Becca's Wish Trip........Update:September 2011.....Photo's....Sorta :)

I am with Becca on her rules! If I ever need to have Lovenox injections again, I will post the same rules for myself! :thumbsup2 I love that girl!
 
I am with Becca on her rules! If I ever need to have Lovenox injections again, I will post the same rules for myself! :thumbsup2 I love that girl!

Heather, when you had your Lovonox did it sting after you were given the shot?

Becca says that her belly has twinges inside at the shot site for a few minutes after.

I see you are going to Disneyland......How exciting!!!:banana::banana::banana:
 
Heather, when you had your Lovonox did it sting after you were given the shot?

Becca says that her belly has twinges inside at the shot site for a few minutes after.

I see you are going to Disneyland......How exciting!!!:banana::banana::banana:

Oh yes, I would say it hurt worse than a sting! The needle going in didn't hurt, but the injection site hurt quite a bit, for a long time. I had a lot of bruising on my stomache from it.

I really feel for her having to have those nasty injections, on top of everything else. I only had to use Lovenox 2x/day for 3 months and now I'm on coumadin. I have to supplement with Lovenox if my INR gets too low, though.

Yes, I decided this week that we're going to Disneyland! It's just me and the kids this time. This will be the first time I've taken them anywhere on an airplane all on my own. I'm a little nervous
 

Day 70 - Remember the rules (April 16, 2009)

Today marks our ten week anniversary of being in Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Becca has continued to progress in her therapies, she still lacks endurance ans stamina but she lacked those before all of this happened.

This morning in PT Becca played Air Hockey stood at the air hockey table, the result was a tie of 1-1. Becca plays air hockey very cautiously as she hates to get her knuckle rapped by the puck. Her second PT session was leg stretches - which she abhors. The backs of her knees are still quite a lot higher than they should be when she is lying flat and so she is being given intensive stretches to try and straighten them out.

Today we the wheelchair man came in with an electric chair we are considering purchasing. Becca loves all the "Bells and Whistles" on it but is not so keen on the way it drives as it is not quite so easy to maneuver as the one she has been using. We are getting a chance to test it out over the weekend so no decision has to be made yet.

Becca is just finishing up opening the last of the presents out of the Giant Easter Basket from her church family. she would have finished last night but a bath took precedence so she still had presents to look forward to tonight.

David and Becca are now working together on making rules for her twice daily Lovonox shot that goes in her belly. The nurses giggle away at her instructions and have requested that she write the rules down to be posted on the wall so that they all know her preferences for her shot procedure.

Remember the rules:
1. Must be a crinkly occlusion bandage
2. Must be Emla cream, no substitute
3. Must not describe what is being done
4. Must take occlusion bandage off from the outside
5. Must take occlusion bandage off quickly
6. Must allow alcohol to dry completely before proceeding
7. Must be a thumb available to grasp at this point
8. Must say 3,2,1 before giving injection, not 1,2,3
9. Must not wipe with alcohol after injection
10.Must not wipe any blood off
11.Must not use a brown band-aid, only a blue patterned one


Oh the rules are FABULOUS!

I particularly like #8! :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:
 
Yesterdays update, posting a day late, sorry.

Day 71 - (April 17, 2009)

What a beautiful day it was today and Becca actually got to take advantage of it. She was out on the Rehab patio/playground from 10.30am until 11.30am and because she didn't want to go back indoors and she had a free period before lunch I stayed out on the patio with her and we played UNO. I won her 2 games to 1 :)

This afternoon she was exhausted after her PT and developed a headache and an upset stomach (bad headaches and upset stomachs go hand in hand with Rebecca and was the normal course of events before the brain abscess). She had some Tylenol and some Zofran and within 30 minutes she was back working away at speech and OT. In TR she played Wii standing up and had finished her session when the "BOOT CAMP" doctor came in and challenged her to a game. Even though she was shattered she didn't let the challenge go and played him at shooting (half the game stood up and half the game sat on the edge of her chair). She lost by only a few points and promptly told him afterward that he played like daddy - viscous!.......He agreed with her :)

Becca is still trying to master the chair that was brought in yesterday. You can tell that she REALLY wants to like it but you can also tell that she REALLY doesn't like it. We will persevere over the weekend in hopes that she begins to feel confident in maneuvering it around.

