May tomorrow never come!

Tomorrow includes another lumbar puncture with IT chemo. We have isolated that Oceana prefers not to do the gas anesthesia. Last Thursday, the anesthesiologist tried to use gas to see if this would work better for Oceana in preventing the emergence delirium. Although Oceana awoke immediately upon removal of the gas, she instantly became full of mucous, had a splitting headache and could not sit up or stand without feeling incredibly dizzy. In addition, Oceana was violently ill several times, vomiting bile and blood. This certainly was not pleasant! When given the gas, Oceana claims it felt horrible and that it seemed to take forever to fall asleep. Truthfully, it only took five seconds but there are times when five seconds can feel like an eternity! It was a bit difficult to determine whether the dizziness, headache and vomiting were a direct result of the anesthesia or as a result of the procedure (could have been what is called a spinal headache) but regardless, the gas experience was bad enough that she won't be trying that again!

Today, Oceana will be receiving both platelets and red blood via transfusions. She is currently nutrapenic and can now only accept the healthiest visitors as she is at high risk for infection. She is about to receive red blood and is not too happy. Even though she is quite used to getting transfusions, it still very unnerving for her as she prefers to have the red blood hidden from view. Queasy at the sight of blood, Oceana grabs her Daddy's head as she is tempted to bite his ear. "Daddy, get down here and stay down here!" Oceana yells. Well, not much else to say on this rainy day. Tomorrow will come quickly, lets hope that Oceana will be able to find some comfort before, during and after the procedure tomorrow.