The infectious disease specialist, Dr. Dadwell (Dr. Ito's cohort) came by in the evening to show me the scan and talk about the options he suggests. He would like to see the dosage of Ablecet come back up to the maximum and possibly introduce another drug, an anti-fungal called Noxifil (generic name is posaconazole).
So we went to sleep wondering what changes will happen today.
The bone marrow transplant (BMT) doctors here at City of Hope work as a group. The specialists, cardiologist, pulmonary, infectious disease, all work through the bone marrow transplant BMT group. The BMT doctors, Nakamura, Nadee, Kheled and others, have the final say on Jim's treatment. We do talk directly with the specialists. However, we've learned that the BMT doctors process the views of the specialists and are able to give us a better view of the whole picture.
Dr. Kheled just visited and gave us the game plan.
The Ablecet will stay at the current dosage. It is less than maximum because of the effect it is having on Jim's kidneys. It is a bear of a drug. Jim is wearing a Foley, we can see the output of the kidneys. It is tinged with blood, more and more tinged. Higher doses of Ablecet would likely lead to dialysis, not an option.
The new drug, Noxifil, will come on. It is a liquid that Jim will swallow twice a day. He needs to eat some foods with fats in them to make the drug work best. Someone is getting oatmeal for breakfast. This drug can effect the liver. We'll be watching.
The fluid in the pleural space is back and needs to be drained. The thoracic surgeon will put the tube back in the boy today.
I haven't mentioned it, but yes, they are constantly testing for any other source of infection and adjusting the drugs frequently to best suit our boy.
This is rough. We need some white blood cells and soon.
Jim and Jose Romero, our PCA for today, have been enjoying the Alpha Romero DVD. Thanks, John.
We're beaming our energy your way. Keep fighting, every day. We are with you!
ReplyDeleteRob, Mary and Robbie
The Anderson's are pulling for the Kirks. Get the boy well so he can start pulling the rest of us around in the boat again.
ReplyDeleteTim, Kerry, Bernie, Sophie, Fenway & Maggie
Powells are hoping a big 'ol can of whupass white blood cells gets opened up in the marrow real soon! Mark, Linda, Riley, and the ridgebacks and cat are also pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteBy royal proclamation, we command the white blood cells to go forth and multiply!
ReplyDeleteHer Majestic Highness, Liz
through her royal clown (bells ringing, bells ringing, bells ringing)
jim, visualize those white blood cells growing in your body. they are growing and getting bigger and stronger. they are multiplying. picture it in your mind. i am.
ReplyDeletesending white blood cells riding on love, suzi