Monday, December 14, 2009

12/14

Have some good news and bad news.  Which do you want first?  The good news?  Ok, good choice.  Today is Matthew's last day of chemo for the first 10 day round.  You can tell he is starting to feel very tired and is losing a lot of his energy.  He still likes his walks but now he likes to be carried for a good portion of them.  He does ask to get down to wash his hands in the drinking fountain.

Now for the bad news.  We were originally scheduled to go home today but it looks like we will be guests of CMH for a few more days.  On Saturday, Matthew spiked a fever of about 101.9.  This could have been caused by 2 things.  One of the side affects from one of the chemo drugs is fever.  The other possibility is an infection caused by bacteria.  He had blood cultures taken to determine if any bacteria was present.  Yesterday, Sunday, Matthew had another fever of 102.7.  He was started on a general antibiotic.  We learned last night that there was something growing in Matthew's blood cultures which indicates the presence of bacteria.  Once the type of bacteria is determined, we will switch from a general antibiotic to one more specific to better target this type of infection. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Nicole and I want to continue to thank everyone for their support and care over the past 2 weeks.  We have been deeply moved by all of the prayers and well-wishes for Matthew. 


Stay tuned for some photos of official gear from 'Team Matthew'.

10 comments:

Naseem Wenzel said...

Gene - Just wanted you to know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Gene and Nicole, You have incredible strength, don't let this setback discourage you from all the positive thoughts and prayers - we are rattling the heavens for you and Matthew. We love you, Uncle Wayne and Aunt Anne

Garbis Grapevine said...

Gene and Nicole

My thoughts and prayers are still coming to you!!!! Hang in there!!!!!

Love Lissa

Grandma Fran said...

My heart aches for all of you. I am praying hard to Mom and Dad, Anna and Nick, Brian, John, Karen and David that they watch over Matthew in a special way. We love you so much. Grandma

Garbis Grapevine said...

I just read the wonderful stuff about team matthew and saw the great pictures and shirts. What great people helping great people. Love you guys.

Lisa

Unknown said...

How frustrating for you guys! But, know that you have so much love and support behind you! I can't wait for the "Team Matthew" gear!!

Peg Baker said...

Nicole and Gene,

Michael and I are continuing our prayers for Matthew and for you, too. Thank you for keeping us updated; it's a privilege to be such a close part of your lives.

God bless and keep you,

Peg

melinda said...

Furibondos (or is it Furibondi?),

Just wanted to let you all know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Can't wait to hear more about Team Matthew! I'm going to be one of the biggest cheerleaders! Let me know if there is anything you need...

Love and prayers,
Melinda (Amanda's sister)

Shannon said...

Gene & Nicole:

Matthew is a brave little boy! My family and I will all be praying for all of you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do... big or small :)

Shannon
(Amanda, Richard & Mel's friend)

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