Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Rollercoaster Rides



Do you love them? They just aren't for me and recently I've been on the most terrifying ride of my life.  The baby had congestion in his lungs and had pulled out his feeding tube so back to the hospital he went. While they were putting in the feeding tube they decided to do an MRI. After reading the scan they told my son and DIL that the tumor was back, growing aggressively and that the baby needed surgery asap.  The fact that it had been less than four weeks since he'd had surgery and at that time, we were told the remaining tumor/mutation was at this point nonaggressive, knocked everyone flat. It didn't make for a good outcome.
The son and DIL decided to take him to a hospital that specialized in Ped cancer so he was put in an ambulance and driven out of town, with the expectation of another surgery shortly after he arrived. I went to bed thinking we were going to lose this child and how unfair it was for a ten-month-old to get dealt this hand. Oddly enough, when I woke up my entire perspective had changed and while I knew the odds were not in our favor I also knew odds could be beaten and felt we were going to do exactly that.  Not too long after this I learned from my son that this hospital team told them it was not a life threatening situation and he didn't have to have surgery immediately. The next day they got the diagnosis. The first hospital had misread the scan. The second hospital was kind enough to say they could see how it had happened. When the tumor was removed and the water drained from the brain the remaining tumor shifted positions and that is what showed up on the scan. This current tumor is not aggressive and the plan is to do chemo to shrink it. Needless to say we are so relieved. I know folks make mistakes in all walks of life, but this one threw everyone in a tailspin, not to mention how it devastated the parents. But it is such a huge relief we can't get too upset about the misread. The good outweighs the bad.

The bro...well that's a story for another day.

AND...since we are both January babies, the sis and BIL are flying in today to celebrate this week. So we are off to the airport to pick them up. Feel free to party down right along with us.

HA...I bet you thought I was through.
The hellebore and kale are blooming.
AND...
Solar bluebirds I got for Christmas.
AND...
I'LL END with this parting shot. Heh. To be captioned, I bet you can't see me.


Add on....
Blogger buds. I've pre-posted but my bro is having his transplant so I will be offline for a bit.

35 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

It has been a hellish time, and you are more charitable than I think I could/would be about the hospital blunder. As always, oceans of caring are flowing your way.
Enjoy the birthdays to the max. January is birthday month here to. My partner, one of my brothers, two nephews, me and my mother's birthday was the 31st.

Anonymous said...

Some good news I am pleased to hear. Enjoy your visitors. The cat photo reminds me of signs on the backs of trucks, If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you, but untrue in this case.

Valerie-Jael said...

So sorry baby's health continues to get better.You have had such an awful time, and hope that things now start looking up. Enjoy your birthday time! Hugs, Valerie

nashvillecats2 said...

I am so sorry for you and family about baby's health concerns. You certainly have been through it. I can relate to that although mine was not concerning a young baby. My thoughts and prayers are with you Joanne and family.

Yvonne.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - just glad things have turned out better than expected for the little soul. Very glad they had the temerity to take him to another hospital - but can see how it all came about.

Enjoy some fun ... at least I hope you can relax now ... take care and all the best for all the family - cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

What a blessing it wasn't the diagnosis you thought! Prayers chemo does its job. Try to enjoy your birthday this week.

Christine said...

Glad you made it through the roller coaster ride for now, happy birthdays!

CJ Kennedy said...

😱 Oh, the poor baby and parents/grands. Glad the parents thought to get another opinion. And so glad for a better prognosis. How funny, yesterday the word hellebore popped into my head for no reason, and here is a picture of it on your blog. I love your bluebird solar lights. The picture of kitty and sleeping beauty gave me a chuckle. Enjoy your company and celebration.

RO said...

I've seen so many thing like this and more in my life, and I know that God is a healer. Somehow God put it on your heart to know that it was going to work out. I continue to keep everyone in prayer, and I'm also sending out some birthdays wishes for you guys. My son turned 35 on January 10, and he shocked me when he and the family came all the way from Kentucky for a visit. Capricorns are apparently doing their thing. (lol) Sending you lots and lots of hugs, RO

Sandra Cox said...

It is a bday month for sure. Happy BDay to the whole crew.

Adam said...

I never do anything that goes upside down.

Sandra Cox said...

I find passing those BATs always a little unnerving.

Pat Hatt said...

Sure wouldn't want to be on that rollercoaster. Stinks they made a mistake, but a mistake beats being right. Hopefully the chemo does the trick and you have a good celebration week.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Val.
Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Yvonne. Much appreciated.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Hilary. Appreciate the concern.

Sandra Cox said...

Oh for sure, Alex. All prayers and positive energy appreciated.

Elephant's Child said...

Fingers and toes crossed for your bro.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, CJ.
Like minds, etc etc
Sleeping Beauty. Hehehe.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Ro. All prayers and positive energy appreciated.
How can you possibly have a 35 year old son when you are only 34?:)

Sandra Cox said...

Exactly!
Thanks, Pat.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, EC. He is in surgery now. Found out last night we were running out of time, so this is a huge relief.

Lowcarb team member said...

Thinking of you and your family …

All the best Jan

Jeanie said...

Oh Sandra, my heart was practically in my throat as I read this. And it still is a bit, but thank goodness they went for the other opinion (I"m a big fan of second opinions) and saved the baby from another surgery at this time (and hopefully ever). I hope the chemo does its thing and that the baby can tolerate it. You have to have been frantic. It makes me think that every hospital/doc should have someone else also look at the tests just tomake sure someone isn't missing something.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday with your tribe. If anyone is due for a little celebration and good time, it is you. Prayers for both Bro and Baby.

Fundy Blue said...

Thank goodness for second opinions, Sandra! I can't imagine what you and your family are going through. I hope and pray that your brother and the baby will both be okay! All the best to you!

Birgit said...

Oh my, you have had a tough haul for you and your family. I am so glad your grandchild is better than they told you even though he has to go through chemo. He is strong and he will do aok. I also send my prayers to your brother but I am so glad he is getting his transplant and he will also triumph. I will send prayers to you.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

I'm sure you're not seeing this Sandra but know my prayers are with your entire family; faaaaaaaaaaaa I would have lost it on hearing the news about the wee one; may all the guardian angles you've ever known watch over him and your brother as well ♥♥♥♥♥

Sandra Cox said...

Your thoughts are much appreciated, Jan.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you for the good wishes, Jeanie. They are much appreciated.

Sandra Cox said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sandra Cox said...

Your hopes and prayers are very much appreciated. Thank you, Louise.

Sandra Cox said...

I appreciate all the prayers and good wishes, Birgit:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, FSG. I think those angels are on duty:)

Magic Love Crow said...

I am so sorry about everything Sandra! My prayers will continue to be sent!
Love the last picture! So cute!
Much Love!!! Big Hugs!

Magic Love Crow said...

I love the pictures, but I can't believe you have things blooming? We are under tones of snow!!! LOL!