September 18, 2026
Day 8 & 9:
Yesterday was an eventful day. It started with a hospital wide lockdown. I was getting off the elevator on 2nd and was told there was an active shooter and to not get off the elevator. My stomach dropped. My first thought was to go up to Tate, because I knew it was safe upstairs. But I was worried about my employee friends that are on 2nd and everyone in the atrium as it’s wide open. I went to 3rd where you can see over the atrium. It quickly became apparent that there was no immediate threat but in minutes I started seeing lots of armed law enforcement including SWAT. It was a swatting call…a fake shooter called in. What a mess for the clinics especially. Families wait months and travel to see specialists. Now the next weeks will be spent fitting everyone back in. Employees were locked out as well. But all minor inconvenience with the trade off of everyone being safe.
Gerald reared his ugly head at Tate again with a bad episode. The new med didn’t work so after some time, we landed on the old. Tate’s pain Dr. was in when it started and was a huge help in communicating with the team to rule out some things that were on the table. That led to a final decision to proceed with some tests.
Labs yesterday were wonky and later this morning Tate will be sedated for an LP and C spine MRI. They are looking for or to rule out growths, infection and inflammation. We don’t really want any of those things, but we DO want answers and direction. Tate continues to run daily fevers that they don’t contribute to the bacteremia.
Yesterday was a highly emotional day especially for Tate. This kid is carrying so much. We always have so many specialty team visitors that I appreciate so much and help with the medical logistics but also the hard emotional stuff. They are doing their job but feel like friends too as we’ve known them so long. You know you have a great team when your Infectious Disease Dr. just sits and listens and genuinely wants to know what would help make all this better. Plus doesn’t she have the greatest name….Sam Bacon!? We also have had another favorite nurse that we’ve had for years….Alyssa. She’s a quiet one whose calm demeanor and amazing skill set and advocating ability were just what we needed yesterday all while precepting a new grad who is also a great addition.
Tate made a drawing of “Gerald” with her art therapist, Erin. She closed her eyes and described what she saw when Gerald is attacking her body. I learn so much about processing emotions with Erin. Giving a visual to something terrifying and painful takes some of the power away. Tate is making plans on what to do with Gerald when they are finished.