Central Line is Coming Out...

Spence tested positive for a bacteria in his central line (the IV surgically implanted in his chest), so they've already scheduled him for surgery this morning to go ahead and remove it.  The surgery is supposed to be pretty quick and easy with only light sedation, so it should be a fast recovery. 

The worst part about this will be that he will have to have IV's in his arm for the remainder of his treatment, in order to receive the antibiotics, blood transfusions, and fluids he still needs.  IV's in the arm are also more intrusive to moving around and will require much more poking than he's used to.  Speaking of transfusions, he is already receiving another 2 units of blood and platelets this morning before the surgery.  Thank you to all who donated blood.  Just think....it could be your blood flowing into him right now. 

Docs are hopeful that removing the central line will take care of his infection/fever pretty quickly.  With an immune system at zero, it is extra important to keep him healthy.  Too bad the cold I have didn't consult with me about when the best time would be to develop it.  It's most likely the same cold that Spencer already has, but I can't even tell you how horrified I was as I felt it coming on while I was in the hospital with Spencer.  Through the course of Spencer's treatment (in the middle of sick season) it's actually pretty amazing that this is the first time that either Glen or I has really been sick. 

Only a couple more weeks until (hopefully) he's done forever with leukemia. 

We can do this....


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"The struggle of life is one of our greatest blessings. It makes 
us patient, sensitive, and Godlike. It teaches us that although 
the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming 
of it."
                                                                         - Helen Keller