Dexter needed biopsies, to determine which form of cancer he had. The oncologists also needed to check some shadows that had come up on Dexter's lungs - they were checking these for evidence of cancer. Luckily, the cancer had not spread to his lungs.
Surgery was needed for the insertion of Dexter's central line. This would be used for his chemotherapy treatments, transfusions and blood checks. The surgeries went to plan, though Dexter was in pain. Unfortunately, his recovery did not go to plan. Dexter was given pain relief, which he was allergic to. He stopped breathing. Dexter needed to be resuscitated (twice in one day). Watching this is a memory that will never fade. Dexter spent much longer than the predicted one night recovering in hospital, which set back the start of his chemotherapy treatments.
Passing your young son over to the surgeons is not easy, but Dexter needed the tumour out.
He spent the first six nights in the Children's Intensive Care Unit; connected to a range of cords, wires and medical equipment.
While the surgery went well (Thanks Dr Guy Henry!), his recovery wasn't so great. Dexter was back on the feeding tube - which was stuck up his nose. He needed this support for a week. Dexter kept getting fevers and the doctors were unsure why.
At one stage, Dexter was tested for a contagious infection, or maybe some kind of fungus, so we were put in isolation for four nights.
Once Dexter was cleared, we went back into the ward for two more nights.
When Dexter was finally cleared to go home, he was loaded up with a whole bunch of medication. We had a couple of weeks at home so Dexter's body could gain back some strength.
After he recovered from the surgery, Dexter's oncologists said he needed another couple of rounds of chemotherapy.
A day after getting the call, saying the line would be removed, and the day before this final surgery was scheduled; Dexter developed an infection in his central line. This resulted in an ambulance ride from our local hospital to Sydney.
Instead of a simple day procedure, he had another four days in hospital, to overcome the infection.
But, finally, the infection was beaten, the central line was out and we were home!
Happy Cordless Anniversary
Cancer Clear – One Year
Thanks, Mum and Dad
No Egg
End of Chemo – 1 Year Anniversary
Finding Out & Starting Treatment
Cancer in Photos
Dexter’s Hepatoblastoma
Dexter’s Cancer Story
Done!
See the Cancer?
Lizard
My Cancer
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Who is Dexter?
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