This morning it became obvious that Ethan wasn’t up for much. So we put a movie on. I should have known something was wrong when Ethan turned down a bowl of popcorn, but I thought nothing of it. 20 mins into the movie Ethan asked me to turn it off as he was tired. I asked if he wanted to go back to bed to which he replied he did! At this stage I still just thought he was tired.
One hour later Ethan woke up screaming. His temperature was 37.9. We had been instructed to call the hospital if he ever reached 38. So I gave him a cool sponge bath to try and cool him down. The whole time Ethan said he was cold so he shouldn’t have to go to hospital. However he felt pretty hot to me! After his sponge bath I put a cool washer on his head while he lay on the couch. 15 mins later I checked the temp again and he was up to 38.4. So I started scrambling. First I called the hospital to let them know to expect us. Then I called dad who came and collected Blaise and Vienna. Then I quickly packed everything we would need.
15 mins later we were in the car on the way to the hospital. Ethan was quite sad about having to go but kept thinking he wouldn’t have to stay in overnight. I had to break it to him, a temperature over 38 signifies infection which means a minimum of 48 hours on heavy antibiotics.
We only waited 5 mins in emergency. Being an oncology patient they pushed us straight through. We were sent to the same isolation room that we were in when we first arrived in emergency back when the journey began. Within 10 mins of being in the room a Doctor and Nurse came to question and do observations. They detected a heart murmur followed by a fast heart beat. Blood pressure was up. They asked a lot of questions. I told them about his irritated eye and droopy eyelid that he has had over the past week. They weren’t sure that had anything to do with it. They took blood samples for testing the blood counts as well as to make blood cultures to see what the infection is. We will have the culture results back tomorrow. The antibiotics were then plugged into his central line and we were set.
After 4 hours of being in emergency a bed became available in the liver and kidney ward. Oncology is full at the moment. Apparently it has been a very busy year in oncology. The ward we are in are still very strict with hygiene and the comings and goings. There are children there who are about to or just had transplants. We are sharing a room with one other little boy who is also an oncology patient.
This will delay his chemotherapy by a week. I know there are always going to be hiccups along the road but that still doesn’t take away the disappointment that we have had this one. I know we can’t always prevent these things but I have found myself going over everything we’ve done in the last 48 hours wondering where the infection came from. Knowing there will be hiccups and minor setbacks doesn’t take away the surprise and disappointment when they do come. Everything had been going so well! I’m praying it is an infection in Ethan and not an infection in his line. Having to have surgery to get a new line would be a huge setback we could live without!
Luke arrived at the hospital just as we were being transferred upstairs. We all settled in, had dinner and talked for a little while. Then we picked out a DVD for a movie night and I said good night. Ethan was in good spirits when I left. He certainly loves the 24/7 attention he receives when he is in hospital! He called me before going to sleep to say that the Tom and Jerry DVD they got from the hospital library was hilarious. He plans on watching it with me again in the morning.
Val Hobby says
So sorry to hear about this set back.
Thinking of you all, prayers continuing by our family.
lots of love, Auntie Val xo
Marnie says
Oh no! So sorry I missed your call tonight. Ill call tomorrow. Let me know what you need. Hope he is better soon
Jean Hsu says
Get well soon Ethan, and let us know if your family needs anything
Casper Yeow says
With parents like you guys, it’s no wonder Ethan’s a champion! You’re all in our prayers. You are all awesome. Go Team Howes!!!
Alison Ashley says
Sending all the love we can! Hang in there Sorella – your faith is inspiring and our prayers are with you.
Carrie Hall says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ethan is a champ and so lucky to have awesome parents and family all around him. Lots of love– xx
Jo-Anne Collier says
I love this little guy , he comes from some of the best people I know. Please keep posting to Facebook sweetheart so we know to give extra prayers. I know the angels must be surrounding him . Noble family … Xxx
Tina Cartwright says
Far out Jerusha! Please update us as soon as you know of the blood results. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
I am always thinking of you XOXOXOXO
Charne Donly says
You’re in my thoughts. We’ll wait to hear your update about blood tests
Monica Chalke says
Thinking of you at this time. Hope Ethan is out of hospital soon. Please keep us up to date with the blood results. All the best XXX.
Tammy Van Orden says
Tom & Jerry – classic! Who knew that those silly cartoons would be bringing kids joy for so many generations.
So sorry to hear about the fever and infection. Scary how fast things can change. You’re in our prayers!