TPN Update

After another very frustrating day cutting through Red tape at Strong Memorial Hospital, Joe's central line was inserted at 3:30 pm. They decided to insert a central line in his chest instead of a pick line in his arm. Through this central line we will be able to feed him the nutrition that he sorely needs as well as draw blood and give him IV meds without having to stick him. His veins are not cooperating well these days and it takes multiple tries to get a good vein. Thus, while the central line did require some local meds, it will ultimately be better for him overall.

Since they did not get the line in early enough in the day, beginning the nutrition didn't happen! Excessive questioning and begging would not change their minds, thus he'll begin it tomorrow. He is getting IV fluids though as he is terribly dehydrated and losing weight pretty quickly. He'll come home with the central line intact and I will 'hook him up' daily for his nutrition feeding. The goal is to completely shut down the lymph system to heal the chylous ascities. He will probably be on the TPN for 4-6 weeks. This is paramount to move to his next set of treatments as well as his overall health. We want to get that stomach tube removed and start him on real live food again!

I believe he'll be released Friday at the earliest - and since he's in the bone marrow unit there's no fresh flowers or fresh fruits and vegetables allowed. They screen the visitors and washing up after entering the unit itself is a must. I believe a few days on the TPN will give Joe some much needed energy and help to get some pounds back on him.

Stem cell update- Rosalyn, Roxanne, Yvonne AND Michelle are all 6-on-6 antigen matches- all PERFECT matches if Joe should need the stem cell transplant. That is a blessing. Next steps will be physicals of his sisters to ensure that they are indeed good healthy donors. But, I am not going to think of this route until we've exhausted other avenues that are less invasive and less risky.

Thanks to all for your prayers and cards....

Love
Vicki, Gina & Tom