Day 6: "Roid Rage"

A rough night seemed to send Cooper back to square 1; but maybe starting over isn't so bad.  After the MRI, Cooper returnd to the PICU for stronger medication and monitoring.  It took more than 45 minutes to attempt and sedate him in order to make him more comfortable; the staff is still confused about Coop's tolerance to all the meds.   The normal dose of "sleepy stuff" doesnt seem to make Cooper all that sleepy.  But after some patience and some magic Mommy snuggles, Cooper settled in his new room for a little snooze.  Then, yet another I.V. bit the dust, and 5 more attempts were made at a new one without success.  The special I.V. team was able to get lucky # 6 to finally work around 4am.

Some peaceful sleep from 4-7am welcomed a new day of dozing, "roid rage," Popsicles, more dozing, "roid rage," Popsicles and repeat!  The MRI revealed increased swelling of his right brain tonsil; we aren't sure what the cause of the extra swelling is, but Dr. Mangano seems to think a few nights in the PICU, large doses of steroids and some more rest will do the trick.  The steroids are sending Cooper into spurts of "heightened agitation," causing more pressure and threatening the stability of his surgery.  We knew Coop was HeadStrong, but this kid on large doses of steroids=a whole new level of feisty!  So, a steady drip of Precedex is necessary to sedate him just a bit to lessen the outbursts and keep him more comfortable.  Come on Prayer Warriors, "roid rage" isnt exactly the most fun activity with a 2 year old- Mommy and Daddy need the prayers now!

This new day, has proved a little rough to handle, but Cooper has transitioned to 2 oral medications instead of I.V., (and keeping them down), he's holding down some more chicken noodle soup, and has rekindled his love for the wagon!  So, even though it seems Coop is starting all over again, maybe a fresh start will bring this boy home for Thanksgiving!

So, please God, help us to see the little blessings in the moments of "roid rage," please keep the kitchen in high stock of chicken noodle soup, and please Lord, DON'T LET ANYONE TAKE HIS WAGON!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."  Psalm 28:7