long time as it is too painful to remove.
We are leaving tomorrow. Hopefully with a fire truck escort..but they are not sure if they can come now. It would be fun.
We are so excited....I need to breathe I am anticipating a late night!!!!!
It hurt....I can't even imagine Kourtney's pain. All I can say that I respect my child so much for everything she has gone through. She is doing a bit better. The pain is slowly going from a 10+++ to about a 7. Everyday it will improve. We are planning on leaving the dressing on her back for a long time as it is too painful to remove.
We are leaving tomorrow. Hopefully with a fire truck escort..but they are not sure if they can come now. It would be fun.
We are so excited....I need to breathe I am anticipating a late night!!!!!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Packing, unpacking and packing.....
I needed to sit down and take a bit of a breather. It has been a very busy Mother's Day. Today was an unpacking day. I unpacked all Kourtney's things from the hospital and washed them with bleach. I just talked to my Aunt Sharon today and she told me that nothing says clean more than the smell of bleach. I have to agree with that. When Kourtney was in the hospital we had problems with Kourtney's feed leaking through the stoma. The smell of feed is very strong but it gets worse when it stays on the dressings for a long period of time. Kourtney's dressings weren't changed at the hospital and the feed leaked the first night we were there. Needless to say there was quite an odour in the room.
As soon as we got home, the first things I did were give Kourtney a bath and wash all her clothes with bleach. I then wiped down her bath and table with bleach. Then I started emptying out laundry bags, dressing supply bags and entertainment bags from the hospital. I always accumulate so much stuff from the hospital because any extra supplies left over in a isolation room are thrown out. It is my rich German heritage that does not allow me to throw these things away. Maybe one day I will be able to use the blue pads or the 'save a day trays' or even the 10cc syringes. I have even accumulated some IV supplies and am thinking of teaching one of our student nurses how to start an IV. I am thinking that Todd's veins might come in handy (he thinks he should rent himself out). In a couple of months I will probably have a psychotic cleaning moment and chuck them all out and tell myself . . . what was I thinking? Right now I am anticipating that I'll make use of all these supplies.
So after I went through all these things, I moved to Shaelyns' room. WE unpacked her bags that she had packed for overnights at Grandma's when we were at the hospital. We put away her DVDs and stuffies from the long trip into Children's and even found her tarantula skin (long story). I started to organize outfits for Disney World and was going to try to put some outfits together and put them in a Ziploc bag and then she could have an outfit for the day (I saw it done at camp and envied the organization of that mom). But Shae does not think like that nor should she. I just thought it would be so nice to pull out a bag a day and not have to worry about sifting through all her stuff in her suitcase. I had a mutiny on my hands as she would not clean up her room if I did that. I put that thought away and just will have to close my eyes when I see her suitcase. Maybe I could try it with Todd's clothes.
So on to my room. I had laundry still sitting around from Tuesday before we left for the hospital. I put everything in my room and then started folding. I then organized my clothes for going away. I am counting on hot weather, so lots of shorts and tank tops.
Tonight I am making up the dressing supply list, tomorrow I will organize the toiletries and organize the DVDs and decide which ones we will take on our trip. We also will have Kourtney's iPOD, Shae's Nintendo, magazines and books. Todd is organizing electronics and his own clothes. He is going to work tomorrow, so it will give me some more time to organize things. Shaelyn is going to school, and Kourtney will stay home. We are hoping Tammy will be able to come and spend time with her (did I mention how wonderful she is). She came over for a visit today and brought her 2 children along. It brightened us all up!!
We will end up with a ton of suitcases but it is very obvious why. We are taking Kourtney's feed. Generally she goes through one 1.5 litre bottle per night. 8 1.5 litres is approx 12kg which equals over 25 lbs. We will need 64 rolls of comforming gauze 5 rolls of jelonet, 7 boxes of mepilex transfer, 7 boxes of mepitel, 1 box of needles, 1 box of vaseline gauze, 1 box of honey, satin draw sheets, padded blankets, soaker pads, toilet stuff plus all her medications. It is a daunting task for anyone and I am so thankful for the great help I have to make the job go easier.
I will write down that list and then try to find my bed amongst the rubble. Actually all I have to do is follow the snoring sound, Todd has gone to bed and is extremely tired . . . when he is that tired . . . he snores.
