Day +219
Day +219 and Nick is doing well. He continues to face each day with a positive attitude even though he is stuck at home. Nick has been allowed to attend outside events and church events as long as it is in small groups. Football and MYF have been the high point of his week. Unfortunately, these days are becoming numbered because of the cold weather and the flu season. The isolation is a constant battle, Nick feels well enough to be out doing things but the threat continues to be too great to socialize and attend events inside that would include a large crowd. Seasonal flu and Swine flu is life threatening to Nick. PLEASE consider getting vacinated against the seasonal flu and swine flu....this not only benefits you but the many immune comprimised children and adults that you may come in contact with. You may be able to fight the flu without any problem but there are MANY people that you come ion contact with on a daily basis that cannot!!! Flu season is a very scary time for so many people that cannot fight the illness. If you choose not to get vaccinated, please stay home if you are sick. Okay, enough with my "get vaccinated " speech!
Yesterday, Nick was at Akron Children's for his check up, level check and IVIG. IVIG is an infusion that helps keep Nick healthy...it basically gives him an immune system to help fight off germs. IVIG is very expensive...about $10,000 per bag. Well, our insurance denied the treatment. So, now we are faced with a potentially very bad flu season with very little protection. He did receive the flu shot, so hopefully this will help. The doctors will continue to fight the insurance company and hopefully they can somehow convince the insurance company to reconsider.
Nick also continues to lose weight. The doctors are concerned because at this point, post transplant, there should be a steady weight gain. So, we met with a nutritionist and discussed ways to supplement his diet. Hopefully this will make a difference. I have to try to figure out a way to increase his calories without increasing the rest of the families calories....looks like I will be making 2 seperate meals. :-(
Also, Nick has a very infected toe which has made it difficult to wear shoes and walk. They cultured it yesterday and added antibiotic ointment and oral meds. Just what he needed...more pills to take!!!
Nick's skin continues to be a problem, as it is very fragile to the touch...any little bump or scrape and his skin tends to come off. This is a common complication of GVHD of the skin but also very painful and leaves him at a higher risk of infection due to open wounds. (Yet, another chance of infection!!!)
All of this may sound like alot but Nick really is doing so well! There are so many kids that are much worse off than Nick. Last month was a very hard one for our BMT family. Too many children lost their battle!!
We have been so blessed and we have so much to be thankful for!!
Yes.. Nick is missing his freshman year
Yes..Nick cannot play football
Yes.. Nick is still in isolation
Yes.. Nick deals with things that no child should ever have to deal with
BUT....Nick is still here with us, getting better everyday!!!! God is Good!
Thanks for checking in!!
Posted:
10/1/2009 10:24:49 AM
by
Sandy | with
208 comments