Becca has been working on eating "real" food. because she is getting formula in her NG tube and TPN via her PICC line she doesn't have that much of an appetite but we are trying to get her to eat at least something from every tray of food she receives. Today she ate half a Bologna sandwich for her lunch and a cup of ice - which is a lot for Becca, she only eats a full sandwich for lunch at the best of times. Tonight she had around half a chicken drumstick from KFC and two green Popsicle's and a cup of ice. We will get there.....we WILL!
 
Day 72 - Sunny Roof Garden (April 18, 2009)


At 8am, the day started once again. We have found that Bic takes nearly an hour to come round from her sleep. She is a big grump first thing in the morning and after an afternoon nap. It was no surprise that she had no interest in breakfast - not even a cup of ice!

After getting dressed, the respiratory therapist came in to do her 20 minute vest treatment. This is a perfect time to brush her teeth because the pumping of the vest saves having to use arm power to move the toothbrush!

Bic made a trip to the bathroom this morning using her wheelchair - something that is becoming a routine (hurray).

OT was at 9am, so there was no need to get back into bed. She went to the gym in her wheelchair, where she played a game of Sorry. Bic won the therapist!

Bic didn't have to move for Therapeutic Recreation - she had a game of cards (Kings on the Corner).

The doctors came round at the end of this session and we discussed a few things. It was confirmed that the plan was for Bic not to have to go home with TPN or NG tube feeding, so over the next week, these will be weaned off. She has already had her TPN cut back from 18 to 12 hours per day. We also talked about alternative forms of antibiotic for when she isn't taking it by NG. The liquid and capsules make Bic want to throw up when she puts them into her mouth. They are looking into whether the drug is in tablet form that can be broken into small pieces to swallow, though they were not very hopeful. Overall, they were really happy with Bic's progress and could see huge differences in her from even a week ago.

Immediately after, Bic had PT. She was asked to walk with the help of her walker, but Bic refused. She told the therapist that she didn't need her walker and chose to walk unaided! She walked about 15 feet, then sat down on a raised mat. After resting for five minutes, she agreed to walk back, but this time over a piece of wood shaped like a shipping pallet, about 5" high. This was a first - negotiating a step up and step down, but she did very well.

As it was a really nice day, PT continued outside on the roof garden. There is a small bridge there that she walked over. It is shaped in an arc (no steps). She managed it without too much trouble, though the walk down pulled different muscles in her legs.

We stayed outside in the sun after PT and enjoyed a game of Uno at one of the tables.

Once cooked (it really was quite hot today), we returned to Bic's room and she had a cup of ice (surprise).

Lunch came up a little later and Bic managed to eat a small part of a bologna sandwich. She probably would have eaten more if she hadn't had so much ice!

One of the things we have been deliberating for Bic's departure from hospital is a power wheelchair. She has been using a "loaner" for most of the time. We had the opportunity to have a used chair of a different design and Bic has been trying it out for a couple of days. She doesn't like it as much as the old beater though. It's steering is much more awkward and she just doesn't feel comfortable using it.

This afternoon, we decided to vacate the room. We went downstairs and naturally, had to stop off at the gift shop. After looking at the merchandise there and buying yet another cuddly bunny, we went outside into the real world. We took a walk on the edge of Livingstone park taking in the warm sun, watching children play and the med flight helicopter leave the hospital roof! We were out for quite some time before returning to her room.

For dinner, David and Mandy took a walk to the KFC and brought back a chicken leg for Bic. She had one yesterday and really enjoyed it (though she didn't eat it all, she made a good effort).

This evening, we sat back and watched a DVD of Pixar short films, rented from the hospital video library.

Finally, to close another good day, Bic had a nice bath.
 
