Daniel is doing about the same. He definitely has a form of meningitis, caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria often lives harmlessly in our throats and mouths, and for whatever reason entered Daniel's system and caused the infection. He probably has encephalitis too, but the dr. said essentially it doesn't matter the diagnosis because both are equally bad for Daniel. They are currently waiting for some cultures to grow so they can ensure he on the correct type of antibiotics. The next 3-4 days will be very telling as to what his future holds. We expect him to be in the hospital at least 2 weeks, and quite possibly in-patient rehab after that. The dr. said he may have to relearn a lot of what he knows as far as motor skills etc.
Right now its just a waiting game, we're trying to take things one day at a time because there is no way to know how Daniel will respond to treatment. He may return to his full health, or could be severely handicapped.
Caleb & I are staying with Daniel's 3 older siblings for at least another week or so. Caleb is having SO much fun playing with the big kids! My DH is coming to spend the weekend with us. Next week I get to be a homeschooling mom of 4! The 3 kids are home schooled so I will be doing my best to fill the shoes my sister left for me, while keeping track of Caleb too! I'm so glad to be able to help in this way and to ensure the kids have a semi-stable environment. The oldest brother (he's 8) was able to visit Daniel tonight, and he's very scared but I think it helped for him to see what's happening.
I absolutely appreciate all of your prayers, thoughts and encouragement. I will definitely let you know if ya'll can help with anything.
Re: Yet another update on my nephew
It's hard to imagine that having these answers is actually a blessing compared to not knowing what it was before and being in the dark. I hope they find the medication that works best to treat him. I have prayed that God will keep his body strong and that the doctors receive the knowledge they need to treat him quickly and safely. I am glad that the oldest went to see his brother - knowing how receptive he is I think it's better for him to have as much understanding as possible and open dialogue will make it easier on everyone. Especially being the one in charge of his care right now, I hope you both feel more comfortable having an open disucussion about it rather than letting the fear and anxiety hang over you, making matters worse. I also hopes it opens up a dialogue between him & his Dad and helps binds them with strength for one another.
And YOU will be an amazing home schooling mom...of FOUR! Who knew you could go from 1 to 4 in such a short period of time? No, really, I'm very proud of you for stepping up to the plate. I know you didn't have much choice, but you've taken on the responsibility without a single complaint and you've been so strong throughout this whole ordeal. I wish I could be there to help you, but I'm following orders from a certing person ::eh hem:: to take good care of her "niece" here in Raleigh
We are thinking about you.
I don't know if Glen is working tomorrow before he heads down there for the weekend. If you need me to run to the store for anything and deliver to Wilson while Glen is at work - that way he doesn't have one more errand to run before getting on the road - just let me know and I will do that tomorrow asap.
And btw...did I ever tell you? I love you!
***Baby #3: BFP Mother
Catching up on sports news...
Your nephew his family and YOU will be in my thoughts and prayers! What a scary situation for all involved! You might want to suggest to your sister to see if they have any child life specialists at the hospital or anyone that could come talk to her and give her some advice on how much and what to tell the other kids. Be prepared for them to act out, just because they don't really know or understand what is going on.
Where are you at again? If you're near Wilmington at all I would be MORE then happy to do anything I can to help out, even if it means just meeting at a CFA so the kids can play and you can have some adult interaction. Just let me know!