December 17, 2013

A long day here on M9.
Cody still had fever during the night but not any today.  The mediport came out this morning around 10 and a temporary one is in place called a central line.  It is on the outside of the skin and not embedded.  This is for easier and quicker removal and allows meds and fluids to be administered rather than an IV in each of his arms.  His veins are shot.  He did well with the procedure but needed platelets on the table.  He was pretty groggy so he basically sleeping today.  He had to get an x-ray to make sure the line was in place.  I spoke to the dr and this is what they think happened.  It happens often in neutropenic patients (patients with no counts, no white blood cells due to being knocked down from chemo and radiation).  He got a slight inflammation in the connector for the small and large intestine.  The inflammation became infected, leaking out into his blood causing sepsis-blood infection.  The organism that grew from the bacteria likes plastic so attached itself to his mediport which is plastic.  Once the organism was identified -klebsiella pneumoniae- it was then urgent to get the mediport out.
He is on 3 antibiotics and pain meds as his abdomen is sore.  He has to rest his bowel which is no eating and drinking.  They will probably start IV nutrition tonight.  The doctor said he will get better, thank goodness. What a whirlwind to say the least.
I am still so amazed by the outpouring of support from my family and friends.  My heart is warm from each and every one of you.  Thank you.
Prayers going out to my friend at work.  She is going through some hard times right now.  Thinking about you and your family.