Wow, can't believe you are counting in the 70's already! Praying for continued strength.

Oh, by the way, LOVE the rules for the Lovenox!! Anything to make all those shots easier!! Noah has been on them for a year now...so long that he barley notices them anymore. Mouth care is MUCH higher on the list of nasty things for him (much to everyone's surprise). Maybe we'll have to make up our own rules for that!
 
I am just so excited to see that Bic is enjoying the outside and doing so well with her therapies...she is really progessing! I look forward to your updates everyday! :goodvibes Prayers for continued progress and healing! :goodvibes


Wow, can't believe you are counting in the 70's already! Praying for continued strength.

Oh, by the way, LOVE the rules for the Lovenox!! Anything to make all those shots easier!! Noah has been on them for a year now...so long that he barley notices them anymore. Mouth care is MUCH higher on the list of nasty things for him (much to everyone's surprise). Maybe we'll have to make up our own rules for that!
I love reading your updates too! I am following all of your blogs each day! :goodvibes I pray for you all everyday! :goodvibes
 
How wonderful! another couple of good days. She is so much more active these days.
:cool1:
 
Day 72 - Sunday (April 19, 2009)

Last night, Bic gave us instruction not to come over too early as Sunday is the only day she can spend a little bit of extra time in bed. She asked that we not be there until 8.30. It was nice to see that she was bright, alert and smiling at that time. The grumps had apparently passed!

When the doctors did their rounds, the issue of reduced TPN was revisited. We think they are now fully on board with reducing it a bit faster than they have been doing. The only problem is that they don't have the TPN formulator on duty in the pharmacy today, so they can't begin to reduce it again until tomorrow.

For breakfast, Bic had some apple slices and the doctors were very pleased to see her eating. They said that this was the biggest priority now.

After getting ready for the day, we took off on a walk (drive) around the hospital for an hour and a half. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't as nice as it was yesterday. It wasn't cold, but too fresh to go out onto the rooftop (though we did have a brief sampling).

Naturally we had to end the trip with a stop at the gift store - we think Bic is getting very familiar with their merchandise now!

Bic is now really looking forward to leaving the hospital. She is mentally counting down. Even so, she is beginning to realize that this also means leaving behind some very special people on the ward and this is also making her feel very sad.

This afternoon, the three of us sat round a table and played Uno. Bic was on the sofa, which she really enjoyed. We also had a game of Kings in the Corner, though I don't think she really liked this as much as Uno because it required a bit more concentration.

This evening, we began to gather a few things to take back home, then sat back to watch Haunted Mansion. Today was a nice relaxing Sunday, which was good for everyone!
 
Sounds like you had a very good weekend and I am so glad to read that the end of your hospital stay is in sight!

Doesn't Becca have a birthday coming soon? I don't remember exactly when.
 
Yup.....Becca's birthday is the day after she gets out of Boot Camp. She gets out on the 29th of April and her Birthday is on the 30th.

Becca is getting to the stage now where she is looking forward to going home but really hating the fact that she is having to say goodbye to the people/doctors/nurses that she has gotten to know so well since she has been here. She was in tears last night when she had to say goodbye to her "most favoritestestest" nurse. This nurse wont be back in work for 2 weeks and Becca leaves in 10 days so the tears were flowing greatly last night:sad1:
 
Oh WOW, I havn't checked in, in a while, I'm so glad to see Becca's doing so well. And I can't believe you guys are finally going home, you must be so happy. But poor Becca who is going to miss the staff:hug: I'm sure she'll be just as happy to be home as you once you're there though!!
:yay: Yay for Becca doing so well!!!
 
That is so great you guys are going home soon. Week from tomorrow...awesome.

I am sure the departure is bittersweet, but in the end its of course great news. Hey, does Becca still spend time with Ainsley? Sorry if you had already mentioned that, but I would assume that would be tough to leave him if she did....

I am really glad to hear she is doing so well and I love the rules...agree that #8 is the best. Diva. Heh.
 
Sorry, late with yesterdays update yet again.