As soon as we got home, the first things I did were give Kourtney a bath and wash all her clothes with bleach. I then wiped down her bath and table with bleach. Then I started emptying out laundry bags, dressing supply bags and entertainment bags from the hospital. I always accumulate so much stuff from the hospital because any extra supplies left over in a isolation room are thrown out. It is my rich German heritage that does not allow me to throw these things away. Maybe one day I will be able to use the blue pads or the 'save a day trays' or even the 10cc syringes. I have even accumulated some IV supplies and am thinking of teaching one of our student nurses how to start an IV. I am thinking that Todd's veins might come in handy (he thinks he should rent himself out). In a couple of months I will probably have a psychotic cleaning moment and chuck them all out and tell myself . . . what was I thinking? Right now I am anticipating that I'll make use of all these supplies.
So after I went through all these things, I moved to Shaelyns' room. WE unpacked her bags that she had packed for overnights at Grandma's when we were at the hospital. We put away her DVDs and stuffies from the long trip into Children's and even found her tarantula skin (long story). I started to organize outfits for Disney World and was going to try to put some outfits together and put them in a Ziploc bag and then she could have an outfit for the day (I saw it done at camp and envied the organization of that mom). But Shae does not think like that nor should she. I just thought it would be so nice to pull out a bag a day and not have to worry about sifting through all her stuff in her suitcase. I had a mutiny on my hands as she would not clean up her room if I did that. I put that thought away and just will have to close my eyes when I see her suitcase. Maybe I could try it with Todd's clothes.
So on to my room. I had laundry still sitting around from Tuesday before we left for the hospital. I put everything in my room and then started folding. I then organized my clothes for going away. I am counting on hot weather, so lots of shorts and tank tops.
Tonight I am making up the dressing supply list, tomorrow I will organize the toiletries and organize the DVDs and decide which ones we will take on our trip. We also will have Kourtney's iPOD, Shae's Nintendo, magazines and books. Todd is organizing electronics and his own clothes. He is going to work tomorrow, so it will give me some more time to organize things. Shaelyn is going to school, and Kourtney will stay home. We are hoping Tammy will be able to come and spend time with her (did I mention how wonderful she is). She came over for a visit today and brought her 2 children along. It brightened us all up!!
We will end up with a ton of suitcases but it is very obvious why. We are taking Kourtney's feed. Generally she goes through one 1.5 litre bottle per night. 8 1.5 litres is approx 12kg which equals over 25 lbs. We will need 64 rolls of comforming gauze 5 rolls of jelonet, 7 boxes of mepilex transfer, 7 boxes of mepitel, 1 box of needles, 1 box of vaseline gauze, 1 box of honey, satin draw sheets, padded blankets, soaker pads, toilet stuff plus all her medications. It is a daunting task for anyone and I am so thankful for the great help I have to make the job go easier.
I will write down that list and then try to find my bed amongst the rubble. Actually all I have to do is follow the snoring sound, Todd has gone to bed and is extremely tired . . . when he is that tired . . . he snores.
Mother's Day
After my last blog entry Kourtney slept for about an hour. When she woke up she felt better and even ate a grilled cheese sandwich. We put her to bed and loaded her up again with pain meds and started her on her oral antibiotics although, she didn't sleep the best but she was not complaining of pain nor was she vomiting (yay). I Believe that was a good mom's day gift
Last night Shae and I went to Walmart and got a few essentials for the trip.When we got home Shae presented me with a card that she wrote about me for Mom's day. She even mentioned that she loves it when I make baked beans??? not sure where that came from. I also received a beautiful bracelet from her.
As difficult as motherhood has been I can honestly say I love being a mom!! I was told by one of the Doctors at Children's Hospital that Mom's with Special Needs Children are viewed as control freaks. But she said after getting to know our family she realized that it is not being a control freak but simply it is being the best advocate for their child. After this latest hospital stay I realized that my role as an advocate for Kourtney was respected. Even though the regular Doctors were not around, Kourtney's frequent flyer status has made the staff at Children's very aware of her. I think it speaks volumes to being a mom when a whole hospital respects our family and is there to guide us. (I will do a tribute to Todd on Father's Day). I believe that being an advocate for your child is one of the key attributes of being a mom. Kourtney told me that she will always remember the times I stood up for her.
I also love being a mom to Shaelyn.The memory will never fade of the first time I held her checking her over to see if she had any blisters (in labor room 3 at MSA). She has brought us so much joy. She loves her skipping classes and is looking forward to all the roller coasters at Disney World. (Hey Laura do you know what you are in for?)
