6 months ago today we came to Sick Kids on a Sunday night and found out that Gavin had a brain tumour. It has been a long, long journey since D-Day. We have experienced incredible highs, like Bean’s very successful brain surgery, and plummeting lows, like our last 13 days in the ICU.
After his tumour resection surgery, we spent two days in the ICU, and as we left, the team saw us off saying, We hope we never see you again.
Unfortunately, that was not the case and we had to return for this extended stay. Today again, though, we say, We hope we never see you again. We now find ourselves back in our old room on 8B, with Gavin thrilled to see all his pictures and toys. We’ve already played garage and puzzles and are now relaxing with a DVD.
I never wanted him to have to make that trip downstairs, but I am forever thankful for what they were able to do there. When things seemed the most dark, they were able to stabilize Gavin again and again, using techniques and machines that I had never known existed. I am so thankful for his recovery. I am so thankful for the existence of the oscillator. I am indebted to the doctors and nurses and respiratory therapists of the ICU who got us here, still in hospital but back on the unit.
The next few weeks will be about recovery. Gavin is still in delicate shape but is beginning to be back to his old self. He has been playful today but needs to be watched carefully to be sure he doesn’t over-exert himself. We will wean him off morphine over the next couple of days, and begin to increase his formula to get his weight back up. I hope that his oxygen needs will decrease as well. The plan is to continue treatment with steroids and platelets to reduce the inflammation and continue his lung repair.
He is talking more and more but still not making sentences as complex as those from before, as speaking is still an effort. His throat is most likely very hoarse after 13 days of intubation.
We will be spending Christmas on 8B this year, but that is fine with us. It will be a subdued holiday, but we have already received all the gifts that we need: a clear scan, repairing lungs, and the end of active treatment.
Many, many heartfelt thanks to all of those who have been with us day after day through this. Your messages, cards, packages and food deliveries have helped us more than you can know.
Tears of joy are streaming down my face as I sit in my store reading this. I am so very happy for you all. I know you three will have a very Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year. Hugs and kisses and more healing vibes coming your way from both Stephan and I.
Could not be happier! Merry Christmas. Love to you three.
I am elated as well Erica and Craig. The wonderful team of official healers and the team of “unofficial” healers have done a good job together. You are to be commended for your fortitude and total selfless love. This will be the most wonderful Christmas ever, with Gavin, as he works toward full recovery. I’m not forgetting the prayers and energy…I’m keeping it flowing!! Special lunar eclipse tonight after midnight….can only bring good things. Love you…
We hope you all have a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 2011 We’re sure 2011 will be a whole new chapter in Gavin’s recovery. Love Amy, Phil, Phoebe and Tom xoxo
Blessing indeed. We’re so delighted to hear Gavin is in recovery. We’ll continue praying for healing. XXXOOO
I’ve been reading your blog daily and praying for Gavin’s full and speedy recovery. As the mother of a little boy Gavin’s age, I cannot begin to imagine what you have been going through but I am so grateful that he is back in room 8b with his garage and puzzles! May you all grow from strength to strength.
I am so elated to hear this amazing news Erica. Sending you big hugs of joy and lots of love
We are so happy to hear this news Erica.
Such fantastic news, this is going to be the best Christmas ever! 2011 is sure to bring many more happy times.
Love to you all.
This is the best news possible this Christmas. It makes me feel happy to hear that Gavin is enjoying playing back in his room. My mother is thrilled too – everyone is.
That’s great news for you all, the best Xmas present any of us could wish for. Here’s to 2011 and all the other amazing feats of strength and recovery that I’m sure Gavin will continue to perform. Sending our love always, the Rance family. X X x
I was sad to not see you yesterday, but relieved & overjoyed that my timing once again was “bad” in that good things were happening (waiting for transport team to wisk you outta ICU!!!) & that is why you couldn’t get away at that moment!!!!
Left the goodies in the fridge in the family room where you directed me – lots of love ~ Erin, xxoo
JOY JOY JOY! TEARS OF JOY FOR ALL OF YOU!!!!
I’m so happy! I love you all xoxox
Auntie Mel
Hurray!! I am so happy to hear all of this news. I will be thinking about you guys sending lots of hope and love and prayers through this holiday season.
I was so happy that I got to visit with you the other day and I look forward to PLAY DATES in the new year!
My head is swimming with all this fantastic news. We are overjoyed that Gavin is now on the road to recovery and has moved back into his old room. So so happy. As an aside, we have all been sick here, and too afraid to send any mail with germs, but we are slowly getting better and hope to resume germ free mail soon. Love Jenn
Merry, Merry Christmas to you three!!!!!!!!
Amazing news Erica!!! Best christmas gift ever!!
Great news, Merry Christmas to you all.
[…] marked one year since Gavin was released from his stint in the ICU and was able to begin the process of recovery. I remember walking beside his bed as we wheeled him […]