Rough Week/Weekend for Everett

Avery and I came straight to Childrens as soon as I got home from work last night. I knew Everett was sick and having a rough week but I have to admit I wasn't prepared for how sick he looks and a practically bald head. Avery spent a short time with his brother and then he and dad headed to Ronald McDonald house for the night. I stayed with Everett and was hoping for a quiet night...this was not to be. Everett ran a fever off and on all night, and with his fevers comes elevated heart rate, increased breaths per minute, trouble oxygenating, and vomiting. I managed to get a few hours of sleep, but overall we had a tough night.

I was happy to see the doctors this morning so I could pump them for information. Here is what they had to say:  1) Everett had an infection in his blood as the result of a deteriorating broviac line; 2) this bacteria was identified as alpha hemolytic strep and while his blood is now clear of the bacteria (the antibiotics did their job) the bacteria causes a severe immune reaction that can last for days after the bacteria is gone; 3) this reaction is causing all of his current issues, most importantly the fluid buildup around his lungs that is causing him to have some difficulties breathing; 4) his bone marrow is starting to recover and his white count was 1700 (ANC around 400) this morning - this is good news and bad as it means his body is recovering and his immune system is beginning to build up again BUT it also means that the immune reaction that has already started due to the bacteria in his blood, and which is the source of all his discomfort, could get worse before it gets better; 5) the plan is to continue treating his symptoms (reduce fever, oxygen support, eliminate nausea, eliminate fluid buildup around lungs) as we wait out the reaction; 6) Dr. Tersak warned us that we could end up in the PICU if he gets much worse than he is now, but she feels he is doing as well as can be expected given the circumstances.

This afternoon Avery headed back to stay with Grammy Miller and Bugga (he has way too much energy to be cooped up in Everett's room all weekend) and I will stay here today and tomorrow to help dad with a very sick kid. Until now we have been so fortunate with no real side effects or complications to speak of. I had hoped that we would be the lucky ones who made it through this ordeal unscathed, but I realize that was just wishful thinking. Right now I would settle for some improvement in Everett's symptoms and some relief to his discomfort and maybe soon that we could all be HOME, together.

Thanks to all our friends and family for your continued prayers and support. When we are too weak to do this by ourselves, we lean on you and GOD to get us through. I can't speak for John, but I have been leaning on all of you a lot this week.  Much love, Val

Everett's Shaved Head: