“It’s like we’re in a movie”

Friday, June 14, 2024

Today is the day we’ve been waiting for this week.

Nash had his spinal tap in the morning, then chemo day 3, and then we started to wean sedation and vent settings. Nash’s breathing tube had come out unexpectedly last Saturday,and he needed to be reintubated. He would have needed to go under sedation again today for the procedure, so we decided to wait until today to attempt to extubate. Yesterday likely would have been the earliest we would have anyway. Because he was under sedation longer than expected, we are working through some withdrawal symptoms.

As sedation time grew near, it was an exciting time here at the PICU. So many of the nurses and doctors were so excited. The room was full as we got ready to pull his breathing tube. The respiratory therapist had back up oxygen options available. The actual extubation itself was very quick, and Ryan and I got to be there the whole time. As soon as the tube was pulled out, we waited for some coughing and crying, which soon happened. It felt like I was getting to hold my baby again for the first time. I crawled into his bed and held him, and it was magical. Our room is right by the doctor and nurses station, and as I looked over to the side, I saw multiple staff members standing and watching our reunification. I overheard the head consultant doctor say, “it’s like we’re in a movie.” The music therapist came in soon after to play soothing music to try to calm Nash. After the stress leading up to today and this morning, it felt like we could finally breathe.

We hope to have him back to his normal eating/drinking soon, but today his stomach seems upset, possibly due to chemo.

We are so grateful to the resident doctor we had today, and for the whole team’s love and kindness.