Bye bye catheter

Claire's dialysis catheter is going to come out tomorrow at 2:00 pm and they're not going to put her to sleep for it. Getting the cuff disconnected would be the most difficult/painful part of taking it out, and since that is already out, it should just be a quick pull. Theoretically speaking. There are two stitches they'll have to undo and as you can tell from the picture, the area around the site is tender.....so I'm sure it won't be "fun" by any means; but nice to have it out and nice to not have to go through the big ordeal of putting her to sleep for a simple thing like this. It has served it's purpose well but glad to see it go! Good thing she's a tough girl. She's going to need it tomorrow.

They want to make sure the infection is completely healed before we think about doing anything else. There is a good chance she will have a port-a-cath put in in another few weeks to be used for blood work, but it will be installed beneath the skin. Nothing will be hanging out...which also means she will finally be able to take a REAL bath and SWIM! Perfect timing with summer just around the corner!

A collection of the stuff Benson and Claire smuggled at the doctor's office today. Two of the stickers and the bunny rabbits were given to Claire when she did blood work this morning. She's always sure to get something for brother when she's gettin' the goods...and so the blue bunny made it home with us too. Everything else was from the kidney doctor's office!! Our nurse said our kids have VIP status. Not everyone gets that loaded with goods. I think I'm ready to be demoted!!