I’m writing this from Wes’ hospital room at EIRMC. On Friday, he had to have a transfusion of platelets because his platelet count was down to 3. The infusion was, shall we say, less than ideal. The facility where this was done will be getting a strongly-worded letter from me about all of the mishaps that occurred. Long story short, immediately after the transfusion was done, we headed to EIRMC and the E.R. They drew blood for panels galore, and admitted him for a fever and his extremely low blood counts. His E.R. doc was actually the husband of one of my Cancer Mom friends from Camp Magical Moments, and he was just simply wonderful. He took REALLY good care of Wes, and after the awful afternoon we’d had, it was a very welcome relief to feel that Wes was getting the care that he needed. Additionally, I asked him if someone could shave Wes’ hair-there was hair EVERYWHERE! It was coming out in clumps. The doctor had one of his nurses, Jeremiah, shave Wes, and he was incredibly gentle and kind in doing so. I was so grateful and impressed.

Since then, it has been a cycle of blood work, pain meds, nausea meds, throwing up and antibiotics. Wes has stopped eating, and I am starting to get nervous. His throat is really hurting him, but every test they’ve run on him has come back negative. I personally think he has a sore in his throat, because he has a canker sore on his tongue. I think the chemo is causing it. Today, I finally asked if we could increase what we have been giving him for pain, and that has really helped. He ate some ice cream, which was wonderful to see. The not so awesome news is that about two hours later, he threw it all up. So, here we sit. I’m so worried about my boy. This is one of those times I would give anything to take his place. He’s sick on so many levels, and I just want to make it better, but there’s only so much I can do. He has petechiae all over from his low platelets and the force of his vomiting. His IV (they weren’t able to access his port-part of the mess mentioned above) has been causing problems and alarming throughout the day and night, so we haven’t been sleeping very well.

Needless to say, this has not been the very best past few days. However, when I look at the positives, I am grateful that his asthma hasn’t flared at all, and that we have access to the medications that help him feel better. We also live in a country that has current healthcare available, and I’m beyond grateful for that, even with the mess from the transfusion. And there are kind souls who have done things such as say they’ll bring dinner, and bring enough dinner for several meals, so I don’t have to worry about what my other kids are eating while I’m in here with Wes (thanks, Burgandy!). I’m grateful to my mother, who brought me a salad tonight, and slipped $20 to me to help pay for cafeteria food. My older son has been so helpful, and run some huge errands for me that I haven’t been able to take care of. My professor is willing to postpone a due date for me, and my work is willing work with me and allow me to work remotely from the hospital. And then there are those who have put Wes’ name in the temple and who continue to pray for him and our family. There is definitely sweet with the bitter here.

So, Happy Mother’s Day. Here’s to hoping for better tomorrows, better nausea/vomiting control, and increased blood numbers. Below are some pics from our adventures the past few days. 🙂