Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Trying to stay positive amidst more sad news

OK, so there are some updates.

Lucy's doctors now think that her deficit is more on the permanent side, and not temporary. She is not responding to the steroids, so they are going to start weaning her off of those. Her sodium is still low, so we are loading her up on bacon, chips, Gatorade, etc. She also has to drink this sodium chloride that she detests - and still it is too low. We are working on that. They have decided that she needs intense therapy - in patient. They are trying to clear through insurance now - and she will be here for a minimum of 1-2 weeks, maybe 3-4 or more. We will know more after she has had a week of therapy, and we can see how it is going.

When the doctors came in and told me that, it broke my heart. I was tired from no sleep, and have held it all in emotionally for the kids - but I couldn't. It was as if a dam broke, and the tears poured out. I guess the nurses got worried, and sent social services in to talk to me. I had to tell Tanya that Mom needed to go live with her and Sean until Lucy and I could come home - then I would take Mom.

We are not telling Lucy that they are saying it is permanent for a few reasons. First of all - they are not always right with things like that. The therapist told me that they have worked with kids that the doctors said would never walk - and they got back to 100%, whereas other cases that were mild, and they were sure would heal after rehab, never did. Secondly, that is not a good way to start rehab, by someone telling you that your issues are permanent; talk about a reason to give up trying before you start!

However, things picked up, as I talked with resource people here, and they hooked Lucy up with a loaner computer with Skype on it - so she can see and talk with family and friends who can't come in. Also, she had a load of visitors today that lifted her spirit sky high! First, Ryan came in and stayed with her, while I ran home to shower and gather some things, and pay some bills. Next, Bishop Melville came in, and brought a travel Connect 4 game, and played two games with Lucy (which she won). Then her friend Abby came in with her Mom. They brought her beautiful pink and yellow tulips, a balloon, donuts, beautiful handmade card and a picture of Abby. Then her friend Rachel came with her Mom and sisters, and brought her a box of Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies. Then our Relief Society President, Cheryl, came with her granddaughter, who had made yummy homemade cookies, and brought her and me a new book to read. Also, while I was at home, a package arrived for Lucy from the Buchan family, with a card, a new journal (which she already wrote in), and a cool Barbie MP3 Player (complete with changeable Barbie faceplates). We went to the playroom with everyone, and they played games and had so much fun. For the first time in days, Lucy came back to the room, ate her entire dinner, had her meds without being upset or complaining. It was awesome!!! Thank you so much!! For those who have asked, she is at UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento - Rm. 7785, Bed 2.

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