Better today (Day -7).

Not too many happenings today, which is good.

However, on Friday during Max’s vomiting marathon, I noticed that one of Mr Hose’s lines had become unattached. This is potentially disastrous, as if any germs are to get in the line, they have direct access to the main arteries of the heart. I reattached the lines quickly and buzzed for the nurses as I had grave fears that some of Max’s vomit may have touched the open line. They took blood cultures from the line and sent them off immediately to be tested over 48 hours to see if any cultures were to grow. Well, guess what! I found out today that bacteria did enter the line, so Max is now on some heavy duty antibiotics (in addition to the mountain of other meds). All we can do is hope that he will be ok. I am now super cautious any time the nurses need to take bloods or give meds to Max, that they reattach the lines securely. Also during Max’s more feisty moments, it is not uncommon (so I have been told) that the lines can come undone.

Max’s Mr Hose has been bleeding again, due to a combination of his mad-man antics and the fact that his platelets are so low. He has been give four platelet transfusions since the Hickman line was inserted but still it is causing a bit of grief. Max appetite has also begun to subside, so he has now begun intravenous feeds through his Mr Nose. Overall however, he has been in good spirits today.

On another good note, we found out today that Tim and I have a place in the isolation room at Ronald McDonald House (directly over the road from the hospital). We had a look at it today – pleasantly surprised. It is a large space containing three sections, a bedroom with three single beds, a lounge room/kitchenette and a bathroom. I went there today and had a shower and an hour snooze while my awesome Mum stayed with Max (xoxox).

Now to some thankyous
I want to thank everyone who has been leaving such lovely messages on this blog – they are so nice to read your support is greatly appreciated. We will be printing out this entire blog including the comments so Max can read when he is older. So please keep those comments coming.

Also thank you Eph for the beautiful dinners you dropped off to Tim this morning, you are a legend! Also to Heidi and Toni for the great presents for Max! Just on that, some of you have asked for an address of where to send some things for Max. Our address is:

Maxwell Finch
Isolation Unit T2
Oncology Ward Level 6
Royal Children’s Hospital
Flemington Rd
Parkville VIC 3052.

Max has now fallen asleep with his garage of cars, buses and aeroplane (courtesy of Oma – my Mum). I’ll change his nappy again now, then again at around 3am, as over the last few nights he has been soaking through his pants and sheets due to the loads of fluids he’s getting through his IV. Hopefully he will be able to sleep through the night if I change them often. Eyes heavy, must sleep.........

xx