Yesterday, the bacteria found in Joe's blood stream was determined to be VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Traditionally, VRE has been difficult to treat and can be really dangerous in patients who are immuno-compromised. Fortunately, times have changed and lots of advancements have been made. There are now a few drugs that can be used to effectively treat VRE. Joe was put on daptomycin a couple days ago with the thought that he probably had VRE. Dapto is also effective for treating the staph. So far Joe's fevers have been trending down, so it seems that he is responding well to the drug.
Also yesterday, Joe's Pittsburgh docs spoke with his assigned Minnesota doc. Looking at the 5% of "stuff" from the bone marrow biopsy, blasts were still present. Since Minnesota will be responsible for Joe's next transplant, Joe's doctors here wanted to consult with them about what to do next so that there would be no chance of compromising Joe's opportunity to go up there. The doctor in Minnesota was really encouraged by Joe's response to the first round of induction chemo. He also said he would be more comfortable if everything was wiped out. So Joe will be getting another round of chemo. The same drugs will be used, since Joe did so well the first time, but this time it will be a "5+2" regimen rather than a "7+3."
So, Joe will not be getting kicked out any time soon. Poor guy. The plan is to get rid of the bacterica in the blood stream first. Cultures from yesterday came back negative. So if another set of cultures returns negative, Joe could begin chemo as soon as tomorrow.
Yesterday was a really overwhelming day as we were getting bit and pieces of information here and there. Joe needed blood and platelet transfusions. He was a bit short of breath in the morning and needed to use some oxygen for a few hours. Joe had chills for about 20 minutes after his first bag of platelets. We got information about the bacteria in the bloodstream. All kinds of tests were ordered. It was just a crazy day. Fortunately, by afternoon we received a lot of answers and a plan for the next week. After some frustration, we're feeling more renewed and ready to continue fighting. But you know, I REALLY wish that Joe could just get out of the hospital and be free! He has been through so very much. Being a patient is so tough. Besides all of the obvious sacrifices, you sacrifice your privacy and your dignity. It is really a crazy life. I admire Joe and all the other people going through similar things so very much.
Here's some happy news. Joe's brother is visiting for the weekend. It is a short visit, but so good for both of them! Also, two of Joe's uncles and an aunt are visiting. That has been a real treat.
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Thank you Evonne, Thomas, & Leah for the card!
Thank you Dr. & Mrs. Borst for the postcard! It was so fun to hear about your travels.
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9 comments:
I never heard Joe making complaints under these extreme circumstance. He is unbelievable strong. While we are fighting very hard in modern medicine for the hospital-born MRSA(Penicillin resistant staph. infection) of which Vancomycin is drug of choice. Now we got VRE. Even Vancomycin wouldn't do the job. As Karen said that advanced medicine makes VRE treatable as it has clearly worked for Joe. S.epidermis is a casual skin opportunity germs. It shouldn't cause threat. You will be alright and cured.
Q
Hello
Dearest Joe and Karen...
You remain in my prayers and You are always in my thoughts. I pray you have a comforting and peace filled day...
God Bless You
Phyllis
You are right, it is a sacrifice....but it is for your life. They throw so much at your.....to combat what your body is doing in its' disease process.....you all are still fighting.......and that is what I pray for. 99th auntie
Joe & Karen, You'll beat the VRE and Staph. I also contracted VRE which put me in the hospital an additional 3 weeks after my initial discharge... but we got it taken care of. Hang in there... good luck on the next round of chemo... hope it'll take care of the rest of those blast cells and you'll be cleared for transplant. Always thinking of you... nancy
Dear Joe and Karen,
We admire both of you for your strong will and positive attitude. Please remember that there are so many people rooting for you, and parying for you. Everybody loves you so very much!!! We pray for joyful and triumph day to come very soon.
Love, Osamu & Yi-Shan
Dear Joe and Karen,
Thanks for being a breath of fresh air in my boring, drama queen life. Haha! I read your posts each week and every time you help me "zoom out" from myself and see from a bigger perspective that I'm just a dot. It's good to be a dot, don't ya think? ;) The coolest part is that God doesn't "blow" on us...too hard to disperse us dots, just enough to get our feathers ruffled and cling to His hand more tightly. Take care you two and don't cause too much of a ruckus!
Love,
Jomei
I was asked of your email address when I tried to leave a message for you. Please let me know so I can interact with you. Blessings. Chi-Yin
Please explain 5+2 vs 7+3. I have no clue what the numbers mean or what they represent or how they affect Joe. Thank you. ~Shelley
Dear Joe & Karen,
VRE seems a very tough opponent, but I believe you guys are tougher and will beat it!! People here in Taiwan will continue praying for you.
Love,
Peichen
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