So. What do you think this box in antibiotics cost? These antibiotics are delivered via Parker’s trach with a nebulizer.
Would you believe me if I told you the cost of these antibiotics were FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS?
That would be for a one month supply, thankyouverymuch.
Yes, our insurance did kick in some here. But that didn’t prevent me from thinking I was I was going to faint.
Do you know what FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS COULD BUY?
How about a YEAR’s worth of groceries?
We had secretions from Parker’s trach cultured. We received positive results for staph, and a host of other bugs.
In an attempt to keep the Brave Hero out of the hospital, his doctor wanted to give the Tobi a 2 week trial run. At the end of the month we draw more secretions and have those cultured. If they look better we continue the Tobi for another two weeks.
If not, Parker is admitted to PCMC for IV antibiotics.
He’s feeling quite funky. His tummy is struggling to keep feeds down. We are giving him Moltrin to help with the yucks.
We are praying that the Tobi works. We would be honored if you would keep Parker in your prayers too.
Considering it’s price tag, I am thinking that not only should the Tobi make Parker all better, it should also sing and dance and make dinner for the next two weeks as well.
And to the commenter asking why Parker seems to be wearing the exact same clothes in each picture:
ahem.
Our guy isn’t able to get out much due to his fragile health. So, he really only needs one good outfit for visits to the doctor’s office.
At home he wears cloth diapers and trach friendly tops. He does have a decent selection of little tops. But since I do laundry on a daily basis anyway, I don’t see the need to purchase a lot of different outfits.
To be perfectly frank, I have much more on my mind than how many pieces of clothing Parker owns.
It is also hard to find outfits that are trach, g-tube and ostomy bag friendly. It is a pretty tall order to fill.
I don’t know many 3 year olds who really care all that much about how large their wardrobe is. If anything, most 3 year olds I have known find one shirt, etc. that they love and want to wear it until it literally falls apart.
All of Parker’s needs are well met. Very well met. Have no doubt about that.
Clothes neither make the man…..nor The Brave Hero.
Holy crap. Please tell me I didn’t bring that into your house unknowingly. None of my family has been sick, but you never know. I’m just going to stick my head in the sand and say “nope.” ‘Cause then I can come visit again.
Seriously, we haven’t been sick. And we did use the germ sanitizer before coming in. And…and….I’m sorry you’re sick, Parker. We’ll say extra prayers.
I’m sorry Parker is sick again! We will keep you guys in our prayers…
As for the clothing comment… well, I guess I never noticed. Probably because my kids wear the same things over and over all the time… and getting dressed is optional on most summer days!
You are an awesome mom, Tammy! Parker is so lucky to have you!
Hey there Tammy . . . I never noticed the clothing either. Hmmm guess I missed that one. By the way, what size does Parker wear? My kiddos are growing so quick we have some clothing barely worn. If we have sizes Parker can wear and you don’t mind . . . we would be happy to send them Parkers way. I run out of ideas of what do to with clothing after the kids have outgrown them.
Hug and love to Parker!
that should have been
hugssss and lovesss
I hope the tobramycin will help Parker and keep him out of the hospital. My daughter has been on it several times and it has worked very well for her. She has colonized pseudomonas and staph also that flare up and have to be treated from time to time so I know what you and Parker are going through. As for the clothing issue . . . the only thing I have noticed is how cute he is! Don’t feel like you have to explain your decisions, even little ones like clothing; you are obviously spending your time, energy, and resources on the things that really matter and clothing just ain’t it!
Man, oh man. What a week. Hugs to you both and call me if you need to . I emailed my tmp number just now (sorry, I forgot befroe when you asked)..
Love to all of you!
I am sorry the poor guy is sick again!
I never noticed the clothing either. Don’t people realize that you have better things to spend your money on than tons of clothing?
Oh my goodness! I almost fainted at the price! That is outrages!
I hope he gets feeling better soon. Poor guy!
Tammy, Some people are incredible with the stuff that’ll fly right out of their mouths (or keyboards). ‘eh? Whatta weirdo to say that! The Brave Hero will definitely be in my prayers, he’s one of the cutest kids I’ve ever seen. You are an awesome mamma! Hugs from SoCal, JenK
I hope gets well soon!
It is ridiculous what is charged for medical items. I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days recently, and I got the statements for my insurance and almost passed out! Thankfully they paid almost all of it, but even the amount the insurance pays isn’t the full amount that the hospital can charge a patient without insurance.
I’m so sorry about Parker being sick again! I would have nearly passed out too at the price of that antibiotic! I sure hope it works! You guys don’t need another hospital stay, there are lots more germs there than in your home!
