Tuesday, 15 April 2014
When we think of the world’s greatest fighters names like “Ali” and “Sugar Ray” come to mind. To that list, the name “Ella” should be carved in stone.
From 02:30 to 05:00 on the 15th, Ella coughed blood through her trach tube.
Throughout the 150 minute ordeal (equal to 50 three minute rounds without a break), Ella maintained her composure as she struggled to catch her breath. Wave after wave of coughing spasms wracked her torso like repeated body blows. Each time more and more blood shot forth from her trach. And each time her oxygen levels dipped lower on the rhythmically beeping monitors. And the only time she show the slightest sign of faltering was when one of her biggest coughs covered the lower half of her bed with bright red blood spatters.
Mercifully, the coughs diminished and Ella was able to fall asleep.
This respite was all too brief, as Ella’s next opponent, “Chemo Side Effects”, would begin to challenge her in just a few hours.
We start each morning with prayers of thanks to God for another day and for all the people who are praying for Ella.
Thank you for your prayers.
Patient Safety Warning:
We later determined that Ella had been over hydrated to the point where her lungs were beginning to fail. This situation was incredibly dangerous and should have been avoided. Physicians want patients to be very well hydrated prior to the initial dose of chemotherapy, but this is what happens when intravenous hydration goes way too far. Doctors and nurses are not Gods – parents need to monitor their children’s condition closely and sound the alarm at the FIRST SIGNS OF DANGER. Parents, listen to your gut instincts…it is usually right.
Patient Safety Warning added 24 Aug 2016