Busy afternoon

After this morning's surgery Alan showed no sign of wanting to nap, and good thing since it was a busy afternoon. Doc H2 came by to check on Alan's progress. He is still waiting on the pathology report on Alan's tumor. It is taking longer than normal, probably because they need time to de-calcify the tumor. Until then, we will be waiting to make any further treatment decisions. If and what kind of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy will depend on confirming the pathology of the tumor and the margins achieved, in conjunction with Alan's treatment history. If radiation is necessary, he is likely a candidate for Proton Therapy. Many of our little friends at the RMHH are going through Proton Therapy and it would be a wonderful option if we have to look at radiation.

The ICU OT came by to work with Alan. And by "work" we mean "play". She came with some stickers and paper, and after a little encouragement, Alan was peeling dots and rectangles and decorating the paper. She was trying to get him to cover a dot she had drawn on the paper, but he wanted to make a line of dots first - so typical of Alan! We also worked on stacking, nesting, and banging his bath cups. We wanted Alan to be lifting his arms, especially his right arm, so we held the stickers, papers and cups up and away so he would have to reach. He was having fun!

Then Santa came on a trip through the ICU! The ICU staff had come in with Santa with toys and a balloon with lots of curling ribbon, just the way Alan likes it! Ripping the wrapping paper off the presents proved to be too much for him, especially after all the therapy work. He was able to pull the balloon down to play with the ribbons though, especially when we attached a sticker it!

Then Auntie Joys came by to kiss toes and spend the night. She had arrived in Houston this afternoon with her whole family and big brother Kevin. If we can make it out of the ICU for Christmas, there will be lots of family!

The ICU pediatrician decided that Alan can start trying some clear liquids, so we offered him apple juice, chicken broth, and Popsicles. The juice was a hit and the broth was well received. Alan didn't care for the Popsicle though - surprising since he usually loves them. It's a good start though, and a baby step towards getting that ND tube out. Alan may be thinking the same thing, because he's been pulling at it. For now though, it has to stay put.


Alan ripping his present open


Ribbons! And you can see his sticker work too!