"STRENGTH to endure the pain, WISDOM to think things through and COURAGE to face the fears."

Results from the CT scan did show a clot higher up; however, doctors are not overly concerned because there is good blood flow to the organs. Conley will need to be on anticoagulants (blood thinner) for a several months to help with removing the clot. 

This morning Conley was taken to radiology to place a PICC line, which is an IV line used to give medications, including chemotherapy. This was successful and he is now resting comfortably. 

Since his liver surgery, Conley has started accumulating fluid in his belly, so they placed a small tube in his tummy allowing for the fluid to drain. He has drained a significant amount and appears to be feeling better and breathing more comfortably.

Conley appears more alert and engaged, and while I would usually be annoyed if he keeps me up all night, I was so happy to be hearing him wiggle and talk. What a sound! Unfortunately, he is experiencing some withdrawal symptoms as a result of the continuous sedation and epidural medicine, but we are trying to manage that best we can. He also is having hard time moving his muscles around his mouth, so I've put in a request for a speech therapist to come work with him to see what is going on. At this point, they believe it is more of a medication induced symptom as opposed to neurological.

All the specialists had a meeting about Conley this morning at the weekly oncology roundtable. It's pretty amazing how many doctors and specialists love Conley. Everyone comments on his hair, feisty attitude and how beautiful he is! But at the same time, he continues to present with complicated and conflicting issues. It seems that Conley will need chemotherapy once a week for at least six weeks, if not more. While the timing of the treatment seems minimal and noninvasive, there is concern about Conley's overall nutrition and ability to gain weight appropriately and effectively to continue dialysis. It will be a wait and see type of thing every week as we try to maximize his nutrition knowing the chemotherapy can make him weak and nauseous.

We are so fortunate to have such a great team of specialists working with Conley and problem solving each decision down to the smallest detail, as each can have a serious ripple effect. 

Maybe the best news of all is that we will likely be transferred out of the ICU to another floor that specializes in chronically ill children, such a cancer and blook disorders. This means that they believe Conley has turned a point where he is stable enough to have less intervention. I have also heard that the floor he will be transfered to is much quieter and more peaceful than the others. I sure hope so for both our sakes.

Lastly, the unit psychologist stopped by today to chat with me about the ongoing trauma we have experienced. I always find it awkward to tell a psychologist that I'm a psychologist, and I'm always interested in their reaction. The unit doctor today started talking to me about trauma (not knowing I was in the mental health field), and all the specialists starting smirking, especially the ones who have known Conley since birth. I'm obviously completely open to therapeutic intervention, and love that they have people to come to us in the hospital because lord knows we won't leave our children. Jonathan and I have both utilized therapy during our trials with Conley and feel that it has been substantial to our working relationship. I told the psychologist about the blog and how it's been a therapeutic tool for me during these hard times, like a public journal, and how appreciative I am of all the support and love for not only Conley, but for our whole family. So, keep it coming people.