Stem Cell Treatment #6
August 19th, 2008
On Monday Drew had his final stem cell treatment via a lumbar puncture. He of course put up a huge fight when the nurses went to start the IV. It took 5 of us holding him down and wouldn’t you know it he still moved his arm!! The nurses and doctors here are really wonderful to deal with our highly willful child.
He was in the room where they do the procedures longer than usual and just like last time, when the staff wheeled him out it looked like Drew gave everyone a workout. They told us that as soon as he was wheeled in he recognized what was happening and immediately let loose his outrage. They had to give him a second round of valium through his IV right away.
Dr. Mike came in our room afterwards and explained how strong Drew is. He calmed a little with the second round of valium but still intentionally wiggled as much as possible. Dr. Mike feels that Drew is incredibly clever and will remember this. He feels that the next time Drew will have to be taken to the OR (operating room) on the third floor for all future lumbar punctures. This means he will have to be put under general anesthesia. They don’t have the equipment or an anesthesiologist on this floor. Dr. Mike feels that his strength has greatly increased since the first treatment and Drew is just to strong to do it while he is awake. Judging how crazy it is to hold Drew down for his IV, I can’t imagine how hard it is to hold him still for a spinal tap. Dr. Mike also noticed that with the first lumbar puncture he went in laughing from the Valium. Then with the second lumbar puncture he went in with a poker face. Dr. Mike feels it just went down from there. Everyone here feels that Drew is very intelligent which is why I call him my little terminator.
Right now Drew is lounging in his crib watching his tv shows. If anyone is considering stem cell treatment don’t be alarmed by Drew’s behavior. We’ve seen several children now go through it with no problems. All of the kids fall asleep with the valium and remain asleep for a least a little while after. I haven’t seen anyone go to the third floor yet for a lumbar puncture.
Mike & Kristin
Entry Filed under: cp,Uncategorized
3 Comments Add your own
1. Laurie & Dave | August 19th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Yes, Drew is very smart and clever. He catches on quick. It wouldn’t be the Drew we all know and love if he wasn’t putting up a fight. The good news is his last treatment is over. I’m sure you’re all relieved.
Happy belated birthday to Sydney if you’re reading this!
Laurie
2. Rosemary and Pete | August 19th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Way to go Drew! The treatments are finally done, and all those stem cells can just go to work in your body over the next six months. You have always been our family fighter from the day you were born in Chicago, so we are not surprised at all that you gave the staff a rough time during treatments. We are now anxiously awaiting your safe return to the usa. Love you all, gma & papa
3. Jeanelle | August 23rd, 2008 at 9:43 am
Sydney and Drew can be crazy willful children together. Diane thinks Sydney not eating is 100% behavioral these days. Thank you Laurie – Sydney is two now!!
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