News about Liam

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August 22 - 23, 2007

Sleepless In Seattle has newfound meaning.

But, despite the sleepless nights, the separation anxiety, the medical roller coaster, the “unexpecteds” that clearly define the day…Liam has much to be proud of.

The last couple of day have been difficult, but unlike the previous days, the difficulty is not something that can be fixed easily with medication. Now is the time for Liam to be a warrior. He needs to push through the pain and remember that each step he makes is one step closer to getting home. Mind over matter – finding the strength from within – breathing through the pain… these are all techniques that Liam is learning to draw from, ideals that are much easier preached than practiced, no doubt!

In addition to his daily respitory therapy treatments, occupational therapy treatments, and finding time to simply rest, Liam is being “schooled” on how to take care of himself. The Pharmacist comes in each day and reviews all of Liam’s drugs with him. He is learning the names, the dosing, what the drug is used for and any specific precautions or side affects he needs to be aware of. He must look at a picture of the drug, name it and answer questions that the pharmacist has prepared. When she feels that he is satisfactorily educated, the next step is for him to fill a massive weekly pill box, with all of the drugs in the proper dosing containers . . . and the meds are not labeled for him… he must remember which is which! (some final exam, huh!?!?!) The Child Life Specialist is helping Liam to organize his day so that he is in charge of his time…not just the TV remote. This is going to be a challenge for us – just like it is for EVERY parent – to try and let go a little of the control.

It is so nice to be dealing with “normal” teenage issues :~)