Hi all. We were at the hospital bright and early this morning to do a GFR test on Ravi’s kidneys. Basically, the nurse puts a tracer in his bloodstream and then does blood draws over a 4 hour period. So, first we went to get the port accessed and the tracer put in. Then we trotted across the hall for an echocardiogram. Ravi thought it was a rather goopy experience but tolerated it just fine. After that we needed a snack, as we had left the house at 7:30 am. We got Ravi treats, me coffee and Robert a hot chocolate. Then, we spent a lot of time hanging out waiting for more blood draws. We went upstairs to the Journey Clinic to get labs. We waited some more. Periodically, a nurse would show up and draw more blood for the GFR. Robert curled up and went to sleep. Ravi, Sam, and I chatted. Labs came back and looked slightly better than last week, and Ravi did not need an infusion. More blood was drawn. Jill, the head nurse popped in to tell us that the echocardiogram looked normal and not to worry about it. At 12:30, the last vial of blood was drawn and we were free to leave.
At home, we had lunch and I went out for a much-needed walk with a friend. Ravi curled up with his iPad and Robert read and did Suduko. When I got home I got the results of the GFR but not any doctor notes. The test showed mild improvement since May 3, but the kidneys are still impaired. I do not know if Ravi can receive chemo (Cisplatin) next week or not. We see the radiation oncologist for a consultation tomorrow. I really do not know what will happen next. We know that surgery is not an option. We are looking for a second opinion at Mayo, when we can get an appointment. Though Ravi is tired a good deal of the time, he is very happy and smiley. He had a wonderful 21st birthday party with all of his favorite people attending. We will keep moving forward. Keep the faith and be good humans.
Harriet's Hedgehogs and Autism Advocacy 