Sarcasm to the 10th degree

Unfortunately, Torrey's white blood count was back up to 22,000 today.
So, we are not on a downward trend as we hoped.
The good news is that this spike was not accompanied by a fever or any other issues.
So, the doctors are not too concerned about this, and are continuing with the current treatments.

He had dialysis again today to take off some fluid, and his blood pressure was fine (they have kept him on the blood pressure meds, but are trying to wean him bit by bit).

His breathing is also much better, and they are still trying to wean him from the breathing tube. He is very anxious to get rid of it, so hopefully we have no further setbacks in that arena.

He was extremely alert today, and very sarcastic and obnoxious.
It got to the point where I told him I was just going to sit in the chair away from his bed until he shaped up.

He laid there for about 10 minutes in what looked to be deep thought, and then finally motioned me over and asked me to rub his forehead. He was much better behaved after that.
I guess time-outs also work with adults!

His range of motion is really good now. He has to wear special boots for his feet for a few hours each day. He hates this, so the nurse told him what exercises he needed to do in lieu of wearing the boots. I actually saw him doing these exercises this evening, so I know he is becoming more rational.

He is still being very weird about non-family visitors. I can't get him to respond very well when the subject comes up.....but, my feeling is that once the breathing tube is out, I can get a much better sense of where he is mentally and emotionally. Hopefully at that point he'll be happy to have the company.

This week has been very emotionally draining, so you can imagine how relieved I am to have him strong again.

Thalia has been home for less than 48 hours, and I am starting to notice some behavioral changes. She gets really freaked out at things that never bothered her before - she now has a morbid fear of flies and mosquitoes, and starts crying at the drop of a hat. She is putting a lot of pressure on herself to be perfectly behaved, and went on a weird cleaning binge last night that seemed to border OCD.
I contacted the CONCERN folks through BGI today to get a local referral for a child-play therapy specialist. I am also going to speak with the child life therapists at the med center.
I told Thalia about this, and she seems very open to it.
She definitely seems to grasp that what is happening to our family does not necessarily happen to everybody, and that there are people who can help her try to feel better while we go through this.
Her bravery and considerate & loving nature have amazed me through this whole ordeal. I told her last night how proud I am of her, and she replied, "I am so proud of you too Mommy".
Her 'mini-vaca' definitely helped change her focus for a few days, and I am so thankful that she had this worry-free time, but too bad we can't always be on vacation!

I am so looking forward to the day that Torrey is w/o the breathing tube and is back to his old self so Thalia can come to the hospital for a visit. I think that day will bring some much needed healing for all of us.

I received more cards, emails, phone calls, and, of course, comments left on the blog (that I ready religiously each day) this week. I can't thank everyone enough for your support and encouragement. It really helps to keep us going.

Hoping to update this blog with more of Torrey's antics tomorrow! The nurses warned me that the patients who wake up from comas are extremely annoying for several days before they go back to normal. Please pray for me to have the patience! Amy G - I assume you know what I am talking about :) I did tell Torrey today, though, that I am ok if he needs to take some frustration out on me - I'd much rather him being annoying than not be awake.

Have a happy Friday,
Monica