Through the pain, hardships and the joyous times this year, today is a Happy Mother's Day.....!
Last night Shae and I went to Walmart and got a few essentials for the trip.When we got home Shae presented me with a card that she wrote about me for Mom's day. She even mentioned that she loves it when I make baked beans??? not sure where that came from. I also received a beautiful bracelet from her.
As difficult as motherhood has been I can honestly say I love being a mom!! I was told by one of the Doctors at Children's Hospital that Mom's with Special Needs Children are viewed as control freaks. But she said after getting to know our family she realized that it is not being a control freak but simply it is being the best advocate for their child. After this latest hospital stay I realized that my role as an advocate for Kourtney was respected. Even though the regular Doctors were not around, Kourtney's frequent flyer status has made the staff at Children's very aware of her. I think it speaks volumes to being a mom when a whole hospital respects our family and is there to guide us. (I will do a tribute to Todd on Father's Day). I believe that being an advocate for your child is one of the key attributes of being a mom. Kourtney told me that she will always remember the times I stood up for her.
I also love being a mom to Shaelyn.The memory will never fade of the first time I held her checking her over to see if she had any blisters (in labor room 3 at MSA). She has brought us so much joy. She loves her skipping classes and is looking forward to all the roller coasters at Disney World. (Hey Laura do you know what you are in for?)
Through the pain, hardships and the joyous times this year, today is a Happy Mother's Day.....!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
We are home!!
We are home.....exhausted but feel somewhat relieved that this happened before our trip. Todd is playing guitar this weekend at church, Shae is at church, and Kourtney is exhausted and in pain from her dressing change. I gave her some good strong drugs and she is sleeping comfortably now. I am talking a breath and then wil start to pack for Disney World. I will be making my list and checking it twice and then Mona will be able to start packing Kourtney's dressing stuff (I have to say all my little post-Children's Hospital Shopping trips have paid off, because now I don't have to do any shopping before I leave). The girls and Todd are all outfitted, and believe it or not, I am too (a bit of sarcasm for those who know me).
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed (a lot is a better word). The tears have flowed freely over the past couple of days but I am not slipping into the "low" mood like I have before. I don't think anything can ever really ever take the pain of watching Kourtney vomiting because she was in so much pain. It hurts to the inner part of my being!!
Before we leave, we have one important outing to make . . . Kourtney wants a puppy!!! We have picked out the type we want, we have to make a phone call and then let her pick out the one she wants. We will then get it when we get back from Florida. We know that Zazu, our cat, may take some issue with that, but he will just have to get over it.
We will try to post pictures to the blog. Make a Wish is planning for us to be escorted to the airport with a Fire truck . . . how much fun for my girls.
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed (a lot is a better word). The tears have flowed freely over the past couple of days but I am not slipping into the "low" mood like I have before. I don't think anything can ever really ever take the pain of watching Kourtney vomiting because she was in so much pain. It hurts to the inner part of my being!!
Before we leave, we have one important outing to make . . . Kourtney wants a puppy!!! We have picked out the type we want, we have to make a phone call and then let her pick out the one she wants. We will then get it when we get back from Florida. We know that Zazu, our cat, may take some issue with that, but he will just have to get over it.
We will try to post pictures to the blog. Make a Wish is planning for us to be escorted to the airport with a Fire truck . . . how much fun for my girls.
Friday, May 8, 2009
DISNEY WORLD HERE WE COME . . .
The blood cultures are negative.....(which means Kourtney is not septic, yay). The MRSA is gone . . . she has strep and regular staph growing on her skin which makes this infection treatable . . . (PTL). I told the doctor that I thought it was a strep infection because MRSA smells and Kourtney did not have a bad odor coming from her. Kourtney will have 24 hours of IV antibiotics and we will be going home and packing for Disney world.
Strep A is very painful on the skin, but is one of the most treatable infections.
When Kourtney has had blood cultures drawn before, the sample has been contaminated due to improper technique. When Kourtney's first Iv went in we took that blood sample and we made sure the skin was cleaned well before we put it in. I am so glad that this sample was not contaminated because it gives us very clear direction regarding our trip. I prayed for wisdom . . . I didn't need it. (well maybe some wisdom) It has been made very clear that we can go on our trip.
Thanks for all your kind words and praying for us . . . it has been a rough couple of days!!!
Strep A is very painful on the skin, but is one of the most treatable infections.
