The first thing I noticed about Ian this morning was that his color is coming back. The overnight blood transfusion was well received and he was already behaving much more normal. He was happy to see me because he knew that inside my red bag I had the XBOX 360 which meant he could play Lego Star Wars II. He and his mom have spent the past month conquering and learning the ins and outs of that game.
The worst part of the day was when Ian had to have his bone marrow aspiration. I had researched this procedure and I was in no way comfortable with it. I know it's a necessary evil with no other options but I still can't stand the thought of that procedure. The nurses sedated Ian to the point where he fell asleep and Corie and I left the room. The procedure lasted no more than 10 minutes and he was back in our arms. I know it was worse on us than it was on him...seeing how he was given drugs to forget the last 30 minutes of his life and we will always remember that he had this done.
A miracle happened, Corie's mom (Sattley) and cousin arrived. We now have some direct family help and our kids can go home.
The poking and prodding today has been minimal compared to yesterday. Ian is still scared of anyone wearing scrubs but understands that they are here to help. He knows he is sick and needs to get better. The hard part is not being able to understand why the nurses and doctors are doing the things they do.
We are definitely in for a long journey.
It's 10:00PM. Corie Just called and is absolutely overwhelmed with the love and kindness of all of our friends out here in Overland Park, KS. She told me that the house is completely 100% immaculate and clean. Bathrooms, bedrooms, carpets, kitchen, etc. all picked up, put away, cleaned, and polished. Our home teacher came by to drop off his portable GPS system for Mom (Sattley) and to tell us he'll cut our lawn. Other ward members came by with a dozens of presents and cards from our friends. All of this on top of the current service they are all providing for the Ortiz family. This is absolutely unbelievable. All of you who are praying, serving, and providing for our family are saints. We love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
She has also received numerous calls on her cell and calls to the house phone. Over 17 messages were left from friends and family.
It's 10:15. Ian looks fantastic. He's receiving another transfusion and is sleeping like a rock. I haven't seen his skin tone this pink in a while. Aside from his drenching sweats, he looks as if nothing is wrong with him.
I know everything will end up alright. Ian will get better. At this point, only good things can come from this. We will meet new people, Ian will make new friends, we will become involved in a community that we never before knew existed, our family will grow closer together, we will come closer to our God...the glass is half full.
Here's my little stud.
The only thing Ian wanted to do today was play Lego Star Wars II on the Xbox.
Mommy and Ian finished 95% of Lego Star Wars last month. They'll have plenty of time this week to finish the remaining 5%.
Nanna (Sattley) flew overnight to be here to help with Lauryn and Emma.
Ian is starting to feel better after the blood transfusions.
Ian was able to pick out this green Matchbox car after being so brave and putting up with the bone marrow extraction.
Ian says he's going to get better.
Ian thought the two pidgeons outside our window were funny because they were 'kissing.'
