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08-8-2008 - Ashton's tumour Part 4 (final part)

My mood while writing this blog: scared, happy

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Ashton was then in NICU for the following 6 days (from his operation on the Wednesday, to the following Tuesday morning.)

He had a cardiac 'event' when in NICU which was very alarming. Jason and I were by his bed, when on the Thursday (the day after his operation) his eyes suddenly opened – we were overjoyed, but then the monitor started alarming and we saw his pulse had gone up to 200+. Suddenly doctors and nurses were everywhere so we quickly got out of the way. I was beside myself as I watched them re-intubate my son (they had just taken the tube out as they planned to have him off ventilation). It was horrifying to watch, so we quickly went to the parents room to wait. We went out to check on what was happening 10 mins later, and things had calmed down. They had increased Ashton's sedatives, and he was on ventilation again.

Later, the doctors explained what had happened; Ashton's heart went into SVT and VT – two fast rhythm's of the heart. Luckily Ashton reverted himself back to normal ('sinus rhythm') and did not need any medications or the defibrillator. They believed it to be caused by an epidural he had running into his abdominal area, which was quite near the heart. Samples were sent to Perth (WA) for testing in a special laboratory. Ashton was to stay in NICU for a few more days because of this. He also picked up a chest infection and was on intravenous antibiotics. He was not given any milk until the 3^rd day post-op, which was then delivered via his nasogastric tube. The next few days were a blur of visits to NICU, and my sleeping in the parent's hostel. Jason went home every night but returned early every day.

Finally, Ashton was taken off ventilation on the Tuesday morning (the 15^th July) which was a success. He was bright eyed, and seemed happy. He was then transferred to a ward, to continue on the heart monitor. It was very hard picking him up with the wires attached to him! But it was possible, and I was able to breast-feed him again. That evening, Dr Dalla Pozza, the Oncology specialist, came to see me and Jason. He explained what the initial results of the post-op biopsy of Ashton's tumour showed. It was an 'Immature Terratoma' – in other words, not cancer (it was benign) – what a relief! But, it could have turned into cancer if it was left, as the cells hadn't finished maturing (hence the term 'immature'). He said this was good news, that the cure was the removal of the tumour, which had obviously been done. However, Ashton would need close follow-up and observation for the next few years, to make sure that the deposits that had been left behind do not cause irritation, and to basically check to make sure a tumour doesn't happen again. We were relieved that he would not need chemotherapy, but apprehensive about the future check-ups, and 2 monthly CT scans and blood tests he would have to have. A small price to pay we reasoned, for a tumour that size being removed, and Ashton being healthy. Dr Dalla Pozza did say the biopsy wasn't completed but the results were unlikely to change.

Back on the ward, Ashton had to remain on the heart monitor for 24 hours and an ECG was performed to check on Ashton's heart. The doctor's were happy for the monitor to come off on Thursday, they were happy with Ashton's heart. He was doing really well. Both teams of doctor's (surgical and oncology) came to see him/us every day.

On Friday, they said he could be discharged (the 18^th July). He was booked to have a few outpatient's appointments, and we were given forms to bring in next time for u/s scans and blood tests. He also had to go home on oral antibiotics for the chest infection.

Ashton is now doing really well, and is thriving and catching up with the weight he lost whilst in hospital by having a huge appetite and feeding very frequently. We are overjoyed to be able to put this experience behind us, and enjoy what parenting is really all about – playing with your child, holding them, showering them with love and watching them grow, develop and reach milestones.

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