When Kourtney has had blood cultures drawn before, the sample has been contaminated due to improper technique. When Kourtney's first Iv went in we took that blood sample and we made sure the skin was cleaned well before we put it in. I am so glad that this sample was not contaminated because it gives us very clear direction regarding our trip. I prayed for wisdom . . . I didn't need it. (well maybe some wisdom) It has been made very clear that we can go on our trip.
Thanks for all your kind words and praying for us . . . it has been a rough couple of days!!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A New IV
Janelle went back in to the hospital at 3:00 to be with Kourtney. They will both the night at the hospital again. At 10:00 tonight an anaesthetist was able to start an new IV in Kourtney's foot. The plan is to give her more IV antibiotics and and IV iron infusion. Not sure yet if the iron will be given through the night or if they'll wait until tomorrow. Janelle tells me that Kourtney's skin is drying out nicely with the antibiotics. The newest kink is now Kourtney's G-tube. it seems to be leaking when she gets her feeds. This is a big problem because we have to change her clothes and bedding each time it leaks. If it's bad enough, even her dressing need to be changed (the feed doesn't have a very appealing smell either).
More info tomorrow.
More info tomorrow.
Break
I came home for awhile this afternoon. I had a hair appointment plus I wanted to spend some time with Shae. Mona stayed with Kourtneyat the hospital. Kourtney was going to get her iron infusion but unfortunately the IV went interstitial... So,now the big decision is whether or not we should put a "line" in. Once again we are faced with a very difficult situation. I will go into more details later.
Kourtney's night was much more settled and the vomitting has settled down quite a bit. I think the Iv antibiotics started kicking in already.
We need to decide about our trip. Ultimately it will be Todd's and my decision. I think if we don't go, Kourtney would fall into more of a depression, but if we do go I don't know how much she would enjoy it. Please pray for wisdom.
I am going back to the hospital right now.
Kourtney's night was much more settled and the vomitting has settled down quite a bit. I think the Iv antibiotics started kicking in already.
We need to decide about our trip. Ultimately it will be Todd's and my decision. I think if we don't go, Kourtney would fall into more of a depression, but if we do go I don't know how much she would enjoy it. Please pray for wisdom.
I am going back to the hospital right now.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Admitted
Kourtney was admitted today with ?? possible septicemia. All her regular doctors were away, but Dr. C.'s fellow was our surrogate today. Kourtney got admitted to the floor where we like the nurses. Her favorite nurse is on tonight.
About our trip . . . we will know more tomorrow. Kourtney is extremely frustrated and is in a lot, I mean a lot of pain. We are hoping the IV antibiotics will work.
I asked for a God arranged day and it was, even the IV (started by yours truly on my first try) - the IV nurse took 3 stabs and couldn't get it so I took over. (I told you, my fellow workers, I am way more competent with the tiny veins of children, not the nice vascular veins of a pregnant woman.)
Blood work. Hemoglobin is the highest it has been in probably years. White Blood Cell Count is elevated (bad news = possible infection).
We will keep you updated. Our internet connection is not working in our room.
About our trip . . . we will know more tomorrow. Kourtney is extremely frustrated and is in a lot, I mean a lot of pain. We are hoping the IV antibiotics will work.
I asked for a God arranged day and it was, even the IV (started by yours truly on my first try) - the IV nurse took 3 stabs and couldn't get it so I took over. (I told you, my fellow workers, I am way more competent with the tiny veins of children, not the nice vascular veins of a pregnant woman.)
Blood work. Hemoglobin is the highest it has been in probably years. White Blood Cell Count is elevated (bad news = possible infection).
We will keep you updated. Our internet connection is not working in our room.
Bad Day = Bad Night
We had such a rough night last night. Kourtney continued to spike fevers, she had so much pain and she was vomitting all night. Todd and I are taking her to Children's today for some appointments. Please pray that we will see the right people today to know what to do with her. I am so exhausted I am relying on a God arranged day today.
Just all before DisneyWorld!!!! We are very discouraged.
Just all before DisneyWorld!!!! We are very discouraged.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
BAD DAY!!
Right now I am really struggling not to be feeling overwhelmed by life in general. Last night we went out with our Wish Granter, Cassie. Kourtney had a fever and fell asleep at the table during our talk about travel plans, and Shae was so excited that if she could have she would have danced on the tables. It tormented me that Kourtney was feeling so miserable that she could not even be excited about her wish trip to Disney World.
