Infection Control

Kathy is going in tomorrow for another attempt at a central line. She needs a few weeks of IV treatment to deal with this infection. Apparently, once you've had MRSA, it "stays" in your body, and subsequent infections must be treated as MRSA. SO - she's got to keep at it and get rid of this stubborn thing before she can move on to the radiation treatments. I think the infection is painful and Kathy is feeling uncomfortable, but even more she is dealing with the frustration of having to struggle with the problems from the infection - trying to get access to veins and having to postpone the next stage of treatments. I offered to go over and give her a foot rub or a back massage today, and she was even a bit too tired for that. Probably the most helpful thing we can all do is think of her tomorrow at 1:30 and visualize the arterial line just sliding right into place. Also, knowing that the the two younger guys aren't hanging around the house just playing video games makes her feel better too. John will stay with them tomorrow, but the play dates are much appreciated and would help her in the coming days as well.

She is a bit discouraged and tired and trying to rest. She wanted me to pass on the message that she is appreciative of the support, although she may not be picking up the phone for awhile. If you want to leave her a message, emails, cards, and posting here are great ways to touch base. And as always, I'll try to keep the blog updated when I can get through and get news from her as well.