Slow and Steady
Things have been progressing slowly here but there is a bit of news
to report. As suspected, the PE they discovered in Karyn's lungs
originated in her lower right leg which is why she was a candidate
for the filter. This will prevent any further clots from entering the
lungs, something that could be quite serious. Additionally, Karyn is
now on low doses of blood thinner to prevent further clotting.
Apparently the danger of her head wound being negatively affected by
this is low.
The doctors are scheduled to pull out one of her three drains
tonight, leaving the two that are required for the antibiotics.
Though her infection is subsiding, it is not gone. Dr. Wang (Dr.
Parsa's resident) told me today that the shunt would not get the
green light from the ID team until Karyn has three cultures come back
negative. Doing the math, this means that we're at least 6 days away
from this happening. When you take into account a day for the surgery
and 3 to 4 days of recovery, unfortunately Karyn won't be home for at
least 10 days....and this is being optimistic and assuming tomorrow
will produce a negative culture report.
The bottom line right now is that Karyn's infection was (and still
is) quite serious. The treatments she has been receiving are quite
non-standard and all doctors involved are being extremely careful.
Today I signed a release allowing UC to study Karyn's case because,
in some ways, we are paving new ground with each passing day.
So that's where we are. The days go slowly but I am managing to help
her pass the time by visiting her daily (along with a few other
people). He spirits have been temporarily numbed by the infection and
she still spends a lot of time sleeping. Her appetite is good though
and she has many moments where she is able to speak and is somewhat
aware of what is going on. It's important to remember that this is a
result of the infection and not the tumor (nor is it damage due to
the tumor).
The sad truth is that she is there right now as you read this. Though
it's where she needs to be now, it's hard not having her here at
home. I miss her, the kids miss her....we all miss her and can't wait
to have her back home soon.
~Julian
