Sara texted me this photo today from Stanford. I'm here with the other little ones keeping business as usual. The fever from my last entry did indeed escalate, and by the time I got home, Daisy was not breathing well.
We loaded her up and carried her into the emergency room. The doctor at Enloe gave her some oxygen, and she quickly improved. Within 20 minutes she no longer needed assistance, and she began to feel normal and started playing and wanting to eat. The pediatrician came in and ordered a workup and she was released at about 6:30 PM.
We called friends and family and let them know she was okay, and then went about our normal evening routine. I had just gotten Zoe and Teddy to fall asleep, and was pretty sleepy myself, when I heard Sara calling my name. By the tone of her voice, I snapped up and ran to the bedroom. There was Daisy, bluish and heaving, gasping for air with wide eyes. DAMN!
We called the next door neighbors, and Tanya Brownridge was at the door in 30 seconds. we were out the door and called 911 enroute. The dispatcher scolded Sara for driving ourselves instead of waiting for an ambulance, but we knew this would be faster and that last time the ambulance was lacking equipment suitable for babies.
The emergency room doctor was very surprised to see us back so soon. This time her breathing was much more laboured. She could not get enough oxygen without added pressure, and it was not getting better. The doctor wanted to intubate her, but on my request, we waited another 30 or so minutes to she if she came around. She didn't. Seeing her intubated again was excruciating. It took multiple tries and tore the tissue in her throat.
Enloe hospital does not have a pediatric ICU, so once a baby is intubated, it must be taken away. Daisy is a Stanford patient, so Stanford arranged to send a helicopter up to get her. Sara and I both wept as we saw our normal life and Daisy's comfort and progress slip away once again.
It was after 2:00 AM by the time the team had her ready to go. She was heavily sedated as we kissed her goodbye. We were both exhausted, and after some deliberation decided it was best to just go home and get some rest. In the morning we made our game plan. Sara had to tie up loose ends at work and I needed to make arrangements for kids and house.
Sara headed down to Palo Alto yesterday and has been at Daisy's side. Thankfully she is rapidly improving and her stay will likely be only a few days. As you can see in the photo, she is not intubated anymore.
This morning I saw her binky on the dresser and felt this jolt of sadness at missing her. I did some laundry and teared up as I folded one of her soft, pink little onesies. I pressed my face into it and drew her in. But she'll be home soon. Question is, will this be just one of many trips to Stanford this winter? I wish we could just go to Hawaii for the season.
Sending you and your family prayers & positive thoughts!!
Tom and Sara and family,
Daisy is in my prayers. Many mercies upon you all. Especially you, Daisy girl.
Love,
Denise Leavens
So sorry for this setback. I had a much less steep roller coaster with my son, and he did FINALLY outgrow his problems by 3, but those three years were very scary. We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and hoping this is the LAST time!
I just started reading your blog because of Cory's blog. My heart goes out to you and your family . And that Daisy is the sweetest thing in the world(and I'v got 20 grandchildren).Theres nothing harder than having a sick child. We lost out oldest son to cancer when he was 18, its so difficult not being able to "fix" it. Bless you guys, I'll remember you in my prayers.
I hope precious Miss Daisy is home now and on the mend. Prayers and good wishes coming your way!
God Bless little Daisy and her family....Prayers coming your way from Australia.
Dear Tom, Sara, Carter, Teddy, Zoe, and Daisy,
Your family is a very special family I believe, Your children are very strong and that says a lot about a family. Your little Daisy as a will that is just Great and as a child so young I agree its in her eyes. I went back and started from the beginning on your Blog and yes I too was brought to you by the way of Daisy's Godmother! I just wanted to stop by and say hi and know that there is one more praying for your Daisy and your entire family. I do hope all is better on this Monday Sept, 28th
I am a nana to 3 very wonderful children and I thank god everyday for them and they are my godsend. I live here in Northern Calif. Angels Camp in the Foothills. about a 3 1/2 hour trip to SF as well. Your Blog is a heart wrencher! You have been able to do this as vent perhaps, but to share this is very special So I want to thank you for writing this blog. I had to have 2 disc's replace in my neck in 2003 then another fusion, then my shoulder to cut about inch of bone that wanted to sit on my nerve! I do hope this finds you pain free! Thank you again for your Blog. Take Care Sheri