Hi everyone,
Sorry we haven't posted in a couple days. Eric's had a rough 3 days, which translates to a rough 3 days for his bedside team too.
Eric has been receiving red blood cells and platelets the past couple days. There haven't been any additional problems with the blood transfusions, which is good.
We aren't sure if the blood clot is still in Eric's left arm. The doctors haven't ordered a second Doppler ultrasound to check on the clot. I imagine this is because there is really nothing they can do to treat it. We were told that a clot in the arm is better than a clot in his leg, because clot sizes in arms are generally smaller.
Eric is still on the ventilator. He seems to bounce around needing a lot to a little breathing support. He is currently at 100% oxygen support and a PEEP of 15, which is a lot of support.
The doctors are now worried about Eric's kidneys. There are two numbers they look at in the lab tests. Eric's numbers have jumped up twice in the wrong direction since yesterday. This is now a new concern for us. We aren't sure if there is a treatment they can do to help his kidneys.
Eric's hematologist was back in the hospital on Monday, and we truly missed him over the weekend. The critical care team (basically the doctors that staff the ICU) had some very scary things to say to us on Fri, Sat and Sun. They were indicating to be prepared for the worst, including questioning how long do we want to fight.......which was shocking yesterday.
Later in the day yesterday, we saw Eric's hematologist. We explained what we were being told by the critical care team, and the hematologist reassured us that Eric is right on track. The hematologists said Eric's current condition is exactly what is expected of a Leukemia patient. We have completely wiped out his immune system, white blood cells. We had to do this to kill off the cancerous cells. With no immune system, Eric can't fight off basic bacteria and fungi. The hematologist had a conference with the critical care doctor to clarify Eric's progression and treatment.
The hematologist called in a couple different specialists; an opthamalogist, an infectous disease doctor, a kidney doctor, and heart doctor. These specialists had some treatments that will help Eric.
On a positive note, Eric's temperature continues to drop. He is currently at 99 degree F.
We are hoping Eric makes progress on his breathing an his kidneys today.
Love,
Sara
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I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank you for posting Eric's progress. You are all strong and are doing just what is needed. Thinking and praying for all of you -- Cheryl (Ann's sister-in-law)
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ReplyDeleteHi Melissa and Sara,
ReplyDeleteHang in there and it sounds like Eric is on his way back up from the valley! Last year at this time I was in your shoes at my 20 yro brother's bedside as he recovered from a massive surgery mid treatment for metastaic Ewing's Sarcoma. I remember asking his doctor at the Cleveland Clinic his prognosis and being told that she wouldn't say since my parent's "hadn't asked yet". He had a long, aggressive road of chemo (46 week treatment program) and a massive hip replacement but is now doing great given the circumstances 8 months later! So really really hang in there!
And yes, as you just witnessed, doctors learn how important it is to communicate also! We too, would hear grim news from my brother's orthopedic doctors only to find out from his oncologist the next day, that everything was on track. That's such great news from Eric's hematologist! Remember, the hematologist has the most experience seeing this disease state so 'right on track' from him is really great news! Keep your chins up and celebrate all the small victories along the way because they will help you make it through!
Many healthy thoughts and prayers,
Kim Ringenberger (Melissa's co-worker)
I just wanted to let you know we are thinking of Eric daily at Cat in Lafayette. He is missed tremedously both professionally and more importantly personally. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and all of you supporting him. Please let him know we are pulling for him. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.
ReplyDeleteCary Howard
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