Joel - PICU

Joel was rushed to PICU in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 19, 2017. Will was with him that night, as Joel struggled more and more to breathe. I was at home with Seth who had been battling a stomach virus. Once I finally heard the news, Seth and I rushed to pick up Nathaniel from school. I had to tell Nathaniel the bad news. Poor Nathaniel thought that when the office called I was picking him up to go do something fun. Ironically I remember it being a beautiful fall day, with blue skies and nice cool weather.

Mary Kay picked Mimi up from the airport and brought her to the hospital. Will and I both stayed at the hospital that night. I slept in the chair in Joel's room and Will slept in the room at the Ronald McDonald house. We thankfully had a room every night Joel was in PICU. Their services were so helpful and appreciated.

Seth never made it in the ICU room at all. We tried a couple of times but the vent terrified him. I"m sure all of it terrified him. Thankfully the child life specialists kept him and Nathaniel busy.

Friday the 20th

Friday the 20th around lunchtime. Zane is at the right of the picture playing guitar for Joel.

Before Joel was rushed to PICU our oncologist had arranged for us to get this new chemo through Compassionate Care. Although the final bone marrow biopsy ultimately showed the cancer was now in 80% of his body, we still administered the chemo in hopes it would give Joel some relief. He was still getting some relief from his scheduled IV Tylenol.

First-ever purple chemo - started Friday night the 20th.

Saturday the 21st

Sunday Oct. 22nd

Thursday, Oct. 26th
Ginny, Mom and Dad came to visit
Joel opened his eyes and looked at me for a bit

Bubba visiting - he was so sweet. Oct 28th

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Test to see if Joel could breathe on his own - Oct. 31

Tuesday Oct. 31

10/21 - I must have been at the hospital because I don't remember this.

These were done 10/29 when I was at hospital with Joel. It was a challenge to try and take care of other kids at home when one child is very sick.

 

October 31 - 2nd Grade Book Character Parade
Mimi and Granddad there to watch