SATURDAY DAY 7...day 8
Noticed Tim had a small rash on his left thigh at the exact site where he had an abscess back in May. Consultant Dr Peter O’Reagan who is on call this weekend was called at 6am—no action until he has seen it. Causing Tim no concern. Tim awoke at 8:15 with sore throat, hopefully not the start of mouth ulcers, he has been so diligent with his mouth care. Tim thinks it may be irritation from the N/G tube (possible hopeful thinking). Wait for consultant. Panadol given for discomfort.Dr O’Reagan was of the opinion the triple antibiotics he is currently on will cover the possible infection in his leg but it will be monitored closely. Morphine infusion started for mucositis. Starting slowly 1ml per hour to keep him comfortable and keep panadol up. This is what was anticipated, no surprises. N/G tube stays. Tim is fine, no pain and slept the afternoon away. The medical staff want to keep on top of things before Tim is in real pain and discomfort. We are not worried, have seen him much worse on several other previous occasions.
Neglected to mention the support we have rec’d from the Chaplins at the hospital, Fr John Egan and Fr Pat Tynan. Together they found accommodation nearby available from Jan 1 2003. A parishioner from a nearby parish Mr Peter Clements phoned Thurs night to offer his house as they were going away for Christmas for the interim. Such generosity. It is comforting to know we can call on him if the need arises. We have so many goodwill experiences, we are definitely not alone. Tim has touched the hearts of so many people and they in return have touched us. It’s amazing.
SUNDAY DEC 8...DAY 9
Tim slept well. Interviewed Nanny—Soraya. Originally from New Zealand, family moved to Australia when she was 9. She has a challenge ahead of her, entertaining 5 children without any toys. Waiting for Father Christmas to arrive….. This will inspire the kids to behave hopefully. The Salvation Army Band played Christmas Carols and children rec’d quiz books and bits and pieces.We have been invited out tonight by Peter and Gay Clements. The children and Gerri are very excited. Just what we need, some time out. Phil and Nicholas will stay with Tim and hopefully Nicholas will have an early night which he desperately needs.
Dr O’Reagan saw Tim today, happy with his progress. Needs platelets. Sleeping a lot—he is fine—just the morphine. Thanks Cris Moroney for your lovely letter and special card for Tim. Did you make it? The key chain for Matt is very special—not silly at all. Thankyou everyone for your cards and emails—we all enjoyed the Melenhorst’s. Laughter is the best medicine.
Gerri and older kids had an enjoyable night out with Peter and Gay Clements and their daughter Laura and Job. Dinner at their home and then caught a train into South Brisbane – Southgate. Saw the annual Christmas boating parade on the Brisbane River, the boats all lit up and decorated and floated past with Christmas Carols playing and fireworks finished the night off.
Monday Dec 9...day 10
Tim’s dirrhoea has not changed but his bottom has improved. Changing his feeds to TPN through his port and trickle a feed 5ml per hour through N/G tube to keep his gut working – will see if his dirrhoea seizes. Tim has been vomiting a lot of phlegm with specks of blood. Zantac being administered to help with internal healing. Physio will be working with Tim everyday to help with his chest and concern of muscle wastage in his legs. He went to the respiratory lab today for his LFT (lung function test). One of the pre-BMT workup tests. These were done in Melb Sept/Oct but would like an updated baseline as well as RCH Melb results to compare. His blood test today showed his Vitamin K level (due to his liver) has dropped so was given some of Vitamin K.Dr O’Reagan did the hospital rounds today and Dr Robertson came later in the afternoon. – Tim is as expected.
Soraya started today as Nanny. She came well prepared with lots of ideas. Children happy, Andrew and Nicholas tried to “test the water” and sunk. By the time Phil came home 5:30pm the children had eaten dinner and were showered
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