If we're going to be a frequent flyer, we might as well fly first class

We were finally moved off the ICU tonight, and I've learned that when someone said "today," it usually means "a few days" in hospital time. However, we were finally moved to what they call the "Hemmoc" floor, which is mostly for Hemotology or Oncology patients. Most of these patients are either in the hospital long term or are frequently in and out. They try to make this floor more accommodating for children and families that are here often. It is pretty amazing. Each ro has a mini fridge and full bathroom with a shower. There is a "snack shack" that is stored with all kinds of snacks, breakfast meals, frozen dinners, drinks, coffee, etc. These are donated by a nonprofit called Big Love (I've made a mental note to look them up and get involved). They also have volunteers that serve fresh dinner once a week. While none of us want to be here, ever, or repeatedly, I am amazed at how much easier it is on the parents (and children I imagine) to have some special home like ideas. Kids can run to the fridge and grab snacks, or parents can wander down the hall to grab coffee or have meals from home stored in the room. For someone that's slept many days here, it makes a HUGE difference in the way you approach such a shitty situation. It makes everything less depressing.

Probably the most comforting part of the this floor is that they encourage and promote sleep! For both the children and the parents. What? That's unheard of elsewhere. There is less stimulation, less intruding and minimal "checks." As expected, Conley has had a really hard time sleeping lately because he is constantly being prodded and probed. Every time he falls asleep, someone would come in the room to do something or say something. He's become more hypervigilant and paranoid, watching everyone's moves. Along with his continued withdrawal, which he's having a hard time kicking, doctors believe he's developed what they call "ICU psychosis." You can only imagine what that means. So, we are hopeful that this move will be beneficial for all of us. And I have to give a shout out to our nephrologist who pulled some strings to get us on the unit. Typically, they do not take hemodialysis patients because of the hassle of having to transport them to another unit for dialysis three times a week. But, somehow it worked out and we are here. Very grateful for these small things that can have big impacts on our emotional and mental health. I'm hoping that this is the start of an journey to (better) recovery.