Day 119: Big Prayers for St. Patrick's Day

Duplicated on our CaringBridge site for permanent record here.

March 16, 2021, written by Mama

119 days in the hospital: 63 in PICU, 28 in the Oncology ward, 15 at In-Patient Rehab, and 13 back in the Oncology ward.

After a blessedly peaceful night with few wakings, Thomas woke up and we did 45 minutes of Kindergarten while the rain poured outside.

He later enjoyed visits from the Child Life art therapist Miss Leigh--with whom he did sloth projects--and his beloved Miss Hailey. They read books, colored in his Stations of the Cross coloring book, and played with stickers.

Sloth not done being colored, but I had to share!

Thomas also practiced standing during Physical Therapy! 

Medical Updates

Thomas's daily X ray did show significant improvement in the pneumatosis (= fewer bubbles). That means that complete bowel rest and antibiotics are working. Therefore, Dr. B---- gave permission for Thomas to have clear liquids (no carbonation) for comfort.

Tomorrow morning, Thomas's drain will have been clamped for 48 hours. Thomas will have an abdominal ultrasound to do one final check for any pockets of fluid but, if all is well, Dr. B---- plans to remove the drain tomorrow (Wednesday . . . St. Patrick, pray for us!). We've come this close (this night prior) to drain removal about three times before, so we wait with hope and detachment to see what tomorrow brings.

Meanwhile, Dr. B---- says Thomas is ready now for the bowel imaging, so he is arranging with Radiology to get that scheduled. We await more information.

Just so you know the tightrope that we walk: Dr. B---- said that if the drain is removed tomorrow and if we get imaging done and it shows no evidence of the problem he is concerned about, then Thomas has no reason to stay in the hospital and can go home. But if the imaging shows the possible problem, then we face surgery.

Prayers

I have decided to pray for the intercession of two priests.

1. I beg for Fr. Emil Kapaun's intercession. He is a Catholic priest, army chaplain, and posthumous winner of the Medal of Honor whom we have always admired and his bodily remains were found just this month, so he is in the news again.

Information: https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/father-kapaun/

Prayer for Fr. Kapaun's Intercession

Father Emil Kapaun gave

glory to God by following

his call to the priesthood and

thus serving the people of Kansas

and those in the military.

Father Kapaun, I ask your

intercession not only for these needs

which I mention now . . . but that I

too may follow your example of

service to God and my neighbor.

For the gifts of courage in battle

and perseverance of faith,

we give you thanks O Lord.

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary

2. I beg for Fr. Henry Kowalcyck's intercession. He was a priest full of absolute joy and always ready to die and go to heaven. He was given his wish during a very blessed Easter Octave 2020 when he suffered an epileptic seizure, fell and hit his head, dying instantly. His story is much more gripping than that and I am in the midst of reading an entire magazine edition devoted to him.

Fr. Henry had a particular affection for the young boys at his parish, always saying, "These Little Guys! They teach me so much!" As a friend who knew him told me, "His patience and love for them was palpable." Maybe Fr. Henry would be so kind as to help out this "little guy" Thomas!

Information: https://www.familiesfullyalive.com/index.php/reasons-for-your-faith/item/2133-father-henry-kowalczyk-shm

Thomas's dad and I are swapping out this afternoon. I know they'll have a great daddy-son time and I have a very special event in the works that I'll have to share about tomorrow, God willing!