Day 23- Ryan has had steady waves of nausea throughout last night and today. Ascites can cause nausea so we are thinking it may be that Or an effect of the numerous oral medications he’s taken. Ryan is truly my hero as he sips down the various concoctions the pharmacy brews on his behalf up to four times per day.
We were visited by a magician who was able to bring a smile to Ryan’s face by making foam balls disappear, reappear, and multiply. He was really enternaining and I was impressed by his ability to keep Ryan engaged the entire time, even with a belly ache. (I just noticed Ryan’s urinal in the picture… we are so glamorous around here.)
His sweet personality continues to shine through which leaves me hopeful that we are still heading in the right direction.
We are secretly planning a birthday party for Ainsley who turns 9 tomorrow. Three of her friends are scheduled to visit us here in Ryan’s room on Saturday afternoon. Ryan and I have been discussing on and off what we can do to keep everyone entertained. Just a minute ago he suggested going on a dog hunt with everyone.
Yesterday was his best day yet. He woke up early in a good mood – talking instead of whining or complaining. He had many ideas throughout the day of things he wanted to do – finally he was motivated to get out of bed. He deemed the day “Ryan’s day of fun.”
We were invited to come get a “box of cheer” on the fifth floor. A pharmaceutical convention had donated hundreds of “cheeriodicals” to the kids here in the hospital. He was excited to leave the floor and pick up his box.
He then requested to go for a walk, go down to the gift shop, take a ride outside, go to the playroom, go for a wagon ride, and visit the snack shop a few floors up. On any given day, I’ve tried to get him to do any one of these things without success so you bet your bottom dollar we did it all!
His chest tube is still draining over 100 ccs per day so for now we are still waiting and watching that and the Ascites ( does Ascites (uh-sigh-tease) remind anyone else of a Greek god?)
Please pray for continued healing and that his other organs would respond well to the new wiring.
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Last, but not least, if you haven’t read the full story of Ryan’s first two years, you can here. I might be biased, but it’s worth the read!
Comments (10)
Love you guys! Proud of the brave little soldier and his mama! You all are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
So glad there are things to do there to take his mind off of things for awhile! That’s nice that the magician kept him entertained for awhile and made him smile too!
So sorry that his tummy is still not feeling good…do they give you any ideas as to how long that will last? I hope and pray it settles down soon!
He is looking like such a big boy to me in these pictures! Such a little man now!!
I hope you are doing ok Leighann…you sound like a trooper, and I am so proud of you! There is just nothing like a mother’s love!!!
John and I continue to pray for you sweetie…and for Ryan’s recovery. Sure would be great to get to go home soon!
And I hope that the surprise birthday party goes well. How cute that Ryan is helping you plan it for Ainsley!
Lots of love and prayers for everyone!
Momma Linda
Ascites, I think must be the Greek god of nausea, and possibly vomiting. Married to Vomita, goddess of the stomach.
Rest assured I will fall asleep praying for Ryan tonight. Then I will wake up in the morning and think “Did I say amen? Well, ‘Amen!'” Because that’s how I roll.
hope many good days now get strung together. I can’t believe how much Ryan is really looking just like you mom! And he seems to have grown up so much overnight. Have a great surprise for sister tomorrow
Glad to hear Ryan seems to be on the mend. I have been reading your blog and Ryan’s incredible story for quite some time now. That magician looks to be Reggie Rice. I believe he is from my neck of the woods (Southern Maryland).
Continued prayers for a complete recovery for Ryan. I can’t wait to “hear” all about the surprise party…Ryan must be a great secret-keeper! Hugs from Annapolis.
Looks like things are slowly improving! We’ll keep praying for all of you!
I am happy that Ryan seems better….nausea is no fun however. Ryan is not only brave but a tough little guy. Every Friday night I say a prayer for his continued recovery and for your continued stamina. What you are going through is difficult. But the love for a child gives us more strength than we ever knew we had. G-d bless you all.
Sweet boy. My goodness, he looks so big in these pictures! He is such a trooper after so long in the hospital. He (and you!) have every right to be a little whiny at this point. I’m so sorry! Praying that he will quit draining and get to go home soon!