Back to the Clinic

Hello Everyone,


Your guest blogger tonight is Dad, or "Daddy-o" as Emily often refers to me.  Before I share the details of the day I need to wish Amanda happy birthday.  Amanda is one of the aptly named SLU Saintsations.  This group of beautiful young women have been truly sensational in their support of Emily.  Teamevans is incredibly grateful for their love and friendship.  Emily lights up with every skype session, phone call, card, or text.  There were plenty of tears and watery eyes on Tuesday night as we watch you represents so well for the Billikens.  Thanks for being so kind and thoughtful.


The day started off fairly normal, at least for our "new normal".  Kenz and Joe got off to school on time and Jane and I both made it into work.  We are so very thankful to have Bianca currently visiting with us.  Emily woke up just not feeling too well this morning.  She was generally "achy" with a mild sore throat and swollen glands.  As Emily mentioned in her last blog, she is currently nuetropenic and her immune system is very vulnerable.  These kind of symptoms are of some concern, but the symptom of greatest concern is fever.  Jane and I are both very fortunate to work for such supportive organizations.  Both JCU and ABA Insurance Services have been have been incredibly supportive as organizations, but the outpouring of support of our co-workers and friends has truly been overwhelming.  Hearing the news of Emily's discomfort this morning and living relatively close to my office, I was able set my laptop up in the bedroom and be with Emily for the afternoon.   


As the day went on, Emily felt more and more "cruddy".  Her temperature began to rise over the course of the day topping the 100 degree mark around 5:00pm.  Considering her nuetropenic condition, all of the other symptoms and fever, a call to doctor resulted in a trip to the Clinic.  Living so close to this world class facility, makes it a "no brainer" to make the quick trip M50.  The fever was up to 101.8 when we arrived, so we were all thankful we reacted quickly to her symptoms.  The nurses were very quick to get fluids and antibiotics in her mediport.  Within a half hour the fever was reduced and Emily was feeling relief.  So for now it looks like at least another night in the hospital and possibly a couple more.  


This is all still relatively new to us.  We understand that the next several months will have many ups and downs.  Right now though, the ups and downs are almost hourly.   We are strapping our seats belts for what looks to be a real roller coaster ride.  But for Teamevans this what life is.  We all continue to live each day with enthusiasm.  We laugh, we spend time in thought, and especially though this experience our emotions are moved every day...many times to tears.  Most of the tears are for the unbelievable support, love and prayers Emily and the rest of Teamevans have received.  We wish everyone could experience the so many acts of kindness we have witnessed.  You all inspire us.  Yes, for us, this is living.


Even with all of todays events, Emily was able to experience another Sacrament.  Father Snow was so very kind to join Teamevans at the Clinic and celebrate the Sacrament of Annointing of the Sick. The was another emotionally uplifting time for our family to share as we all laid hands and prayed over Emily for healing.  


Joe and Mackenzie continue to do great things on a daily basis.  We are all looking forward to the major event this week-end for them.  Kenz and the Walsh cheerleaders head to St. John arena for the State cheer competition on Sunday.  Good luck Warriors.  Joe, and the mighty Gesu Bulldogs, compete in the final four of the Cleveland CYO basketball championships.  Go Bulldogs!


We are thrilled to hear the encouraging news on Will Dittrich.  We are heartbroken that Mary and John have to watch their young son endure the treatment he has, but we are not surprised by the fight in the boy they so correctly named Will.  Many prayers and good energy go out their family and the caregivers at Rainbow.


So it is time to sign-off as Jane and I settle into these  comfortable pull out hospital room chairs.  Emily, still has a slight fever but is much more comfortable and is resting well.  We are anxious to see what great things will happen tomorrow.  


GAME ON!
Daddy-o