4/20/26

 Ethan was up in the night with more stomach upset. This time he was nauseous and feeling like he was going to vomit. I sent a communication to the transplant team and tentatively scheduled an urgent care appointment.

Ethan chose to call out sick which he has never done. Not even with his pneumonia’s. Yesterday he said “NO URGENT CARE” today he is waving the white flag. I am proud of him for recognizing that he needs a break.

I have to be careful and make sure he knows that HE is calling the shots and I am just here for guidance. We talk through all the options and the pros and cons of each. Then HE chooses the next step.

I started moving some of my appointments to this evening. It hit 9:00 am and I called the Transplant team. I received a call right back directing to go to the lab to rule out some bacteria overgrowth as well as assess hydration, electrolytes and rejection medications. We had to collect a-hem….a sample….to be tested.

We went to the lab. And waited and waited for about an hour. I went up and asked the lady where Ethan was in que. She never got his stuff ready by accident. She began profusely apologizing to Ethan. He is not an easy one to skip. He had SO MANY tests being run. It took her a solid 5 minutes to print the labels.

They were quick with him. Afterward we went to the store to grab some “bland diet” food items. Rice! I got him some rice cakes too just for a variety in texture. We have saltines, bread and apples at home. 

Ethan ended up taking about a 2 hour nap. Poor kid. 

His results slowly came back. Negative for C-diff (a nasty bacterial infection that is contagious and difficult to treat). Yay! I was worried about this because it would wipe us all out.

His white blood cells indicated some inflammation was going on.

This evening Ethan was low key. He was scared to eat because he was afraid his body would revolt. Poor kid!

Ethan was a trooper today.  We will have to wait for more answers.

I realized that I never booked a flight home from Boston next month. I quick did that. That will be a long day. An 8 hour flight, 3 hour layover and another hour and some change flight back to Rochester. Oooffff! I will have nothing planned for the next day.

Jiminy was Ethan’s shadow today. He wouldn’t leave his side until our cuddle time this evening. He is such a good little friend.