Day 19: April 25, 2012

Day 19                                                                                                    Written Apr 25, 2012 11:57pm

Dallas went to sleep around 8pm last night. We think he is beginning to get his day/night cycle back on schedule, all by himself! How wonderful is that?!

This morning, they had a therapy dog come in. She climbed up into bed
with him and laid there. Dallas LOVED it. It was great to see such a
big smile and such a happy little boy. He didn't want her to leave, but
he began falling asleep.

Afterwards, Travis and I did Dallas' dressing change (the nurses just handed us the stuff). This dressing change was even worse than yesterday, in terms of him being in more pain and requiring even more medication. But, this is a sign of continual healing! They also took out Dallas' catheter, so he is able to use the bathroom on his own!

After his dressing change, physical therapy came in to work with him. He was able to build cups, throw a ball, blow bubbles, and worked out different areas of his body. Later, he played with play-doh, making an alligator, and a dog with a bone. It was great watching him start to play!

Dallas was able to get into a chair today. This was a big accomplishment, as it got him out of bed for a little while! He sat there for about an hour before wanting to get back in bed.

This afternoon, we were able to take Dallas up in a little wagon/chair to the 12th floor, where the rooftop playground is located. This was his first day outside in almost three weeks!

The nurse that Dallas had over the weekend works at Victory Junction. Next summer he will be able to go to camp there for a week! He is already looking forward to it. She also said she might know some people who could get in touch with Kurt Busch... so we are keeping our fingers crossed!

Also, there will be a golf tournament in honor of Dallas around the first week of June! Everyone is doing so much for him, it's wonderful. We cannot express how much we appreciate all the things that are being done for Dallas, as well as the help we are receiving.

The doctors came in and said they are looking at Tuesday for his first grafting surgery. They are hoping to get everything done in this surgery, which would be wonderful! We are very optimistic that this could be his one and only grafting surgery! If all goes well, Dallas could be out of the hospital in about a month. Once he is released, he will have to go to physical therapy and clinic visits at least once a week (or more).

With all the good that has happened today, there has been some bad as well. This has been such a hard day on Dallas itching-wise. The Adderex had been helping him previously, but it didn't seem to do much for itch control today. He had Zyrtec this morning, which didn't help, neither did Benadryl. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

He fell asleep just a few minutes ago. Dallas had a very busy day. Hopefully tomorrow will be another "good" day for him. We are taking it one day at a time... what else can you do?

Today was my birthday, and it was wonderful! Seeing Dallas accomplish so much today was a great birthday present. The only thing that could have made it any better is if we could have had all our kids with us.

Continue to pray for his healing and recovery, and continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers!