It's been a long week though thankfully not a terrible one. He's had some reactions to the high dose chemo that he received last week that have come and gone. Things have settled down a bit - just in time for his next round of high dose chemo but that's kind of the way things go. We have decided to stay in Memphis until mid-December. Technically we could go home at this point and while I have full confidence in the St Jude affiliate at home the idea of him being admitted to the regular hospital at home was really causing a lot of stress. It's a perfectly fine hospital with a very good reputation but at St Jude the nurse to patient ratio is incredibly low and it specializes in childhood cancer so no kid there has a working immune system so they take precautions to the next level. And all the kids, parents, and staff members are COVID tested at least once a week so that's helps me breathe a little easier (though I will not miss those weekly tests when we do finally go home!).
We went to the zoo this weekend which was really fun. We had gotten the okay from the doctor to get out some just as long as he wasn't in crowds, maintained social distance, wore his mask (which is an N95) and were outside as much as possible. So we thought we'd give the zoo a try and it was a lot of fun. It was really the first time we've been anywhere since he was diagnosed where his being obviously sick drew attention so that took a lot of getting used to but it didn't bother him. His endurance level is pretty low so we only were there for about an hour before he was wiped out but we will go back and see what we missed another day.
St. Jude sounds amazing, actually, and thank goodness it's there for kids like Will who need it. I'm glad you guys had a decent week. Hopefully the next round of chemo won't be too bad for him. Sending lots of prayers and well wishes for you guys throughout this process. Nice that you guys got to get out and do the zoo, even if only briefly. I'm sure he enjoyed that.
ReplyDeleteBe well this week and hope the week ahead is a good one for you guys!
Sounds like a great decision as St Judes seems like the best place to be. I'm glad you were able to visit the zoo and have a little fun. He's a trooper.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you're all going through this, Katherine. I'm glad this week wasn't too bad for you all.
ReplyDeleteI think the decision to stay in Memphis is a good one. Taking extra precautions is a really good thing. Take care and keep reading.
I'm so glad you were able to enjoy a trip to the zoo and completely understand your decision to stay in Memphis for a while. Take care, Katherine. Thinking of you all...
ReplyDeleteI need to check out Cat me if you can! Sounds right up my alley-cat!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad things are stable there Katherine. Take care of yourself!
Elza Reads
I'm so glad st. Jude is providing for y'all so well. And how nice that he was able to spend some time at the zoo! I hope the reactions aren't as bad this week. Hugs to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI think listening to your stress level and disquiet about going home really works. We do need to do what makes us feel we are choosing what sits best with us. All the best for the next chemo round. Also very impressed that the hospital Covid tests you all each week. Take care and hope all your reading is great.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are able to be at St. Jude, and that they are taking such good precautions. Sounds like that really is the best place to be. And the zoo sounds like a lovely break from the hospital. I continue to pray for his recovery and for all of you, and I'm grateful he is getting the best care available.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the St. Jude's help is so great. I've only heard great things about them.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your books and your week, and stay safe.
Sounds like you made the right decision for your son. Glad you could get some outdoor time and hopefully can do more as he feels up to it. Prayers continue!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy some good books this week.
I can see why you'd want to stay close to St Jude's for the time being; it sounds like the right place to be. Nice that you were able to enjoy some time out at the zoo - a break for you all, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your current reads & a good week to you.
I think you all made the right decision. With that kind of nurse to patient ratio I would opt to stay in Memphis as well. Sending you good thoughts all the time.
ReplyDeleteThe zoo sounds like it might be fun. It's hard to get out these days with the virus concerns so I'm glad an opportunity was presented to get out and have some fun.
St Jude's and their staff are wonders. And it sounds like the right decision to stay there. I hope the next round of chemo goes well. And the zoo sounds wonderful:)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are going to stay close to the hospital until December, and it sounds like you had a good visit to the zoo.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a really great hospital your son is in so I can imagine the stressful choice ahead of you will be tough. I think you have made the right decision for your son.
ReplyDeleteI think you’ve made the right decision to stay put. That’s great news you managed to get out and about and the zoo can be such great fun.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week.
Glad you were able to get out a bit, even if just for a little while. Keeping you all in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your mother started the update group. I think about you all, every day. 💟💟💟
ReplyDeleteSt. Jude has the best reputation ever, so hopefully staying there will help reduce some of the stress. The zoo sure sounds like fun! Hope you can go back soon. I thought Unwell was riveting. Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteWhat resilience your son has; glad he was able to get out a bit for some fun. I think you made a good decision to stay in Memphis at St. Jude. Bless them all for their care.
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