11/28/10
The bad and good news
Teri’s daily blood cultures remain positive for the superbug vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, meaning it is still circulating in her blood. The source is still suspected to be from endocarditis (heart infection). But, her temperature curve is down, and the rigors have gone. Today, her white blood count has moved from 100 to 800 (normal > 4000)! Because the stopgap donated WBCs given on the 24th & 25th only last 48 hours, this means that her stem cells from the autologous (self) transplant are producing cells! This means she is now fighting the VRE and the lung fungal infection with both hands and has a chance. She still has a long way to go.
Thanks to all of you
Teri wants to thank each and every one for your thoughts and prayers. She feels that they have made a critical difference. Her energy level now is so low from the combination of life threatening infections, two months of no WBCs, lack of proper nutrition, lack of adequate sleep, and daily travails and setbacks that she says she can no longer ‘kick butt’ and must rely on all of your and my help.
Thanks to the doctors and nurses
Teri wants to thank all the doctors (H, B, B, G, F) and 4TN oncology nurses who have been working incredibly hard on her behalf. Some examples. Her nurse gave her a family heirloom in honor of grandbaby Jack. Her primary oncologist called us while on vacation in the Caribbean. Her infectious disease specialist took me out to lunch to support me.
Baby Jack keeps Teri going
Seeing baby Jack by Skype is the highlight of Teri’s day. He is growing, developing and changing so quickly and seems to respond to her voice. Teri has always wanted to be a Montessori grandmother and it’s been realized!
Nourishing us from afar
Teri has lost some of her usually good (even on chemotherapy) appetite and has hospital-food fatigue. These past couple of weeks, she has been fortunate to have special goodies (e.g. zhong zi – wrapped sticky rice) made or brought by friends in Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago, Columbus, and New York. Thank you.
Teri’s appearance
Teri wants you to know how her appearance has been altered. She is bald. A blotchy total body red rash has become superimposed over darkened skin and nails that are now fully desquamating. She is swollen with about 10 lbs of extra fluid. Her legs tremor even when she is not in rigors (shaking chills). She is intermittently itchy from the many blood products she receives. She has her 6th central line placed in left side of her neck (internal jugular). She is tethered to one or two IV infusions simultaneously that include variously fluid, electrolytes, multiple antibiotics, an antifungal, sedatives, steroids, antihistamines, red cells, platelets and white cells. She receives oxygen by nasal cannula. Her energy level is very low. She cries easily. Between overpowering emotions and oxygen need, it is sometimes difficult to talk. Yet, her eyes are clear and spirit evident ...
B’s Mantra written @ 4 am
Teri is a living, breathing, vibrant, beautiful human being, still …
Teri and I have raised two great kids, now adults, now parents …
Teri and I have had an incredible 38 year partnership, now challenging …
Teri’s world is so constricted to one isolation room, yet she thinks of others …
What does Teri see?
Teri’s bodily shell is so ravaged, yet she stays resolved …
What does Teri feel?
Teri’s priorities remains so clear, she knows what she wants …
What would Teri do?
Teri and I are fortunate to have remained in love. Teri and I affirm it in daily. Teri and I are closer than ever …
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