Friday, June 18, 2010

no more spinal taps!

Isaiah did great, as usual, at his appointment yesterday.  He fasted all day and was the last to go in for his spinal.  (They call patients beginning with the youngest, ending with the oldest.  When we started this journey, he was always close to the youngest.  Yesterday, at nearly 8, he was the oldest.  So sad to see so many young kids in the hospital.)




He and I established a pattern with the first few spinal taps: I'd carry him in (rather than using a wheel chair), they'd administer the anesthetic while he was in my arms, and I'd lay him down when he conked-out.  Since the beginning, as soon as he'd start to feel the drugs, he'd start yelling "I'm getting sleepy!  I'm getting sleepy!" as loud as he could.  He likes to try to fight the medicine.  It's kind of become his trademark.  After the first few times the doctors and nurses became accustomed to this and we all kind of laughed about it.  I've never coached him to say this, and he doesn't ever remember saying it.  But he always says/shouts it.


Yesterday was different.  


As the Propofal began to take hold, he just started to scream.  Not a fearful scream; more like a battle cry.  Like he was charging into a fight.  Think Braveheart.  It was kind of disturbing.  The doctor looked startled and asked, "What was that?"


As I walked out of the room, I thought, "That's a very strong kid, nearing the end of a very long journey... and he's still fighting."

4 comments:

Cyn said...

As I sit here in tears, I just don't have the words. I just can not even imagine what it's been like for you as parents, or as his sister, but to be the kid responsible for all that fight-I just can't imagine how that must feel.
I just think of all that he'll be able to take on in the world because what could possibly compare to fighting for you life and WINNING at such a young age!
I love that you add a picture of him each time-it helps to remind me that this isn't just a tale from someone, this is real, this is life, this is HIS battle and he's STILL smiling!!
I, I am SO very proud of you and your ability to trust and your unwillingness to ever give up!
I sure hope you had an AWESOME dinner last night!!

www.sixhennings.com said...

Thanks for sharing that moment. What a long battle this as been. I am so proud of you Isaiah, You have shown courage and more importantly your strong faith. I know God has great plans for your life and you have already been able to be an example of a true warrior for Christ so early on. I am looking forward to celebrating in August. I love you Isaiah!
Love,
Angela

Meghan said...

Wow Isaiah! You are SO strong. I have to tell you that every time I have to face something that I don't want to do or that worries me... you always come to mind, and it gives me strength just remembering how much you've endured and how you've done it all so courageously. You truly are an inspiration! Nate, thanks for sharing this story. I can't imagine the strength that you and Carmen have had to muster to get through these last few years. You are such a special family and The Lord just shines through each and every one of you. Hope we get to come stop by for a visit sometime this summer. Love you guys!
Meghan and Dustin Hein

Nicole @Team Pipkin said...

You're amazing kid Isaiah!I'm so happy that your treatments are over. God has truly blessed you.