3 FOR 3: Hospital visits

Well, we are on a roll!

I decided to call the doctor about Riley's ear because it was just getting worse and his temperature was still all over the map, one minute his was 99.8 then 4 minutes later he would drop to 97 then 8 minutes later he would be in the 99's again, this went on for hours. I turned the air on because he was getting so hot and it was easier to cover him when he got cold then it was to try to cool him down.
They finally got back with me around 3:00p.m. and said to go to our pediatrician to get his ears looked at then have them page our oncologist Dr. Sato. We went in about 3:50 and of course my wonderful Doctor wasn't in, so we had to see his partner.
He confirmed that there was inflammation and fluid starting to pool behind his ear, not a full blown ear infection, but with Riley's immune system it could be in no time! So after talking with Dr. Sato, they decided we needed to go to the hospital and get a blood culture and antibiotics. (SIGH).... access his port again???? When I told Riley this, he just bawled and bawled. He was sooooo sad. He said, "mom, I am very very scared." It was so sad... I cried and said me too!
We had to put the numbing cream on his port and wait an hour, so we went home and got dad and headed back to Payson Hospital. By this time we had to register in the E.R. and there were 2 girls helping us. I asked one of them if they had any experience with ports and they looked at each other and said no, and that they would call lab techs and ask them. After several minutes, they got back to us and said NO, no one had any experience with ports..... in fact, they had never even seen a port before.....WHAT??? THIS IS A HOSPITAL.....WHAT??? I was so dang mad. I said thank you but no thank you, you are not touching my son!
So we drove to Utah Valley. (I know I said we wasn't going to go there again, but we did!) Once we got there, the nurse that came out happened to be one of my good neighbors up the street! I was so relieved! I knew he would help us!! And he did, after a few calls and ultimately getting us to the 3rd floor ped's where there was a cute nurse that had some experience with ports and did a fine job!! Thank you so much Brad with everything!! It could have been REAL bad without your help!!
When we looked at his port from the night before there was a Hematoma on it. Which is a little dot of blood where the last needle was inserted but it caused swelling and bruising which could be a problem if this next port access was on it. So it was a little concerning but we were able to make it work.
We were there until about 9:00p.m. We had a run around with calls to the dr. to order the meds, then getting them from pharmacy, so it took a long time but in the end we had a dose of antibiotics and some fluid. They took a blood culture so they can detect germs in the blood and see what kind they are and possibly where they started from so we can adjust his antibiotics to get rid of the infection. They will have this tested over the next couple of days and get back with us. So for now, we have an oral antibiotic to give him everyday for 10 days.
 
When we got home, Riley finally eat some cereal!! It has been about 48 hours since he has eaten anything, so this was a big deal!!

Here is my sick boy..... but he still has a smile on his face! Love him!!

Today is Thursday and so far so good!! He is fighting me on the antibiotics but he did eat a tiny bit! He also slept in til almost 11:00a.m. ...... Sure wish mom could have too!! Oh well, at least he is looking and feeling a little bit better!

I am still so frustrated.... I spared you a lot of the little details that made this night even worse, all I can say is..... Can UTAH COUNTY HOSPITALS get some trained employee's that can access ports in under 4 hours that have heparin on hand!! GOOD GREIF!!!
I think I need a nap and a Valium!! I am just sick about the last few nights and I think I might see if there is a class to take on accessing ports so I can just do it at home then take him in!! Haha!! I wish!!