Preliminary Results and Hospital Update

We had a very busy morning after my last update (I’m starting to lose track of the days). Allison had an echo done, which was normal, so huge praise! Then she had her liver ultrasound done which was unsuccessful. They were not able to see the infection because of where exactly it’s located (below the lungs, above the stomach). I believe they might want different imaging later to see if it resolves, but they don’t seem worried about it now. She got a unit of blood and then went to the OR for the BAL and scope procedure, which was only about a 15 minute procedure. They said her lungs definitely looked inflamed and irritated, but didn’t have a lot of fluid or other signs of infection, which was a very very good sign. The first day there was no growth on the cultures from that procedure. This is also a very good sign. They are thinking that possibly her ANC going up made symptoms of the infection worse at first, but that it could have been there all along and was already being treated by the antibiotics. This most likely all stemmed/spread from the infection on her stump. That’s really the hope. They did change the antibiotics again just in case that isn’t what is happening though. Allison was very tired and rested most of the day after that. 

Yesterday was just a waiting game, no big changes (yay!) and we were just waiting to see if her body responds to the antibiotics and watching for any change in symptoms. Her pain is still pretty high, and they are considering changing up the pain medications. Hopefully the pain team will come in today for that. 

Today we should get the final culture results back and the results from the Karius test. Hopefully we will be able to change her pain meds to something less sedating. Her ANC came up to 100 after dropping back to 10 yesterday, so that is very promising too! Our plan going forward is to do surgery Monday (as long as her ANC is high enough) to clean out the wound on her leg and close it. It has continued to show signs that it may keep separating. On Tuesday they will resume chemo. Her chemo Tuesday is methotrexate, and it does not typically tank her immune system like the last one did so they think it will be safe enough to allow her body to heal from the surgery and not put her in too much more risk of additional infection. 

I know I appreciate all the ways that people have supported us, whether that sending door dash, checking in with the rest of the family and other kids, praying for us, or sending messages of support and encouragement, I’m so thankful for it all. Allison has read every card and message and it has made a huge difference. She isn’t happy to be here but knowing people care has really impacted her mood overall and everyone (even all the doctors) have noticed that change. So, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done and continue to do to make sure that we know that we are not walking through this alone. 💕