Scans, Shots, and Silly Kids

Today we trekked to Vanderbilt for the last CF Clinic visit of the year (and hopefully the last Vanderbilt visit of the year period, in hopes that Emberlynn and Cohen don't pick up any illnesses that warrant hospital stays).

My mom went with us at my request because Emberlynn was scheduled to receive the first of what I hope is very few CT scans (read my last CF Clinic post for details on my initial feelings about the CT), and I knew I would be unable to be in the room with her due to being pregnant, so I asked Mom to stand with her because I didn't want her to be scared all by herself. Cohen and I weren't even allowed to go down the hall with them, which I understood but was still a bit disappointed about since I am always worried about the kids when they have to undergo new procedures. In the meantime, Cohen and I watched the trains in the lobby and went outside to see the koi fish in the pond. The CT scan was not supposed to take very long, but I was still surprised when Mom and Emberlynn were in and out within five minutes. Mom said she did awesome; she did everything she was told and had no issues. Emberlynn told me, "He took my picture!"

Afterward, we headed upstairs for CF Clinic. The kids were weighed and measured as usual (Emberlynn gained a little over a pound and Cohen stayed the same, none of which is worrisome, as they are still in the "green" zone for BMI). Later in our visit, the doctor went over the CT scan results (and we were able to see the images on the computer screen) and explained everything very well to us. He didn't give us the "final" say on the lung findings (a radiologist will look over it to look for anything that might be serious), but he said from what he could see, they looked "normal" for a kid with CF (all CFers lungs look abnormal in some shape or form, we were told). He did notice some mucus "build-up" in the bronchial areas, which is normal but can cause problems if it stays there and builds and builds. He asked what her normal chest clearance routine is like, and I told him Vest twice a day and Pulmozyme (an inhaled medication) once a day, and he said that we just needed to continue it and not slack off (not something he needs to worry about).

We didn't have to see the nutritionist today, which is nice (not that we don't like her, it's just one less person we have to worry about seeing that ends up taking up more time on an already long day with two kids who get bored pretty easily in a room that has no forms of entertainment). An RT (respiratory therapist) came in to measure Cohen because he is old enough for a Vest, but alas, his chest is still too small by 1/2 inch (it's just as well, though, because the Vest terrifies him); therefore, we will continue with manual CPT until he gets big enough for the Vest (they will measure him again at their next clinic visit in February).

Emberlynn was due for her annual labs. In the past, this is something we have had to go to the next floor to have done, but now they have someone come to the exam room to draw blood, so we didn't have to go anywhere, which was nice. Emberlynn still cried a little despite have the EMLA cream to numb her arm (probably because she saw a needle going into her arm, which is scary for most kids anyway). Neither of the kids likes to see the other upset, so it was no surprise when Cohen ran to me and expressed his concern for his sister: "Emberlynn is crying! Her arm is hurt!"

Finally, both kids needed their flu shots. Shots are always something I forewarn them about. I let them know that they will be getting one (or several) and that it hurts for a minute but then it will feel better. Both always seem fine with this until it's time for the actual shot. But they were troopers as usual. As the nurse who took care of them through their entire appointment was preparing Cohen's flu shot, she told me that my kids are very well-behaved and that she was impressed by their cooperation with everything. It's always nice to receive compliments, especially in the midst of a day that is never looked forward to, and I thanked her.

And since part of the title of this post is "silly kids", I will say in closing that, due to a long day resulting in no naps, my kids got the giggles this afternoon, making them even sillier than they already normally are. I love my kiddos, but this Mommy is most definitely looking forward to their bedtime tonight and a lazy day at home tomorrow.