We then did a bath, which turned out horrible and then I could not fall asleep. I finally took a sleeping pill and woke up to Kourtney throwing up!!! Could it be any worse . . . I don't think so. Yes I know I should concentrate on the positives but somehow the negatives are just slightly overwhelming.
Today we are going to a new pediatrician in Abbotsford. She will be our liaison pediatrician, so that if we run into any problems we can see her first and then she can call the necessary doctors at Children's. I am praying that a fresh set of eyes and ears will help direct us with Kourtney's fevers and also her anemia issues.
Kourtney just came home . . . we will be off to the doctors. She said she felt better today. I am thankful for every day that she feels good, it helps me get through the really, really tough days . . . like yesterday.
Oh yes . . . I also have acquired a new addition to my face. A monstrous cold sore. It is so painful and huge. I didn't go to work today for fear of contaminating the babies or scaring off all my patients.
We then did a bath, which turned out horrible and then I could not fall asleep. I finally took a sleeping pill and woke up to Kourtney throwing up!!! Could it be any worse . . . I don't think so. Yes I know I should concentrate on the positives but somehow the negatives are just slightly overwhelming.
Today we are going to a new pediatrician in Abbotsford. She will be our liaison pediatrician, so that if we run into any problems we can see her first and then she can call the necessary doctors at Children's. I am praying that a fresh set of eyes and ears will help direct us with Kourtney's fevers and also her anemia issues.
Kourtney just came home . . . we will be off to the doctors. She said she felt better today. I am thankful for every day that she feels good, it helps me get through the really, really tough days . . . like yesterday.
Oh yes . . . I also have acquired a new addition to my face. A monstrous cold sore. It is so painful and huge. I didn't go to work today for fear of contaminating the babies or scaring off all my patients.
Monday, May 4, 2009
DISNEY WORLD COUNTDOWN
IN 8 days we will be leaving for Disney World (Florida). We are going on a all expenses paid trip with Make a Wish. We are also bringing a friend and caregiver with us. Her name is Laura. We are getting very excited, however . . .
As much as I am looking forward to the trip I am also concerned for Kourtney as she still struggles with walking and lacks a lot of energy. We are taking her wheelchair, but even moving in and out of her wheelchair is a bit of a struggle for her. We also need wisdom about dressing changes and how often we should be doing them. We are down to 2 times a week, because the MRSA is gone and so is the smell. Kourtney's skin is drying out nicely so we have been able to put other dressings on her. We are encouraging her to walk more which is met with a lot of resistance (not sure if it is preteen rebellion or pain as I watched her moving very freely when she was playing a joke on her sister).
I want her to enjoy the trip as much as possible. We are hoping for an iron infusion this week and also maybe a change in pain meds. BUSY week ahead!!
Also prayer for Todd as he has a lot of backyard projects to do before he leaves. He has been making use out of his new gas powered hedge trimmer. Unfortunately his back has been giving him a lot of problems . . . which is not uncommon for this time of year and not really a surprise if you could see the work he has done.
I guess there will always be ups and downs, we just desire to have a fun trip and not feel overwhelmed by physical issues. (Shae and I have allergies . . . that is about it)
Tonight we are going out for supper with our Wish Granter, Cassie. We will go through our itinerary and ideas for our trips.
Busy week ahead for a really busy week away!!!! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
As much as I am looking forward to the trip I am also concerned for Kourtney as she still struggles with walking and lacks a lot of energy. We are taking her wheelchair, but even moving in and out of her wheelchair is a bit of a struggle for her. We also need wisdom about dressing changes and how often we should be doing them. We are down to 2 times a week, because the MRSA is gone and so is the smell. Kourtney's skin is drying out nicely so we have been able to put other dressings on her. We are encouraging her to walk more which is met with a lot of resistance (not sure if it is preteen rebellion or pain as I watched her moving very freely when she was playing a joke on her sister).
I want her to enjoy the trip as much as possible. We are hoping for an iron infusion this week and also maybe a change in pain meds. BUSY week ahead!!
Also prayer for Todd as he has a lot of backyard projects to do before he leaves. He has been making use out of his new gas powered hedge trimmer. Unfortunately his back has been giving him a lot of problems . . . which is not uncommon for this time of year and not really a surprise if you could see the work he has done.
I guess there will always be ups and downs, we just desire to have a fun trip and not feel overwhelmed by physical issues. (Shae and I have allergies . . . that is about it)
Tonight we are going out for supper with our Wish Granter, Cassie. We will go through our itinerary and ideas for our trips.
Busy week ahead for a really busy week away!!!! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
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