I never noticed the clothes, thing. Still don’t! Who looks at clothes, with such a cute face to see! You have written before about the kind of clothes you can’t wait to have him wear. I sure hope it is soon for you. Dressing around medical equipment would be a challenge!
{hugs} Get well soon Parker!
Can your kid please catch a break? Of course, we’ll say some extra prayers that the Tobi does the trick. Last thing we want is our hero back in the hospital.
Must say–except for the pink shirt and designer diapers–I never paid too much attention to Parker’s attire. Guess I was too busy looking at his sweet and gentle face.
You and your family do an AMAZING job meeting all of Parker’s needs!
Feel better Brave Little Hero.Prayers coming your way from California.And Tammy if I haven’t told you,you are doing a fabulous job at Five Minutes. In fact your doing a fabulous job all around!!
I am praying that those meds work and you guys can stay out of the hospital!
Poor babe! Prayers said! Hope he is feeling and doing better soon . . .
I’m praying that Parker will be feeling back to his old self soon! He is such a sweetie pie, and I always love to see his smiling face.
Here’s hoping that expensive stuff helps. Even at $4000 for a month supply, it is still less than a hospital stay of similar length, yes?
Feel better, Brave Hero!
and here’s some {{{(((HUGS)))}}} for the Brave Mom.
Lots of prayers for the little guy. I hope he is much better very soon!
Poor Parker! I hope he is on the road to recovery soon and you can stay clear of the hospital for a long while.
And the clothing? I never even noticed and can’t believe that someone did. wow.
I came across your blog through my niece’s and I have fallen in love with your adorable little guy. I check to see how you guys are doing just about every day. I am sorry that Parker is sick but, I know he’ll get better soon as he has been through so much already and he’s a fighter. Prayers and God Bless you Parker and your family.
I’ve said a prayer, poor baby.
As for the clothing, first I never even noticed until you mentioned it and secondly, who cares? I mean really, do people have nothing better to do than complain about something like that?
And oh my goodness that is some expensive antibiotic.
Tammy just remember that for every one out there being rude, there are hundreds and hundreds of us absolutely amazed at the wonderful mother you are.
Hugs,
Sandra
Keeping Parky in our prayers, and hoping your expensive antibiotics work – I’m with you – they should MORE than work for that price tag!
And, I would have to say – wow – who even takes the time to notice or care that Parker is wearing the same outfit often. Honestly, that seems like an interesting comment.
Hugs and prayers from Brady and I!
I hope Parker is feeling better real soon. Hes always in my prayers.
Hope the Tobi works like a charm. I’d almost pay $4000 to stay OUT of the hospital! Who knows what you could catch there?
Four grand. Oh my goodness Tammy. It is such a crime that families going through what you all are (just tryingto make your son better…keeping him alive) have to not only fight the good fight againts failing health but also againts debt. If there is anything you need please let me know. Do you need clothes for him? Do you need toys? Do you need some money? I’m more than happy to do whatever I can to help you and your family.
:–) Nell
So expensive — Gavin takes the IV form Toby as well. We had to fight insurance to give us it! Hope Parker is feeling better. Gosh he is so stinkin’ cute!!!!
Gavin was admitted tonight– yuck!
First, reminding you that prayers abound in our hearts and home for Parker…always.
Second, Parker so makes the clothes. And let me tell that commenter about my son, the Beetles freak, who must wear the SAME Beetles t-shirt daily.
Oh no, I am so sorry sweet Parky is sick again
I feel so bad. I am praying as always. Please say he is much better today!!
I have NEVER noticed Parker wearing the same clothes or anything. He is so cute, his sweet little face, hands and feet are what I see. He could have worn the same thing every day and I never would have noticed! I have a hard time getting my boys to get dressed everyday! They would wear the same thing all summer and be happy
I love Parker, please tell him for me and give him lots of hugs and kisses
I hope he is better soon, I cant stand the thought of him sick again!
Amy
We’ve been sending lots of prayers for Parker and your family!! My daughter has come to know Parker, too, and loves to see new pics of his sweet face
I hope he gets to feeling better soon.
BTW, I can’t say that I’ve ever noticed what he’s wearing! Guess I’m just always looking at his sweet face!
Ok, I talked to people, and they said it was probably due to Parker’s time in the hospital rather than us. They said it would be really clear if we had staph, and it is unusual for people that aren’t in hospitals.
Guilt alleved, but prayers still being sent!
Praying that these antibiotics work~get well soon Parker!
Oh I hope it works and you can keep him out of the hospital. Wesley has gotten psudamonas before (he doesn’t have a trach, just lousy lungs) and 10 days of vanco was such a pain in the rear.
Hope he’s feeling better soon.
How cute is his hair looking.
Lots of love to your family
Christy
What a little trooper with the sweetest little face!