So sick

What is the true cost of the simple, common cold? Is it just the price of a box of Kleenex, some cough drops, and vitamin C? Does it include a day or two of work missed?

The cost of the common cold for my immuno-compromised child is much higher than this.

Anthony and I contracted a cough/cold over 2 weeks ago. Day 2 involved going to the ER for fever to have blood cultures drawn. When a patient has a port that leads nearly directly to the heart, any sign of infection must be investigated immediately.

During the rest of that week, numerous therapy appointments were cancelled because he was feeling so crummy. Finallly, Anthony started feeling better for a day or two. Then, Anthony’s symptoms grew and became worse.

Another trip to the ER, blood cultures drawn, lab work done, and an x-ray later, Anthony is diagnosed with PNEUMONIA. He had to be sent by ambulance to Seattle for care at the region’s specialized children’s hospital.

So, here’s the breakdown of the cost of the common, simple cold for our family.
*Anthony develops a life-threatening illness
*therapists (at least 3) lose a session of their schedule (canceled appt. means no payment to them)
*Probable visit(s) to the ER
*possible ambulance transport for nearly 3 hours
*admission to specialized hospital (about $8,000/day for the insurance)
*cafeteria food and vending machine costs (could easily be $30 per day)
*gas for Andy to come visit (at least $60-100 round trip)
*calling card costs ($10-20 per hospital admission)
*cell phone re-charge ($20, we pre-pay by the minute)
*convenience foods for family at home
*travel food ($15 per trip)
*our children lose a parent (sometimes both) for a time
*My time is spent coordinating schedules
*Isolation in the hospital room (can’t leave our room because we can’t spread the virus or infection)
*family strain
*Again, Anthony develops an illness that is life-threatening
*our friend now has RSV (like a cold for most, but extremely dangerous for those who are immuno-compromised), and her LIFE-SAVING bone marrow transplant must be postponed until the complicated treatments get rid of the illness. Her transplant has been postponed for over a month now, which means she will likely need more intensive chemo again before, which she would not have otherwise needed.
*Anthony’s chemo has to be stopped until his body can recover its illness-fighting immunity---does that put him at more risk for relapse?!

My baby needs oxygen tonight because he has a cold that developed into pneumonia. His already worn-out body is struggling to survive.

Please think twice or even five times before you touch my baby, before you come near us* if you have even a small tickle in your throat. If you have any symptom at all, even a tiny cough left over from a cough you had weeks ago, please wait to show your love in person. I know Anthony is a seriously special boy. He loves everyone, and everyone loves him.

I just don’t want him loved to death.

*no offense intended, I’d rather just reschedule visiting with you than risk his life.