Thursday, September 6, 2007

September 6th Update

Yesterday evening, I visited Tyler and arrived just as the doctor was preparing to remove his port. A port is a direct line to main veins in his body, which enable medication to enter through one tube, and go directly into a main artery. Tyler has had this port for four months, and yesterday, the doctors determined that there was an infection developing. As his white blood cell count is increasing everyday (today he is at 1200! Up from 900 yesterday), it is more than likely that the infection is a sign that his body is gaining its strength, and is becoming capable of fighting off “bad” germs and bacteria. The whole procedure to remove the port took about 45 minutes, with Darla, Mark, the doctor and a nurse, holding Tyler and talking him through the process. He did not shed one tear, but would release a blood curling scream when he was overcome with agony. When the port finally was pulled out, Tyler had a wound that resembled a bullet hole, on the left side of his chest. Needless to say, he was exhausted last night. Today, he drank a milkshake that he made, with Nurse Laurie, which was the first thing he has eaten in weeks, but is finding it challenging to keep his medication down.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Way to go Tyler!!...

Hang in there the REAL milkshakes are waiting for you....

Warren

Anonymous said...

We are sending you all a great big hug. You are always in our prayers.

Hazel, Matthew, $ Sarah