We just talked to a doctor from the infectious disease team. They have identified the bacterium in her blood (some long name I don't recall). Key facts about this type of bacteria: (a) it is normally found in the intestines and colon, (b) it doesn't like oxygen, so it can be hard to culture, (c) it responds well to a particular antibiotic that Penny is receiving and there is a good oral version of the antibiotic, (d) it has a very low probability of affecting her port, (e) it is often associated with abdominal abscesses.
This is mostly good news. The doctor's suspicion is that Penny has had this blood infection for some time and that it is a big part of why she has felt so bad recently. The negative cultures from the recent hospital visit are likely explained by the difficulty of culturing this particular bacterium. Yesterday there was some concern that the source of the infection could be in Penny's port, in which case it might have needed to be replaced. But this now seems very unlikely.
The plan is to do another scan to check for any abdominal abscess or other changes. Because Penny is allergic to the contrast that its used for that, this means a 13-hour prep of prednisone and Benadryl. So the scan will likely happen during the night some time. Assuming the scan comes back good, we expect to switch to oral antibiotics and be discharged sometime tomorrow. Penny should be fine to start treatment any time after the course of antibiotics is completed (10 days from yesterday).
Penny actually felt and ate better yesterday than she has in several weeks. She had a larger than typical breakfast and was reasonably chatty while we hung out in the ER for three hours. By the time we got to the room in the late afternoon, she was pretty tired, but she managed to have a reasonable supper between naps. It's not really clear why she felt better yesterday, since treatment didn't begin until late yesterday afternoon. But the doctor expects that she will feel better each day for the next few days as the antibiotics do their thing. It will be interesting to see how much things improve from treating the infection.
There are some signs of progression of the cancer itself -- largely unrelated to any infection issues. And the antibiotics won't address any issues related to the cancer itself. The scan should tell us more about what, if anything, is going on with the cancer, too.
Looks like we'll have a pretty chill day in the hospital today. I suspect the nurses won't be checking on us all that often except to bring doses of the antibiotic and prednisone from time to time.
Small update: They have decided to go with an oral contrast rather than the IV contrast Penny is allergic to. Scan is scheduled for 3pm. Contrast drinking begins at noon.
Comments
George Monsma, Jr.: Praying that the antibiotic will be effective, and that an effective treatment for the cancer may be found. Also that you may feel the presence of the Spirit as you go through this.
Patricia Boer Fischer : Sendin Hugg's Love ❤️ & Prayers 🙏 Ur Waaaaay, May Our Lord Jesus Give Ya's a Peaceful & Restful Day, God Bless Ya's..Love Ya's 💕🩷🌷!!
Marie VanderLinde : So thankful the bacteria was identified, praying for a restful day.
Teri Warners: Glad to hear they have identified the bacteria and there is a good oral antibiotic to fight it. Prayers that the antibiotics are effective and that you get good results from the scan.
Pamela Plantinga: I'm thankful for oral antibiotics for this particular bacteria, but sorry to hear about possible progression of the cancer. I am praying for you as you wait for the test, and then wait for results, hoping always for good news.
Mary VanderMeer: I;n gakd ti hear that you had some questions answered, and that there are treatments readily available for the infection. We will be praying you continue to feel better and better as time goes by. --Mary & Mark VanderMeer