Posted: 04-14-2025
PopPop was on night shift again and said the night went good with a few coughs, but no cough assist needed. We feel that Dallas has been making more productive/stronger coughs, that allow her to more easily clear mucus and such. In fact, today is the first day since we started using cough assist, that she didn’t need it during the day.
Dallas had her morning meds, including another dose or Tocilizumab – the drug that helps to keep the storm at bay. In preparation, she had blood draw last night for labs and found that one of the IVs would no longer draw, so it was removed. During rounding the attending doc asked the team if Dallas had any scheduled IVs or blood work coming up, and the Tocilizumab would be the next in 2 weeks. He requested that her remaining IV be removed, as it was now 16 days old and certainly wouldn’t make it 2 more weeks. Also, he doesn’t like the idea of the plastic IV just hanging in her body when not needed. Oh… big shout out to Sam in the PICU who “doesn’t miss” – he did a stellar job with her IV for it to last this long!
We pointed out a little bit of “goop” – a term soon to be found in the currently unpublished Brett’s Dictionary of Medical Terms – to the team, but they didn’t have too much concern and felt it may be that her tear duct could have been clogged. They’ll keep an eye on it and suggested that we could hold a warm compress there if we notice it more. So far, so good!
With the weekend over, PT/OT was back on the scene working with Dallas down on the mat and supporting her while on the bench. They used “Snuggle Monk” to give her a kiss/hug for some extra motivation, and she seemed to have a bigger grin than we’ve before. She got tired fairly quickly, but had a good session overall. Although still very weak with not much for stability/control, they feel she has a little more control, especially compared to last week. After the PT/OT session, it was time for a good nap – this time, Daddy got the snuggles with her!
I saw and heard a Dallas swallow after getting her repositioned on her pillow. THIS was today’s little win – it’s crucial for her to be able to swallow, in order to eventually move away from the NG tube to regular eating. PopPop and I actually saw her do this two more times, back to back, later in the afternoon – perhaps she’s becoming more comfortable with it. Again, a little win!
“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” — C.C. Scott
9 Comments
Leave a Reply
© 2025 Dallas Neville. All Rights Reserved.
Sending love to you all ♥️
LOVE the picture! We are all celebrating each sign of progress with you. The optimism and diligence shines through each day. Prayers for strength and peace.
Everyday a new success. 💕
🧡
I like the notice of small bits of progress. It is very important. Thinking about you all throughout the days. Today’s picture is so beautiful. Reyn
Glad to hear of any improvements & will continue praying for them.
Love how Dallas shows love with her beautiful eyes. Every day she seems to be healing, glad they took out the iv, must have been uncomfortable. Wishing her good advances in her ot/pt this week.
Again sending gentle hugs and kisses, sweet child. Love Aunt Grace and family.
Great picture!
OMG! Can’t imagine what You are going through. God bless You All and please God help Dallas and get her back home. 💞🙏💞🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