Post Op Day 7

8:30PM

What a difference a day makes! Little warrior man did a complete 180 and had the best day. So much so that they’ve started throwing around the big D word for us to break out of this joint! His team is switching him from IV meds to oral in preparation to leave. Woohoo! Since Apollo had some fluid in both lungs, he’s going to have another chest xray tomorrow morning and I’ll be holding my breath for the results. I feel like it’s his 135th xray since we’ve been here! 

Today involved a whole lot of playing. A lot of playing! We took a bit of a rest (for 10 minutes) before a NP needed to check him out and ruined his nap. Shucks! So we played more and had a dinner date in the cafeteria. My warrior has lost a pound since surgery and today was the first time he really ate close to his normal capacity. Dr. Emani came to visit after he was done in the OR and was quite pleased even after the little bump in the recovery road yesterday. After our discussion, I may even start dreaming of being all together again at home! Bring on the chaos!! 

He wanted everyone to see his pterodactyl which was previously a triceratops and a tyrannosaurus.

He’s stringing his Beads of the Heart which represent every poke, prod, xray, appointment, therapy, and other experiences here at the hospital. He’s earned every single one!

So there’s this boy and he’s completely stolen my heart!

If you could only see my antics behind the camera which elicit these priceless smiles...

My dinner date - cheers!

Pretty sure we’re gong to need to buy a plane ticket for his new mama and baby bears. They’re literally as big as him!

11AM

Quick update because someone wants to play, play, play! Apollo had a rough night but woke up feeling great!! His chest X-ray showed some pleural effusions but both are minor in his lungs. They upped his lasix and gave more IV diuretics to get ahead of it. He had to have a blood draw since his remaining IVs are too old and no longer good. It was the first time he didn’t cry (he usually screams!) which made Mama tear up with pride. He has come such a long way! He also had an early Echo so we’ll see how that looks. Our favorite child life specialist asked if he would like to be part of their “stories” and be a model for having an Echo. At first he was hesistant but then happily obliged when we explained he would help other children. Another proud moment! And he didn’t have to go back on oxygen overnight! We are celebrating everything wonderful because I was truly scared after last night. You all must’ve stormed heaven even more than before. Thank you!!

Showing off his prizes from the blood draw

Running into the playroom with his infamous slippers which are commented on nonstop. So funny!