Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Play Nice with the Animals

Once again, I have decided to write today's article during Parker's nap time. It is the best time to write it as long as I am not taking a nap at the same time.

As most of you know, we spend most of our days either at the hospital or walking around Milano Due. There is a nice laghetto beside our residence and we enjoy walking around that a few times each day. There is a beautiful swan, several large white ducks, along with some smaller ones, in addition to a family of turtles.

Yesterday on our walk, my wife took several nice images of the wildlife. She was very lucky as the animals were very cooperative. However, today was a little bit different. While walking past the two ducks, it was apparent that one of them was not very happy with Parker and I. Regardless, we stood still for a while and the duck left us alone. We did finally leave, but when my wife turned in the direction opposite to Parker and I as she walked away, I noticed the duck begin to chase her. "Run", I said. You would not think that a duck was that fast but he was, as my wife barely outran him.

To be honest, it was kind of funny to watch. Poor mommy had another incident a couple of days ago as we walked near Unes. Mommy was the recipient of a bee sting on her finger as she pushed Parker in the stroller. I am not sure what it is that makes bee stings hurt so much but I know from experience that they do. Mommy did tough it out and we continued on our walk.

Today, we decided to grab a couple of pannini from one of the many Travola Fredda's in the neighbourhood. This is just the Italian version of a snackbar; however, it is much more elaborate then a snackbar you would find at a hockey rink in Canada.

We began Parker on his new medications today. We began this morning at 5:30am when he woke up for his bottle with 0.7 mL of an antiviral medication(3 times daily). It is not a lot of medication and for that reason it was quite easy to administer. I think the medications seem to smell nicer than what I remember. This might be because they are meant for toddler. Then, at breakfast, Parker got his 7.5 mL(Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) of Septra (Bactrim) and 4.0 mL of amoxocilin (he will be done this on Friday). Later this afternoon, Parker will get 7.0 mL(daily) of an anti-fungal medication. Parker will be on these medications for the duration of his Italian journey.

Tomorrow is definitely going to be a difficult day as he will be receiving an infusion of IgG. With the most recent numbers, Parker's IgG level would not normally constitute a top-up but I guess they want Parker to have as much protection as possible going through the gene therapy. Hopefully, we get some more results from the earlier tests tomorrow.

I wish everyone a good day.

3 comments:

Nonno and Nonna said...

Hey Parker,

I am still laughing as I visualize your Mommy running away from the duck. It's like a scene from "Forrest Gump" 'Run Tracy Run'. There must of been some baby ducks and the mother was protecting them. (Just like your Mommy) It's a good thing that you guys have been walking alot or the duck might have caught you Tracy.

Enjoy the rest of the day.

Stay strong DesLauriers

Love you tons

Nonno & Nonna

Nana said...

If nothing else, you cannot say your life there is uneventful. Something is certainly always happening. Those ducks can be tempermental things especially if they have young nearby.
I have to admit that I start laughing every time I picture a duck running after mommy. Not to worry - I am sure she would have wrestled it, had she not outrun it.

You keep taking your medication, my little man and you will be so strong, you will be able to take those ducks on.

We love you sooooooo much.

Nana and Gaga(those people)
xoxoxoxo

Auntie Christini said...

Dear Parky,
What beautiful pics! Those ducks are funny animals, and a bit scary too. I remember when I was a kid being chased by a Canadian Goose. Not fun. Sounds like you all walk about 20km a day! ;) What a wonderful way to explore your new environment. We still can't believe it has been over 3 weeks since you've been there. We miss you tons. Good luck tomorrow big guy. As always, we are thinking of you all.
Love,
Auntie Christini and Uncle Mikey xo