Up and down, up and down the fever went all afternoon and evening as doctors and nurses scurried in and out to address nausea and take her temperature at 15 minute intervals. It was spiking at times to 105. Test results are due back today whether this is her body's response to chemo or if she picked up a bug but clearly there was no time to waste. Wrapped in cool towels and ice packs, the hospital tripled up on her antibiotics and super hydrated her. Eventually, finally, thankfully, it looked as though the fever was coming down and we were celebrating a drop to 102...
An on-call pediatric cardiologist dropped by who had heard about Aiyana. We liked him instantly, this doctor with kind eyes who reassurred us he would be just down the hall all night long. And sure enough, Aiyana's dad called us in the middle of the night and said she had been moved to ICU for labored breathing.
The Fourth Day after chemo is when many children develop high fevers and vomiting in response to the strong chemicals in their bodies. The more aggressive the regimen, the stronger the reaction. But on the evening of the The Third Day peals of laughter could be heard from the room and we were making lists of foods to bring. I'm glad we had that Tiger-by-the-Tail time, before we knew The Fourth Day would come.
As we walked to the car tonight in a strong embrace, we were acutely aware, maybe for the first time, that we haven't learned how to savor each and every moment because they have always been endlessly abundant. There will be better days ahead, we know, and we will bring her home when it is safe and right. Not on Friday, but it will come. And on that day, this day will be long forgotten.
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