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Charlie is a bundle of nerves. Tonight will be the first time he has stayed overnight at LPCH. What with Madison being in ICU and the transplant, that will make it just that much more stressful. He has commandeered one of the alcoves in the hospital there on the 2nd floor next to the ICU that is set aside for visitor seating. It's not an uncommon thing to see the alcoves taken over by people sleeping, and yes all their possession close at hand. In the 32 months that Paige was under treatment it was a well established rule that alcoves were for families of ICU patients. The ICU is next to the Oncology Ward.

Madison is dong well. Her urine output is stable. Her fluid intake is regulated and is dependant on an IV going into her port. Madsie doesn't have a Central Venus line like Paige did. The port is one of the other options and only is a single line. In all actuality she probably has another IV for all the medications, fluids, etc....... Charlie mentioned that during the day that blood output increased and caused concern. He is becoming very adept at reading the faces and body language of the ICU Nurses and Doctors.

The plan is that within the next 2 to 7 days that Madsie will become stable enough to be transferred to 3 West at LPCH. Another factoid. If you categorized kidneys like clothing, Madsie's new kidney would be an Extra Large. The Nephrologist asked Charlie if he would like to feel by pressing down on Madsie's stomach. As you can imagine he turned that opportunity down. This is just so real !

The family has found a Hotel close by so that they can take shifts sleeping outside the Hospital. The ICU rooms do not have day beds for parents. The parent staying with the child overnight sleeps in the alcoves I mentioned above. Leaving your child alone isn't an option for some families.