Today was our first busy day at the Hospital.
9am – Dental Appointment (as the Chemotherapy required as part of the BMT can potentially damage Max’s teeth, gums and saliva glands).
10am – Blood samples taken (to check on platelet count, immune levels etc..)
11am – ECHO and ECG of the heart (check out our 'Cable Guy' right).
12pm – Chest X-Ray.
1pm – Meeting with the hospital Psychologist. This was interesting! Here’s hoping we were successful in convincing her that we were both emotionally stable enough to get through this process…..?!
2pm – Brief discussion with Head Nurse about the Hickman line protocol. Although we knew of potential risks from our reading on the topic, having it directly relayed to us was rather scary and confronting. It was reinforced that hygiene is paramount as exposure to any bacteria at the entry site can cause serious infection, requiring immediate medical attention. Also if the line were to be damaged in any way (eg. accidently cut), we would be required to block it off as quickly and securely as possible due to blood spurting out!!!! Needless to say…I’ve already removed all scissors within the house!
After behaving so well during all of these tests and discussions, Tim was treated to a McDonald’s coffee and muffin (!). Naturally, Max was also extremely well deserving of a baby chino and chips!
Max is truly a little champion....not a whimper during the blood tests...and lying so still during the ECHO, ECG and X-rays (‘Dora the Explorer’ may have contributed a little....). We are truly blessed that despite our little man having already had to go through so much in his short life, he remains so polite and calm with a wonderful sense of humour! His strength is what keeps Tim and I so confident that all will work out well.
So the first big day of many…done!
Hi Bee, now its my turn to follow Max's blog! The tests were oh so familiar - and I will keep tabs on his progress. Needless to say its a hard road but the rewards are awesome. I see the bruise on Max's head that is oh so typical of the ones Oliver used to get in fact he had one when he went in to transplant if you take a look at the pics. Our thoughts and hearts will be with you. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Bee,
ReplyDeleteGlad that the long wait is finally over and you and Max are on the road to a cure. I can only imagine the emotional ups and pwns that you must be going through as Max goes through the preliminaries. Yeah! for your little guy who is so brave and well behaved.
Keeping you and Max in my prayers for a smooth and uneventful in and out of the hospital.
Best Wishes,
Sumathi