Small Mercies and a Big Boot

Months ago, when Tate was hospitalized for 11 days, I had a very emotional exchange with one of Tate’s friend’s moms via text message. Tate was in so much pain he could barely move; he couldn’t raise his arm off the bed, he needed help to get into a sitting position, walking was impossible. During that stay he was examined and treated by doctors from Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and Barrow Neurological Institute. Some of the brightest medical minds in the valley were gathered at his bedside, and they were perplexed by how difficult a patient Tate is to treat. We had just learned about his neuropathy, and the doctors were learning with us. I was a special kind of mess; I couldn’t see hope through the fear. And that is when Stephanie Ross taught me about small mercies. She has a gentle way about her, and it helped me catch my breath and look at that day with new eyes.

Today was a little bit like that. The good mixed with the bad inextricably, and the tangle of action, hope, anxiety, and exhaustion leaves us so grateful for everything we have.

Tate broke his foot. The X-rays and MRI show that he has developed Osteopenia, a weakening of the bones, from the steroids he has to take to treat his cancer. The orthopedic doctor also said that being stuck in bed for so long and unable to do regular activities contribute to bone density loss.

The good news is that he does not need surgery. Yayyyyyy!!! The doctor said he expects the Osteopenia to reverse with time, and he’s not too concerned at this point that Tate will develop Osteoporosis. If more bones break, there are tests they can run to determine bone density, etc.

Tate has swapped his Shrek slipper for a boot for at least the next four weeks. He was able to stand up in his boot right away! He got kind of wobbly and needed to sit down after about 30 seconds, but he has what he needs to get better now. The doctor wants him up and walking around in his boot as soon as possible.

Tate’s ANC has only increased to 390. His immune system is still too low to protect him if anything happens. The Nurse Practitioner said she does not see anything in his bloodwork that is cause for concern, but Tate is still not able to take his nightly at-home chemo or his weekend antibiotics. She said there is a small percentage of patients that do not metabolize Methotrexate well, and there is a blood test they will run at his appointment next Tuesday to determine if that is the case with him.