3rdDisneyBoy......Yup, Becca see's Ainsley twice a day, most days except for the weekend, she is going to miss Ainsley like crazy.


Day 73 - Superstar (April 20, 2009)

Becca was feeling quite fine this morning until she had to have her morning meds pushed through her NG tube. In the morning she has quite a big volume of medicines and it does not sit well in her belly so ultimately she finishes up having to have some Zofran to settle her stomach so that she can participate in her therapies.
In PT this morning she walked up four stairs, turned around at the top and walked back down the four stairs. All this was accomplished with only the help of the stair handrail, she did really well and made it look pretty easy. After the stairs she had to walk about 15 feet from her chair to the raised mat, rest awhile and then walk back again. This was with the aid of a walker. She doesn't really like the walker but the PT therapist is trying to think of when we get home and Becca being a bit more independent of people always being with her whilst she is walking. Becca using a walker to help herself keep her balance is the only way we are going to accomplish this goal.

This morning Becca was approached by Jenny the Speech therapist to see if she would like to star in a short video portraying Ainsley the dog and his work in the hospital. This video is about pediatric resources at Columbus Children's hospital and is to be shown on the local CBS channel on Thursday at 5:30pm.
So at 2pm Becca, Ainsley, Jenny and Suellen(OT) went down to the Therapy gym with the TV crew to film her segment. Becca started off by brushing Ainsley (this was to show how her arms could stretch and hand manipulate - OT). Becca them played a card game to do with Scrabble with Ainsley laid by her side. Becca was then asked some questions about what she thought of Ainsley and how he had helped in her recovery.
Becca is becoming quite a superstar in the 5 weeks she has been on the Rehab unit. She has been in a photo shoot for general Therapy/Hospital conference/publicity photo's, a photo shoot with Ainsley the dog for the Annual Calendar for therapy dogs and now this video shoot for TV!!

In OT this morning she was tested on hand/eye coordination and manipulation. For this exercise she has to pick up nine pegs out of a box one by one and place them into a nine holed wooden block, she then has to take them all out again one by one and put them back in the box. She is timed twice doing it with the right hand and an average time is worked out from the two times and then timed with the left hand the same way. Three weeks ago she scored 100 seconds with the left hand and 58 seconds with the right hand. Today she scored 56 seconds with her left hand and 33 seconds with her right hand, an enormous improvement from before. The funny thing was, she scored 56 seconds with her left hand both times and 33 seconds with her right hand both times!! How weird is that?? They didn't have a very hard time of working out the average on those did they??

The battle with the food still goes on.......Becca is still struggling with her eating. She probably eats just under 1/2 of what she used to eat at home before all of this happened. She cant fit anymore in. She is still on TPN?Lipids through her IV, though only through the night now. She is also being fed 40mls per hour formula feed continuously throughout the day and the night. She is just not hungry. Tonight the TPN feed is being cut another few hours. She will be hooked back up to it at 6pm and taken off at three in the morning. The lipids have been stopped. So her "milk" has gone and she only has to have "Mountain Dew" now.
 
Hi all!

I pm'd Mandy and spoke to some of the Big Give ladies to see if it would be okay to organize a card shower for Becca. She is going home on April 29th and her birthday is April 30th.

Mandy said Becca would love it and that she actually reads every card she receives and not just who it is from.

I knew I wanted to send her a card and I thought that maybe some of Becca's other DIS friends would want to send one to which is why I am posting.

So, if you would like to mail Becca either a welcome home card or a birthday card, please pm me and I will send you the address.

I plan to post this on a few threads to reach as many as Becca's DIS friends as possible (so ignore it if you see it more than once).

Thanks! :hug:
Jen
 
oh, we are so happy for you all!! Mandy and David and for Becca too! I knkow it's going to be sad leaving all her friends, but she can visit I am sure whenever she wants- it will be so great I am sure to be home!!

We would love to send Becca a Happy Birthday/Welcome home card. We have her address- do I send it directly to Becca?
 














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