The codeine lasts almost exactly 4 hours- so the remaining 2 hours until the next dose are pretty agonizing. Luckily this afternoon she slept for those 2 hours prior to dinner in our new convelescent area we made upstairs. We pulled out the sofabed in front of the tv and made it into a lounge area for her (and Griffin). This way she can keep her leg up, and drift off to sleep comfortably if she feels like it.
I took her downtown today to run two errands- she did pretty well (timed it just after the noon codeine dose). She can sort of hobble, if needed, only if the medicine is working (although I carry her if the distance is more than a few steps). We borrowed a jog stroller from our friend Stephanie this evening- hoping this will help us get her around.
I just received some books that were researched by our friend Maggie- one of them is a kids book about what happens when a sibling gets seriously ill. Griffin read it, but didn't want to discuss it (yet). I want to keep him involved and aware of everything that is happening- to whatever limit he sets. I asked him if he wanted to come see the hospital and the nurses and doctor that will be taking care of Millie when we go tomorrow, but he prefers hanging out with his Oma and Opa and his friend Dylan (surprise surprise).
Tomorrow we go for the briefing with the doctor in preparation for the Broviac line to be surgically inserted and chemotherapy starting next week. If Millie's pain becomes untreatable with Codeine or Morphine, we may have to start chemotherapy early- but we hold out hope for a happy, pain free Christmas for her.
She is now in the tub (just had her after-dinner dose), playing happily. I hear her singing from here as she plays with her mermaid barbies.
Griffin and Brian are playing a duet on the piano.
Thank God for moments of peace. And for our dear friends and relatives who send such light our way.
It turns out that I do have a sort of gmail account, which was needed for DBERT. I'm not at all sure what joining a blog means, but here goes. We hope all goes well tomorrow and we'll see you in the evening.
ReplyDeleteWe've devastated to learn that Millie has been having so much pain the last two days. Her condition seems to have changed dramatically and suddenly. We're so sorry. Please let us know how we can help as time goes on. We can help out with Griffin, too, taking him where he might like to go and with a friend.
ReplyDeleteYou kids both were prescribed codeine almost routinely so I'm not sure how much effect it has in children's doses. But I do remember it's the only medication that helped Erik when he stepped on the blacktop. However, it may not be helping Millie that much unless she's getting stronger dosages.
See you tomorrow.
Love, Mom