Post Op Day #7

11:30am
Today should be the big day to say "sayonara" to those pesky chest tubes! I am holding my breath and waiting on the team's every word. They wanted Apollo up and about and that's what we've done all morning. After a morning showing of "The Secret Life of Pets", I gave him a sponge bath and went for a long walk around the unit. We found our way to the playroom and haven't moved for nearly 2 hours! Dr. Marx found us again and oohed and aahed over our brave boy. They are all just so surprised how well Apollo has done and cautious that he still won't have pleural effusion. He mentioned the word "discharge" for maybe tomorrow or Thursday! Yes please!!

We also had a special furry visitor named Sam. Apollo loved him and pet him over and over. Uh oh, after our Cooper, I said we would never have a dog again...

The dietitian also found us again as Apollo has been on her radar and checks in often. He's at the point where he really needs to start consuming more calories so we spoke at length and will try several different treats. She's sending up all the unhealthy foods he loves like Oreo cookies, chips, and crackers. She said it's not about healthy calories, just calories at this point so whatever he will eat works for her. Ok, if you say so! We have free reign of smoothies and shakes and she wants me to order one of every kind if it will help us find what he likes.

Crossing fingers for a big update this afternoon!

5:00pm
Just when we were starting to think today wasn't our day, we were pleasantly surprised and the chest tubes are no more! Gone! It was quite the production and a student nurse was denied watching since there were already six of us in the room. Apollo did great and I'm so very thankful! Sadly, he had an epic meltdown right before because I made him leave the playroom to start his IV meds for the tube removal. He screamed and cried for a really long time, tantrumed, and scratched himself. His nurses were shocked but I explained this is the raw truth of adoption. It's hard but it's worth all of the pain, fear, and sadness.

Just as he was falling asleep on my lap, we were taken to the treatment room for all of the excitement. We're now waiting for an Echo (which can qualify him to be discharged!). He will then need a clear chest xray for him to kiss this place goodbye for a couple months. My handsome boy!