Donavynn had a fever yesterday so we went to the local ER they drew cultures and labs, gave him a dose of antibiotics and we were sent home b/c his ANC was 1200. Today he had clinic for Erwinia. His temp has been fluctuating between normal and like 100.5, so I asked if they would draw labs again to see if he does spike what they want us to do. The doc said no, that we would have to go to the ER if he spikes and go from there which basically pissed me off b/c we live 2 hrs from the hospital and we were there this morning, they could have at least done that to help me relax. Consequently my stomach has been in knots all day as his temp continues to fluctuate but not reach high enough for them to take notice. I'm still concerned however b/c his temp is still rising it may not reach that 101.5 marker but it keeps going above normal. So I'm irritated and frustrated and want some answers. We just got home Friday from his radiation (he had 8 days of cranial radiation) prior to that stay he was in for a fever so he went directly from the hospital to the Ronald McDonald house and now we may be heading back up tonight. I just wish he could catch a break. He has had a cough for 2 months that just won't let up, which is pretty typical for him during the winter months. I'm just so irritated at this point I want to scream
Ugh!! Just wanted to say I hope the fever passes soon for all of you. I just keep thinking that at the end of the 3 years of treatment I am going to go to a beach and do absolutely nothing for at least a week. Sleep...walk the beach....sleep....walk the beach....watch a sunset...sleep. I am so glad we have people ahead of us so we know that it is possible to get through all the ups and downs. Take Care!
If you really want to bring him back in (which you don't, but on the
other hand, you do because then you'll know), just tell them his temp
was 102. If you get there and it is only 100.5, oh well. They'll
still do a blood culture, right?
Oh, and mom23, I am so on that beach with you! We have honestly
thought about throwing a huge party when the boys reach 5 years OT.
And then I think me and the hubby deserve a trip to Cancun. ![]()
How frustrating!! I can't believe they wouldn't draw the lab. I get it, they don't want excessive medical cost, but you aren't asking b/c you want to go to the movies. He has had symptoms. BTW- our magic number is 100.5. Thinking of you- hoping the fever gets gone. Dream of the beach...
I would have been hot if they wouldn't have drawn the labs. They probably would have kicked me out. I am so sorry you guys are having to deal with that. I do hope his fever goes away soon. Take care,
Mary
Wow, sometimes common sense isn't very common. Why not run labs?!? I am thinking of you all and hoping Donavynn gets better soon.
Nana
I am with doublewishmom - If you feel that he should have labs drawn again and they aren't wanting to - say his temp at home was 102 or whatever - I am not generally a fan of trickery to get my way but I have been known to fib a bit to do what I think is best for my kids. I remember once when we were in the hospital for fever (the story of our life) and the nurse was supposed to give him tylenol and over an hour later when he still had not gotten it - I was mad. I had called her in a couple of times and she still had not brought the tylenol. In frustration, I kept kinking his line (it was just saline) - setting off the monitor at the nurses desk - after the 6th kink she got the hint and brought the tylenol. She commented later how the tylenol must have calmed him down because he wasn't crimping his line anymore - I think I just smiled. The tone of her voice was not fooling anyone, she had known I was the culprit. But I will have to say that our service was better from that nurse.
Gina
Hey everyone thanks so much. I seriously considered that however, the cultures they drew on Sunday were negative and his symptoms all pointed to a viral infection. Typically they cause the low grade fevers which is why I think our magic number is different than some (though I know this isn't always the case). At our old hospital (he was dx in NY) the magic number was 100.4. Either way I watched him like a hawk all night and we made it through. His body fought it off b/c he was fine all night and has been great today, more active and playing w/ not even a low grade temp. Also I wasn't overly worried before b/c he was still eating and drinking more than ever. I was just irritated b/c we are strict followers of the rules and fever = at least an ER visit if not more. But our rule here is that if the ANC is ok and cultures have been done (which his were) than we can stay home unless they pop positive. So I basically just wanted someone to reassure me that if got a temp we didn't have to A) drive the 2 hours back to the clinic after we had just left or B) uproot everyone in the middle of the night for an unnecessary trip to the local ER. His doc is typically awesome. We butt heads at different times and have since day 1 b/c we both feel that we know what is best. He had learned his lesson for awhile after quiet a few times when he blew me off and it turned out I was right. After that he did as I asked for awhile, but it's been awhile and I think he has forgotten lol. Either way he won this battle. But if he had stopped eating, drinking etc I would have had him back to the ER w/ or w/o a fever. Because no matter what he thinks, I DO know what's best for my kid!
Either way thanks for the support. I think I just needed to blow off some steam. It is rare I have problems there but when they happen they really get under my skin. I'm freaking out now b/c his nurse practitioner since we've dealt w/ since we got here is switching to being a floor chemo nurse so we are getting a new NP. If Nancy wasn't so great I wouldn't be sweating it but she knows my psychosis lol, knows how to calm me down, gets back to me asap, takes the time to talk to me and explain things I don't understand, and even gave me her home number for emergencies (which I've only used once, but knowing she trusted me w/ it and cared that much meant a lot) I'm glad she'll be staying in the hospital but sad that we are getting someone else.