Daniel has set a goal for himself, since he is very driven to TRY TO EAT four times today. Something small but just something. He knows he has to try and that if he doesn't he will be taking his IV home with him and we do not want that happening. He can do it. I have faith in him. The kid has an iron stomach. He just has to get back to it.
So due to the chemotherapy Daniel's senses are hyper sensitive, not only his taste but his smell. As you expect it effects his love hate relationship with food but you would not think how it effects everyday life here at the hospital. Daniel literally can smell you coming. What I mean is that Daniel is having a difficult time with a few of the nurses, in particular, the male nurses that were scented deodorant. Most of them know better on this floor since all the kids are going through this same situation but more than anyone Daniel's newest Doctor that came on rounds this week should know better. In walks this Doctor (very knowledgeable; extremely sweet) on Sunday morning for rounds and low and behold in wafts his very strong cologne. Daniel is quiet and polite and his blood pressure is quickly escalating as he is holding his breath. we are speaking with the doctor asking lots of questions, chit chatting and after he leaves, Daniel has a massive attack about how bad he smells and not to let him in anymore. Well we explain that we can't do that and that this is a very sensitive thing to talk approach him about. He has been a Doctor here for many years and this is a very personal topic yada yada yada.... next day comes and in walks the Doctor. He checks Daniel out (as he holds his breath) and Daniel texts 'go talk outside. he F@&*KING stinks'' so we take our conversation outside the room and when we return Daniel pleads to not let him back in the room. Thankfully Daniel does not mind the smell of a particular Febreeze that we have for the room. He proactively asks the nurses if he can switch Doctors , to which they say NO-he is the Head Doctor on the floor this week. He asks if we can please put a sign on the door asking people to be aware of his sensitivities and not wear scented deodorant and cologne. He is trying to be politically correct and cover all his basis. Day Three- In walks Dr. Peppy Le Pew. F@#&*^K IT. I sit back in amazement and listen to my child. "I am sorry Doctor but I am trying to be polite here and say this in the nicest way possible, but the chemotherapy has really made me sensitive to tastes and smells, as I am sure it has to all the kids here and you are wearing some really strong cologne that is making me very sick and probably all the other kids too. Can you please not wear it anymore when you come to see me." My first instinct was to say Daniel stop being rude, but then I thought. Their whole lives I have been telling both sons to advocate for themselves and lookey there. That is exactly what he just did. Don't beat around the bush. Well guess what happened today? In walks the Doctor and guess who is not smelling. The same one that is yes still wearing the same cologne but very little and put on a gown and when approaching Daniel asked him if it was better. I am so amazed and proud of Daniel for standing up for himself where he felt it would make a difference for his comfort. This is what matters! And this is how I know he will accomplish whatever he sets his mind to.