It’s 11:35 Wed and I’m home for a few hours while Kevin is HOPEFULLY finally sleeping and getting a massage from one of the nurses’s husbands. He is having a good morning so far….after a lot of news/changes/updates!
When I went in Tuesday morning, I JUST missed the GI dr, so that was a bit disappointing. It was confirmed that the infection is pneumonia which explains his shortness of breath, excessive muscle pain and fever. They loaded him with more anti-biotics which will hopefully take care of this problem.
As for the heart issues, we’re still unsure of what’s going on. They did a bacteria culture and it was positive which means he could have vegetation in the artery of his heart which can be treated with 6 weeks of IV anti-biotics, or there could just be fluid around the heart related to strep which can be treated with 2 weeks of IV anti-biotics. Either way-both options are treatable, but take some effort to keep in control. They are unsure of what type of strep he has, but it is believed to have caused the pneumonia. He has to get a TEE test which is done by inserting a tube down his throat and taking a back view look at his heart. We are unsure when/if this will happen due to the current pneumonia/fever issues.
Currently, the endoscopy and colonscopy that they hoped to have done today are put on hold until his fevere is in control and the infections are diminished. The GI dr is actually HOPING that the PET scan results that showed a possibility of cancer in the throat and colon are positive for cancer. This could mean he has a lymphoma type cancer which is very treatable! It is the first time we are praying for cancer to be elsewhere in his body. Odd thing to pray for, we know! John Hopkins is literally STUMPED as to his biopsy results and what type of cancer it is, which is why it is very important they get the endoscopy and colonoscopy done ASAP so they can take more biopsies and confirm the mutations. This will finally allow Kevin to begin treatment as soon as he is able.
Last evening was very rough pain wise for Kev, but the doctors have come up with a good pain medication regiment that seems to be working. His left lung has also eased and he is able to breathe better and the pain in his shoulder is greatly diminished. He was even able to laugh at my cheesy jokes this morning!!
He is hoping the dr. will clear him to eat some more substantial things (such as boost and ensure) instead of just water/apple juice and jell-o. He was up walking last night and this morning which is very important in order to keep the swelling down in his legs and feet as well as to keep his body up and running.
So…we have some more answers, and still, more questions. I am not working at all right now and began last night spending the nights in the hospital as it is comforting to Kevin. I pray that we will find and receive the financial means necessary to continue paying our rent and other expenses as well as the upcoming medical deductible from the hospital.
As for now….ways you can help-SELL AND BUY BBQ TICKETS-they ARE pre-sale only as we can not afford to have too many extra that are not then sold and are lost. Please email/call me if you want some or want some to sell. We need the total count by August 15th.
If you want to make a donation, you can make checks out to Brenda Boitsonsor we are happy for gas and grocery cards to help.
Donate blood to replenish the blood Kevin has used in his transfusions.
Make a donation to cancer research at the American Cancer Society.
PRAY FOR GOD’S MIRACLE AND HEALING.
We are asking for VERY limited visitation by immediate family only at this time as Kevin is very up and down in his pain and sleep schedule. This also reduces the risk for any outside infections.
Kevin will most likely be in the ICU through the weekend. Beyond that is in God’s hands. Cards are welcome and can be sent to:
365 College Avenue Lancaster, Pa 17603
Thank you for you support, generosity and kindness.
Much love,
Bren