2021 Life Logs, Day 116: Not the Week We Planned
Date: Monday, April 26, 2021
Weather: Sunny and Warmer; High 56, Low, 39 degrees F
Location: At Home in The Cottage, East Falmouth, MA

Yesterday was not the day we planned and today it became apparent that this is not the week we planned. But there is some good news from Children’s Hospital regarding Ollie. The specialist that reviewed the lab tests told Heather this morning that there is no evidence that there are pockets of Lyme in Ollie’s body other than in his left knee. But the infection in that area is significant is going to require another month of a different antibiotic, Ceftriaxome, that has to be administered daily via IV. In order to do this from home, they have to anesthetize Ollie to insert a PICC line. Through this PICC line, Heather and Jed will administer the antibiotic for the next month. A VNA nurse will come to their home for the first two or three days to train them. But the hang up is that the hospital cannot schedule time for Ollie in an operating room until Wednesday morning. So, he and Heather are still there. Jed came home in the wee hours of the morning as it was after 2 am before Ollie was moved from ER to an actual room. He is being a trooper. He has learned one thing, however. He really doesn’t like needles! Only parents can visit and when Jed goes back tomorrow, he has to be Covid tested on site and wait for the results before seeing Ollie and giving Heather a couple of hours of time off. Just the Covid testing process can take 45 minutes to 2 to 3 hours. That, plus the drive up and back, will make for a full day for Jed. I had Sam and Jonah all day yesterday and overnight. Jed has them tonight and I will do after school deliveries to various activities tomorrow evening from 3 pm onward until Jed gets home. There are drum lessons, rowing practice, and a Scout meeting just tomorrow afternoon and evening. Busy boys!

It was a beautiful day and as I took Shadow for his walks today, I realized that the whole neighborhood has blossomed. Azaleas, tulip trees, tulips, daffodils, Shirley’s Japanese plum tree, and even the moss in my backyard are in bloom. I spent some time today working on getting my raised beds up and going, but I have lots more work to do.

Late this afternoon Heather sent a selfie of herself and Ollie enjoying a rooftop garden at the hospital. You can’t see her chai in the photo, but you can see Ollie’s half of a big M&M chocolate chip cookie. Heather is hiding her half which Ollie insisted she have. As Heather labeled that photo, things could be a lot worse. She is trying hard to make sure Ollie’s hospital experience is as positive as possible. Go Heather and Ollie!