Still No Vent

Nothing new to report today. Still waiting on our vent. Caroline's down to breathing tx's every 6 hours. We have noticed some blood in her trach but they think it's most likely from the suctioning--which has let up tremendously. She's happy and feels good. That makes taking care of her easy. Seeing her friends and getting out of the room really helped lift her spirits. She's "feeling the love" all right. I've hung every card she's gotten. Her room is rockin', for sure! She got a postcard from Jamal (her RT last wk) today who is vacationing in Boston. How cool is that? She's definitely made some new friends! They have taken very good care of her in the TICU. 17 days is the longest she's ever been hospitalized. We're all tired( haggard is more like it) and anxious to get home. Caroline was funny today. She pulled a blanket up over her head and while I pulled her in the wagon she made the sign of the cross and blessed everyone. Lots of "Peace be with you ('s)!!" Needless to say, Kran was very proud! She got to paint a pumpkin and decorate a cookie in the Zone. We're trying to get her back on a normal sleep schedule...Ahhh, sleep.....

So Happy Together

Had an awesome visit with the Green girls last night! So excited to finally see them. Dr. Julius stopped by for a photo. He's taking very good care of her! Still waiting on our vent. Still feeling good. Stopped two more meds. Hard to believe we've been here for 16 days. Thank you, Ms. Harrigan, for stopping by today. What a great surprise!! Thank you for all the goodies and for looking over her plural possessives!!

Surprise Visit

Caroline just had a surprise visit from Mrs. Sproat, Brooke, and Harry! Thank you for visiting and for all the goodies! She loves the poster from her classmates, too. We'll be sure to hang it in her room. Thanks a bunch! Good luck in Athens tomorrow, Harry! Hope it's a good run~

Friday am

Caroline and Catherine go head to head! How cute is that costume?! Never know who will drop in up here~ A laugh was a good way to start our day!

Caroline's still doing quite well. She's really moving her chest congestion and has had a few plugs. She's benefited from the Exsufflator for sure. The precaution lift has been nice and she has enjoyed getting out of her room. No new news really. Just waiting on the vent.

Countdown is on

Aunt T visited with Caroline today while I met w/ the home healthcare provider to make sure our house is "vent friendly." He went over the vent and said they should be able to deliver it to the hospital tomorrow. It will have to go through Biohazard but should be at her bedside by tomorrow evening. D/C plans are for next Wednesday. Caroline still feels really good. She is looking forward to some friends visiting now that she's able to go to the lobby.

Hall Pass

This is Caroline's RT, James "Gentle Giant". She likes him the best because he doesn't "suck her heart through her throat." With some oxygen and a little suction, they could rule the world! Seriously, he's been a great educator! The Pulm. shot our day pass idea down but did give her a hall pass. She cannot touch anything and has to wear a mask ( just as well ) but is able to leave her room for 30 minutes at a time. We'll take it! I think we'll go sit outside for a bit and get some fresh air. Any change of scenery will be nice.

Still waiting on our home vent. Caroline just had a long talk with the NP for the Pulm.'s office. We're going to get rid of this valve and try capping like we do at home. She's losing too much O2 through the valve and that's why her sats are dropping. Flu vaccine ordered for tomorrow-she needed "one more day." She finished her homework and is reading her magazines Meg brought her. Caroline wants me to upload more pictures. She has enjoyed showing her blog to the staff. Thanks for checking in.