Christmas in the CCU - Grateful

We have had better Christmases but we have a lot to be grateful for. Melodina is in the Critical Care Unit at Sick Kids. I won't go into the incredible stress that provokes. Indira and I both stay in the room overnight. Maggie, Melodina's dog needed emergency surgery Christmas Eve. I guess she was in a doggy CCU Christmas day as well. This posting is to focus on some of the positive aspects of this unfortunate situation.

Melodina was diagnosed last week with an infectious pneumonia. She went down to the ISU early Tuesday morning because she could no longer breath on her own. Early that morning she went into surgery to get a lung biopsy and a scope to look around as well as some fluid collection was done at the same time. She went back to the CCU after Surgery. We knew this surgery was imminent for a few days. Melodina asked for a particular surgeon who she knows and trusts. He came in on the first day of his vacation to perform the operation and he came back the next day to follow up.

From the moment we arrived in the CCU we got wonderful cooperation from both the anaesthetist on the surgical team and the ISU doctors. We had one of the best and most compassionate of the Oncology Haematologist Staff Doctors to back us up. We discussed every aspect of her treatment and care before it was implemented. This was done in conjunction with teams of doctors. As results of the surgery came back a plan for treatment was created. The main architect was one of our favorite Oncologist/Haematologists along with the "Guru" of Infectious Diseases and a wonderful Staff Doctor from the CCU.

Throughout the whole process we have been a part of the discussions and Melodina's care and treatment has been modified to meet her past experiences and our observations. The caring, knowledge and attention to formulating all activities specifically to Melodina's personal situation and past experiences as well as her Mother and my observations have made the whole experience better and somewhat less stressful. We are confident that this negative situation which occurred at the worst possible time - the Christmas Holidays - has been handled with the best possible care and treatment. Melodina is still on a breathing tube as I write this but it should come out today or tomorrow. Her lungs have improved somewhat. We know she is on the road to recovery.

Maggie the dog got her surgery late Christmas Eve thanks to my sister, her fiance and Melodina's Godmother. She will fully recover soon. This was another blessing. The Veterinarian and staff at the Animal Hospital spent their vacation time looking after Melodina's dog. Wonderful people.

Indira pointed out that having the best people in place at the right time was her "Christmas Miracle." We have nothing but praise for the teams of doctors and nurses, the Respiratory Therapists and the other Sick Kids staff who have helped us through this period. Angels of Compassion; every one!!!

Oh, bye the way the diagnosis of pneumonia has proved to be wrong and the doctors who know have determined that Mel's lung condition is an adverse reaction to one or more of the drugs she's on. This is good news and treatable.