Thursday, February 16, 2012

An update from the trenches ...

Okay, those closet to me know, I am a HUGE germaphobe. We are talking huge. I was one before Zoey arrived and now, well, let's just say, it sometimes reaches epic, and often unreasonable proportions. I am acutely aware of that point as well.The unreasonable part, that is. When Zoey was born, 3 months in the NICU and 5 other children home or in and out of the home, taught us to be hypervigilant about hand washing and hand sanitizing. We have, for the last nearly 5 years, purchased this:

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 .... by the case. If it was good enough for the hospital well, then it was perfect for us. There really has not been a time in Zoey's life that she has not been immune compromised. NICU days. Home, in congestive heart failure, waiting for heart surgery. Seizure days when one of the medication she was on, ACTH, lowered her immunity and least we forget leukemia days. And, after leukemia treatment, and up until her last 2 blood draws, she has remained with a low ANC but has managed to keep remarkably healthy. We all want to stay free from viruses and illnesses but for her and her tiny 22 pound body, we want to keep her that way, all the more. Thus, the germaphobe mindset.

So, when Joe woke up last night throwing up, oh. my. gosh. I have been in germaphobe mode like no other. Wiping , washing and cleaning and you know what? Some of that, totally illogical. Joe was contagious, before he started puking and the rest of us, well, some of us, were likely already exposed. We will cross our fingers and our toes and pray that we are in the clear. But seriously, what are the chances that no one else will come down with it? One could only hope, that  everyone will miss it. 4 day weekend for the kids. I'd like to think that the Needham infirmary will be empty and we will be good to go and enjoy the extra time together. Oh, by the way,  another fun fact about me: I would totally prefer pneumonia opposed to the stomach flu. No joke.

In other news ...  I wasn't feeling great last Friday. Nothing I could put my finger on, just off. Woke up on Saturday and decided to run anyway. Did 6 miles. Felt decent. Sunday came and I had this intense pain in my lower abdomen.  Super tender.  Headed to the doctors and ... 3 large cysts on my ovary. One had ruptured and yeah, explains the feeling lousy part and certainly explains the pain. I have tried to take it easy the last few days but that is nearly impossible with life around here.

So that is the brief update.  Had an entirely different post in mind, but that will have to wait. Off to see what else I need can wipe down. Might just be this laptop ... do you know how many grubby little fingers are on this daily???

18 comments:

Anna said...

Well, say some prayers and do your best. We once had a tummy flu that only affected two out of five of us. I was so thankful for that, it was the BAD kind. I get turned inside out when anyone has tummy issues. ugh. One of the worst parts of motherhood.

Bea, OT said...

Hope you feel better soon! Sounds horrible!

Helena Sue said...

Yikes! You are quite the warrior. Good luck with the iffy stomachs... I'll keep my fingers crossed for your family. :)

Lacey said...

I panicked when mondo had fevers and a horrid cough. But then I thought the same thing, he most likely was contagious before the fever spiked. No one else has gotten it yet, I'm still waiting for the ball to drop!
Oh and I would so much rather have a horrid cold than throw up! I don't know how poor Jax can stand to gag and retch so much. Makes me feel so bad!

Shannon said...

We all just got over it here, too. I am totally with you and glad to know I'm not the only one who'd prefer just about anything over the stomach flu. I've often said I'd sacrifice a finger or toe if I could rather than go through it.

Melani said...

Ooh I feel for you. My husband is somewhat smile germaphobe and I have to wipe everything down with disinfectant wipes during cold and flu season. I will pray that your warrior princess won't get it!

Anonymous said...

Fingers crossed over here and sending positive non stomach bug thoughts in your direction. There's some kind of stomach thing going around where I work so I'm locking myself in my office tomorrow and hoping I can get home for our three day weekend without talking to anyone.

Joyce said...

Right there with you.

Stephanie said...

With on the stomach bug, We all would take anything instead of that!!! It comes straight from hell, no doubt! Praying the rest of you escape it!

Now what about you!!! Are you ok? What are they going to do about the cysts??? Take care of yourself;) Please!

colleen said...

So sorry to hear the gi bug is anywhere in your home... and i hope no one gets it. Dealing w/ 2 cases of pneumonia, back to back here w/ asthma to boot - but totally agree w/ your preference for this disease over the other. Hope you and Joe feel better quick and Zoey remains symptom free. Clean away...BTW, I"d love a little of that cleaning obsession right now!

The VW's said...

I am so with you about the stomach flu.....I just about lose it when someone throws up at our house! Praying the rest of you stay healthy! Enjoy your 4 day weekend together! Hugs!

Lisa Lilienthal said...

So how do you think the germs got all the way to your ovary? Of course I am kidding - my goodness it is never a dull moment, is it? I am sorry you are going through all of this. Open up those windows -- I think fresh air is the best disinfectant there is when something like stomach flu is around. XO

blogzilly said...

Germs suck, and puke sucks even more.

Hope you and everyone else feels better very soon.

Scrappy quilter said...

Any news for me???

Hope you are feeling better soon. Hugs and love

Rochelle said...

Oh no on the flu germies but more importantly what are they doing for you?
Praying that nobody else gets sick and you are on the mend!

Elizabeth said...

I don't know how I missed these posts -- I hope you're all better as I type. I will call you today as I travel round the city, doing lacrosse and baseball rounds.

Gberger said...

I hope that you all keep dodging that stomach flu bug. How awful, to know that it's all around town!
ICK.
I was a bit of a germaphobe when I was younger, and I got over it until - you guessed it - pediatric cancer. Those Bath & Bodyworks scented, pocket-sized hand-sani bottles made it feel a little less phobic and more like a luxury, but I wasn't fooling anyone. I still keep them in my purse, car and house, even though we're empty-nesters.
I was reading more about your family tonight. Pepperdine is a great university in a stunningly beautiful location - David looked at it before deciding on Gonzaga. Your family is lovely. May God bless your children's dreams as they find and follow their calling.

The Boyds said...

It was nice too see you in the Dr. P's office! Hope you are feeling better!