Read Patty her scriptures at 6:25am.
We have a lot to cover. The MRI results came back yesterday. There is a great deal of infection in Patty's brain. It explains the lack of response. The neurologist conferred with Sherry and me and had the Rhumatologist (sp) confirm his finding. The problem is in the brain not the nerves. They would normally treat the problem with a steroid, but they have given Patty that steroid earlier in her treatment to fix something else and it obviously had no impact on this problem.
They have a drug they can give her called Cytoxan. The doctors have explained to us that it has risks associated with it. It is used in chemotherapy treatments and is extremely aggressive. They normally don't use it without first doing a biopsy of the brain. They can't do this with Patty because of her risk of bleeding and clotting. Also, coming in to play is the Herpes caused Meningitis. If it hasn't been fully resolved this drug could aggravate things. What it comes down to is if we do nothing the struggle will be over. If we treat Patty with the Cytoxan, the struggle could be over anyway the treatment may end it, or she may finally start to improve.
Last night, we were told that they do want to do a Lumbar Punch to see the status of the Herpes. This morning it still hadn't been done because there was a party going on in her room. Nurses and techs trying to get her blood pressure up and her heart rate down. They had to increase her oxygen concentration and PEEP again and increase her medications. I have decided to allow the treatment. I conversed with my family and they concur, but the decision is mine. I am doing what I think she would do.
We love you all. Please keep praying. Today appears to be crucial.
Steve
Dearest Steve and Sherry (and maybe Ron too), I am glad you are together and nearby as the doctors try another treatment protocol. This is indeed high risk--but so is simply getting up in the morning. Greg and I, Don, our Catholic parish here in Malibu, the Pepperdine Church of Christ, and the WLA Mormon Temple staff is gathered in prayer for Patty this day. May you trust in the choices you have to make, trust in the love we all have for each of you, trust in God's love for his devoted Patty.
ReplyDeleteEver prayerful, Kathe [Bonann Marshall]
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Difficult decisions for you, we know you are doing the best for Patty. Praying for the best outcome, again putting it in the Lord's hands. Praying that you can have some peace through all of this, hoping you and Patty are being carried through this storm.
ReplyDeleteSupport you absolutely. Storming heaven...
ReplyDeleteLove, Craig
Steve, Our thoughts are with you and your family! Thank you for sharing this blog with all of us. We are praying that you can feel our Savior's love during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteThe Moore Family
Thinking and praying
ReplyDelete