ICU Day 6

6:55 AM: Melissa's mom just called me to say that Myla's condition has worsened, so we're heading back over to the hospital. Apparently, she has been screaming the last 4 hours, her skin is showing a mottled redness she had when they thought she had septic shock, and another buildup of medical people is starting in the hospital room. I'll try to let you know what I found out when I get there.

7:13 AM: I had just pulled the car up to the overhang in front of the Ronald McDonald House so that Raul Matthew wouldn't have to walk to the parking lot in the rain when a second call came in--this one passing that Melissa thinks it would be better to let Raul Matthew sleep. So, I'm back at the room for now. In the meantime, here's what I know: Myla has been screaming for the past few hours, and the pain medication they have given her appears to be having no effect. The doctors just examined an x-ray they took this morning, and their assessment is that Myla's pain is caused by gas. If so, that's a good sign, I guess, as it would indicate that her digestive system is taking steps to return to normal. She hasn't eaten a thing since last Friday, so that has to be factored into the picture as well. From what I understand, the doctors are looking for a way to better manage her pain. There was a question about whether she can have another dose of morphine. Melissa's mom also reported that the purplish color that had concerned doctors on Friday had made a partial return, so we'll have to keep an eye on that. Her blood pressure seems acceptable and her heart rate has been in the 150s even with her crying, and that's significantly less than the 220s we had seen on Friday. Myla's cry is also different, and she seems to have difficulty breathing as well. Apparently, doctors are also a bit concerned that her vocal chords are swelling up due to the crying and possibly the residual irritation of having been on a ventilator.

12:34 PM: Melissa called to tell me that Myla is doing much better now. The pain had been caused by gas in her system, and after she had a small bowel movement she calmed down. She's now been sleeping for a couple of hours. So, that's good news. Some great news is that Myla's ANC is 40 today! This means that her immune system is coming back to life, which means that her own body will soon be able to fight off any infections and she won't have to rely soley on antibiotics to do the job. Melissa also reported that Myla's color has returned to normal, and she might even be able to nurse sometime this afternoon. Further, they told us we could probably head back up to the cancer center on the 5th floor tomorrow! That's great news because it gets us out of the germy environment of the ICU that serves a general population of kids having everything from chicken pox to MRSA.

3:48 PM: Myla is sleeping with a wonderful peace about her this afternoon, or at least in the times I've been in and out of the room. She awoke for about 20 minutes as the nurses were changing her lines, but she was seemed content and held onto my finger as she fell back to sleep. Okay, she held onto one of my fingers for those of you who might be concerned about me. :) Raul Matthew did a wonderful job cohosting the bingo show on the hospital TV network this afternoon with Beth from Child Life! Here are some recent photos:

1. Myla yesterday with her eyes open.
2. Raul Matthew and Audrey doing Tae Kwon Do in the ICU.
3. Myla being held by Melissa, Audrey, and Julie.
4. A resident examining Myla last night.
5. Aunt Kim visits with Raul Matthew.
6. Myla gripping Grandma's hand.
7. Myla's belly. The circle of ink marked the area that had been red and bulging. Looks much better now!

11:19 PM: The evening finds Myla alternating between sleeping and fussing. Her vital signs and temperature all look good, but she would rather cry than nurse. Hopefully, she'll just pass the time by staying in a contented sleep. Same for Melissa. She's been averaging about 2 hours of sleep during the last few days. With tomorrow comes the prospect of moving out of ICU and back to the 5th floor. But, that all depends on how well she is doing tomorrow. Melissa is not convinced that Myla should be heading away from ICU quite yet, so we'll see. From what I understand, there is not a private room available in the hemoc floor where we usually stay, so that means we might end up sharing a room with another patient or being placed temporarily in the Stem Cell unit which is also on the same floor. Wherever we go, it will be nice to leave ICU behind us. I never thought I would look forward to taking my child to the cancer ward, but I guess that's where we are tonight. :)