Considering we are in "hurry up and wait" mode, there don't seem to be too many dull moments. There is always something medical to think about. This week seems to be feedings.

• They aren't planning to put the feeding tube back in at this point which Graeme is happy about. It was getting quite irritating on his throat.
• On Monday, the dietician added a Boost drink box to Graeme's meals. It gives him a little more protein and calories.
• On Tuesday, Graeme was switched from a clear fluid to a low fat full fluid diet. Say goodbye to the Jello and popsicles! I don't think Graeme will want to see Jello ever again :-) He can now have pudding, yogurt, applesauce, cream soup, 1% milk (though he is taking it easy on that), etc. Graeme's stomach has shrunk so it doesn't take much to make him feel full, but he's enjoying his new variety of foods.
• The doctor and dietician are concerned Graeme won't be getting enough calories though, so they may switch to IV feeds (TPN - total peripheral nutrition or TNA - total nutrient add mixture for those who have heard of them). To do the IV feeds they needed to put in a central line. They did it at the bedside so that surprised me a little. Luckily, the central line can also be used to draw blood and to replace the regular IV for the antibiotics. This hopefully means Graeme doesn't need more needles.
• Graeme is getting a low grade fever every once in a while but his white blood count seems pretty normal so we aren't quite sure what that means right now. Blood cultures also haven't grown anything.
• At some point, Graeme will need surgery to remove the affected tissue in the pancreas. We are waiting to talk to the surgeon to determine when the surgery would likely happen. If it is to be in the near future and part of his hospital stay, we will try to get to Hamilton as soon as possible. If the surgery will be months away and after Graeme is home for a while, then we will likely just stay in Kitchener. It's not that appealing to start over with a whole new medical team if we are only here for a couple more weeks. We would prefer the surgery be done in Hamilton though so the follow up can be closer to home.
• We've gone outside a couple of times so Graeme can feel how warm it is and to feel the sun on his face.
• The boys are in day camps with before and after care next week so we will be keeping a very similar schedule next week. I've been trying to bring the boys in to see Graeme every other evening or so. With activities cancelled for March Break, it may even be a little easier.

Phone calls and visits help the days go a little quicker so thank you and keep them coming :-)

For those of you off on trips next week, we hope you have a wonderful time. We'll be here enjoying the sunshine!

Take care,
Gail