No Relief

CT & Angela in the ER Saturday afternoon.

So far nothing has helped to reduce her pain. The decadron is to help reduce the swelling she has in the brain and it should have relieved her pressure by now, but so far nothing. Again her morphine dosage was increased to try to help. The list of meds seems to grow and grow. She received a platelet transfusion today as Dr. Maris said he is very concerned now about bleeding. Additionally, he said her heart could stop at any time. Her vomitting continues and she hasn't a bit to eat again today. Ugh!

We've just returned after spending a few hours at the adult hospital next door (HUP) doing all of the necessary work ups for her radiation and she had her first treatment. She is such a trooper! I love this gal!! (The individuals who were called in tonight for this emergency radiation were incredibly sweet. The basement of HUP incredibly creepy.) I could barely make myself sign the consent forms for the "full brain radiation" seeing the big list of side effects, but somehow I quit reading and just signed them. (Truly nothing you'd ever pick for your child if you had a real choice.) We pray that she starts to feel better soon. Tomorrow at 9AM she'll again have the full brain radiation to try to stop the spread of what everyone keeps referring to as "the large mass". (Like I wasn't queasy enough before!)

Shayla happily left all buckled in the Grant's backseat with Celie and Brigid at noon. I know she is in great hands and probably hasn't been told, "Quiet!" once since she left the hospital. This morning was incredibly tough with so much being thrown at us and with Christi in horrendous pain. The doctors would pull us out in the hall so we'd leave Shayla in the room alone. Once, after a long consult, we can back and found the room all straightened up. Another time we walked in and couldn't find her - she was on her knees in the bathroom with a wet paper towel cleaning the floor. (She didn't learn that from me!) Seriously, it must be a coping mechanism of some sort and I had two talks with her today about the fact it's okay to let us know how she's feeling and what she's thinking and she doesn't need to take on the role of trying to be good and happy to cheer mommy and daddy up. Guidance counselors, your help is most welcome!

Tina, Christi was awake just long enough to say the balloons you sent were pretty and she wanted to tell Shelby a "Happy 12th Birthday" but couldn't sit up long. (Shayla thought you were here because we said, "Aunt Tina sent the balloons." She was disappointed, but she learned an important lesson - Today Shayla learned the power of a credit card!) Christi was able to joke with the sweet nurse a couple of times today by making her stuffed cat say "meow". (Very cute!) We'll settle in with some chicken noodle soup now and try to get some sleep tonight, somehow.

Prayer Request: We pray for Christi's pain to cease and for her little soul.