New Procedure for Procedures

Today’s Lumbar Puncture was the same and also a little different from previous procedure days.  Until now, the LPs were performed in a little room toward the back of the clinic portion of the building.  It was a very quiet space.  Today it was done in the surgery part of the building instead.  There is an open, noisy pre-op room where the nurses check in patients and take vitals.  From there Tate was moved to the surgery room for the LP and then into a recovery area to wake up.  The staff was great, and I am sure this system works great for most patients.  But since Tate has to stay for chemo, he had to be moved across the building to an infusion room when he came out of anesthesia.

Here’s Tate awake from anesthesia but not quite ready to transition from the bed to his wheelchair.  He had just muttered something that was “so Tate” it gave us a chuckle.  I can’t remember what he said; I can only remember how it felt to hear him say it.  It was a mix of love and exasperation.  Check out those lucky avocado socks.

Tate’s nurse Michelle led us out of the surgery center to the infusion room.  Tate was still attached to the IV pole, so navigating him through the building required group effort.  I made a mistake and did not put a mask on him while he was being moved, and we ended up following a kid with a terrible cough down a hall.  I am so mad at myself.  At first I thought it would be okay because it looked like we were going into the closest room.  But then Tate’s nurse remembered he likes the other room better so she led us a little deeper into the building, which is where we ended up behind the sick kid.  Never again will he be moved without a mask; I can guarantee you that.

Tate had a solid breakfast and a big lunch, which is good.  Tate and this morning’s anesthesiologist got along famously, and she asked him to stand so she could see how tall he is.  She was kind of a short lady and made a big deal of Tate’s height when he was standing next to her.  They had a laugh, but Tate’s nurse was alarmed at how thin he is.  She always sees him when he’s in his wheelchair or on the exam table, and she was able to evaluate his body differently when he was standing.  He has strict orders to bulk up!

Tate received a care package from a special friend that brightened his day.  Not going to lie, I kind of have my eye on that mug!  I would never steal from my child. . . of course not.  Except when he’s not looking I might.