NIH Day 6

Things are better today!  Jane and I both slept last night, and Jane’s pain is way better.  She’s still not feeling super, but honestly I think we’ve turned a corner.

Since Jane’s pain was better controlled this morning the pediatric oncology fellow and attending—who reminds me of a dear pediatrician friend of ours from Canada (if you’re reading this, it’s you, Elske!)—and we decided our goals for today were for Jane to walk around a bit, try to eat some more, and maybe even have a shower.  Jane was not thrilled with these ideas, but the fact that I am starting to annoy her makes me think she is feeling a bit more like herself again <3  

Mid-morning a woman from “Recreation Therapy” came by to see if Jane wanted any games or puzzle books.  She also asked if Jane would like to visit the Relaxation Room where they have a type of gentle massage chair.  We thought we’d give it a try, so we washed her up a bit and got her dressed in clothes for the first time since surgery!  Yay!  We had to walk to the Physical Therapy room, a distance about the length of one of the halls at her school (ie not too far).  She made it there easily and we spent about 1/2 hour in the chairs (Jane said they didn’t really make her relax) but walking back to our room we had to stop for her to vomit :(  Poor kiddo.

Maybe not so much.

After some anti-nausea medicine Jane was able to take a nap and I did some laundry.

Our nurse today is awesome again.  Not only is she kind and capable, but instead of a scrub top she’s wearing a t-shirt with Baby Yoda on it :)  All the staff are really lovely here in Pedi Oncology.  I guess you have to be lovely if you’re going to work with children with cancer.  Their daily schedule is so much more humane than in the ICU or adult inpatient units.  For example, they don’t come in patients’ rooms until after 9am!  (To all the patients I woke before 7am in my career: I am so, so sorry.)

Our pediatric oncology fellow this week is great, too.  At one point she discovered that we like the Lord of the Rings, and she was excited because she and her husband are big fans, too.  She checks in regularly now to hear the LotR trivia questions Alec has been sending us.

Duh, again.

For lunch Jane had the first solid food she’s been able to tolerate since the surgery—a peanut butter sandwich!

Updating Todd with Jane's progress

Jane ended up doing several short walks around our hospital unit today.  On one of our walks today we found a bulletin board with pictures of all the staff’s pets.  It turns out our favorite nurse from the NF Pediatric Clinic has a BICHON FRISE just like our Henri!!  We can’t wait to see him again to tell him.

Mr Jessie's dog!

Jane is pretty worn out this evening, but all in all it’s been a day of victories.