Day +30/+31 (6 weeks ...)

It is hard to believe Hunter was admitted to Seattle Children's Hospital six weeks ago today. There have been a variety of ups and downs and points where time literally stood still. However, the pace is definitely picking up as we move toward Hunter's discharge day, potentially this Tuesday! Hunter continues to improve and has made strides in his eating and drinking. He is completely off IV nutrition, and thankfully it looks like he will be discharged without a feeding tube. Tonight Hunter's last IV medication was switched to oral, and he handled it like a veteran. He will leave on Tuesday with a minimum of ten medications he will take around the clock. One of the largest issues we are negotiating is Hunter's emotional breakdowns due to steroids. There are moments, long and short, where he absolutely loses his marbles. His emotions fluctuate between extreme mania, violent rage and profound sadness. We are trying to find a balance between disciplining Hunter and supporting him. Hunter's steroid dose will gradually decrease every five days, ending mid-December. Hopefully, this combined with good food and rest will lower the frequency and intensity of these episodes.