Today was long, with a few highlights worth mentioning here. Tessa had her catheter taken out in the middle of the night... and she didn't even wake up. In fact, neither did I. I think Joanna did, but I'm not even sure about that. Hmmm. So for most of the day, Tess only had one tube left: the IV access in her foot. She had an EKG in the middle of the morning, and a cardiologist came in - a dry, entertaining man whose mission was to come up with an explanation for Tessa's "heart pause" during surgery. He failed. We were thrilled. He gave her a clear report card and clearance to go home. The surgical residents came by and also gave her the green light (although Tessa attempted to protest, requesting to stay for "several more days"). So all we were waiting for was for Tess to... um... void. Since the catheter had come out, she needed to prove her ability to employ all of her bodily functions before the nurses gave the final green light. So we pushed fluids. And we waited. And we tried over and over. And that's how Tessa came to take her first steps since the surgery - baby steps to the potty and back.
Tess getting her EKG; Tess' first steps to the pottyWhile encouraging her body to process the fluids, we snuggled a bit in bed, we went to the play room and played trains. Tess is responding really well to the oral meds - they're keeping her pain well under control. Walking with her, Jo and I each holding a hand, was precious.
Tess and dad waiting for bodily functions; The playroom on 10 SouthFinally, 255 cc's later, we were cleared for takeoff. Our nurse, Wendy, wisked that last IV access out of her foot. Jo and I had a chance to talk to the oncologist, Dr. Diller. This is the one Tessa tried to fire. During one visit, we told Tess that her clump doctor was here. She retorted, "I don't need a clump doctor. I don't have a clump anymore." But we decided to maintain the relationship with her anyways. So we had a chance to say thank you and good bye to Dr. Diller, and to Wendy. Then, we took our last steps as a patient of Children's Hopsital, and came home.
Saying goodbye to Dr. Diller; Last steps at Children's
3 comments:
Tim your words so totally transmit the spirit of this whole ordeal/miracle; it's just amazing how we feel so connected through rdg this. Look fwd to seeing "home again" ...
Aunty Kathy Lethbridge,AB
Hey guys,
We are so thrilled that you are home!! We're moving into Gloucester tomorrow, so we're psyched to be living in the same town as you...for once!! :0) Lis and I can't wait to see you guys!! We continue to pray for her recovery. We love you all.
Hi Tim and Joanna,
We have appreciated reading these very touching accounts and have been keeping both of you, and dear little Tess, Justin and the baby yet to come, in our prayers. Thanks for letting us share this time with you, even from a distance.
Judy and Bob Reynolds, ST-Lambert, Quebec
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