Day 8

6:55:00 PM Atticus Army 3 Comments

Hey Army

Atticus really did well last night, there was a few times that he woke up, but everything was just great as Emmie and I took turns being up so that if he woke up the first thing he saw was his mom or dad.  Today has been a great day in that we got to take out all of his IV lines, his arterial line, his foley (urinary catheter), and they placed a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line.  This will be so much nicer for him, he had the hardest time with his IV catheters they kept blowing, and they had the most difficult time getting a new one in, and Atticus HATED getting a new one.  The PICC line will last a few weeks so all around Atticus should be much happier with this.

Originally he was suppose to get his PICC line first thing this morning around 8 am.  But there ended up being multiple emergencies all at the same time so we had to wait until about 1 pm.  He got back sometime around 2:30 and looked so much better with out all of the lines running to him.  We now only have the one PICC line and the EVD (extraventricular drain) that comes out of his head.  Atticus is MUCH MUCH happier.  We are now completely off of any sedatives and he is resting somewhat happily in his bed.

Here is an idea of how many lines he had going to him pre-PICC line

Earlier this morning we got a visit from our neurosurgical team, we were so excited to see the results of the MRI that we had been waiting for yesterday.  Our AMAZING surgeon said that he was very happy with the results of the surgery and that there was no visible tumor remnants left in the brain.  It is pretty amazing how resilient little kids are.  If you recall from yesterday's post I said that we were hoping that his brain would reabsorb that fluid and fill in the area of the tumor.  Well WA-LAH it did! 

Before surgery on the left and After on the right

We couldn't be any happier with the results of the surgery.  Like I can't even believe how amazing it looks.  Atticus is still a little weak on hes left side (in case you didn't know your right brain controls the left side of your body and viceverse) but he is able to move both his arm and leg when he want to.  So honestly it is amazing news!! We feel beyond blessed!

On the other hand we did also go over the spinal MRI, and going over that with the surgeon and reading the radiology report there is definitely metastases all the way down the spine.  They let us know that we will for sure have to get a port put in, in the near future, and when the results get back from the tissue that our pediatric neuro-oncologists will be meeting with us as well.  We obviously are not entirely thrilled with this news AT ALL and are not sure of his prognosis, however, having been pre-warned yesterday immediately after surgery we were at least prepared.

While Atticus was getting his PICC line we had some time to with family and of course our wonderful kiddos.  Also on a fun note, THANKS THANKS to all of you that have sent us goodies!!! We have loved and cherished every one of them. Here are some pics.

Atticus Army banner Made by Katti

Emilie's sister Katti surprised us with a some camo decor to cheer up his hospital room! we love the cute camo theme for Atticus's Army! Thanks Aunt KIKI for brightening his room and our day! your truly the best sister EVER!!

Thanks JESS and AUBREY for the surprise packages!! It brightened my day more than you will ever know!

Heres the fun treasures Emilie received from her friends! a journal, comfy pants, a neck pillow, blanket, and pens!

The Cupcakes are AMAZING Amy, and already gone! Thank you for your sweet card and for thinking of us! We sure feel so loved

We have just been overwhelmed and so appreciative of all the love and support.  And, honestly there are no words to express how much it has helped.  We got a very special visit today from one of Emmie's dear friend's Landon Jones.  Their families have been close friends for nearly 25 years, which is most of Emilie's life.  Landon lives up here in Seattle with his family and generously offered to bring us and administer the sacrament.  I can't even express how much this meant.  He showed up here at the hospital with 3 other concerned elders, and administered it to both of our families here at the hospital.  It was a very special experience......



With the EVD we are only allowed to hold him for 30 minutes at a time up to 3 times in any given 24 hour period.  But it was worth every minute.We treasure our time with our baby boy even if we just have to sit by his crib and hold his sweet hands and rub his precious head! It is just such a blessing he is here with us and recovering! We are forever grateful for those tender mercies each and every day!  At this point we are working on getting little Atticus to start to drink and eat.  Hopefully he will stop being so stubborn, although I am sure he doesn't feel much like eating, but we need him to eat so that we don't have to place a feeding tube.  I mean the world wouldn't be over if he had to have one, but I think he will be much more happy with out one.

Hopefully, Atticus will be in the ICU for about another day, and then we can be moved into the tumor ward.  Not that it would change much in our life as we are still at the hospital full time, but it would be a step in the right direction.  We are still waiting on results on the tumor which should come before the Tumor board meeting on Wednesday.  So up until that point we are just in limbo, and recovery mode from his surgery. But honestly we couldn't feel more loved or blessed! Prayer is real and faith can move mountains! So thank you EVERYONE from the bottom of our hearts!