Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Updates

Okay. So I am feeling a little better. It seems as though we are getting a hold on things. I just wish we wouldn't have had to wait so long. His vitals are better and I am overwhelmed by the response of love that I received this morning only minutes after posting my last blog. I am so lucky to have each and everyone of you in my life. I hope that I get the opportunity to meet those of you who follow our story that I have not yet been privileged to know. We are going to be in this hospital for a while but I am thinking that we may have a hold on things currently. Let's just pray things continue to progress without any digression. Pretty much the verdict is that he is severely neutropenic. As a review for those of you who have forgotten, that means he has ZERO white blood cells. Our neutrophils, one type of wbc that we have, is most important in fighting off any foreign invaders. He has zero of them. None. This is caused by the chemo he had. It killed them all off. He came in here susceptible to just about everything out there and that is what he got. He started with a neutropenic fever. He then caught a bacterial infection in his line which we treated. His neutropenic fevers continued raising heart rate, lowering blood pressure. He contracted a rhinovirus (a cold) which has infected his sinuses. Most severely he has come down with Typhlitis, which is common in pediatric patients receiving chemo and who become neutropenic. The CT scan a couple of days ago showed signs of it but the xray did not. After talking to the Infectious Disease Dr. he says a CT scan is more accurate and will take that diagnosis, especially with the diarrhea and vomitting he has been having. X-rays show concentrated clumps of white blood cells, which would be where some kind of infection is, and since he does not have any white blood cells there is nothing to show. He also has a mild case of pneumonia which is being fought by some of the antibiotics already being taken. They are adding one more just to help with another form of pneumonia. So my poor guy has gone through the ringer and will just have to keep fighting a little harder. For my own documentation I am going to list all of his current meds. Antibiotics are: Flagyl, Vancomycin, Gentamicin, Septra, Zosyn, and now Azithromycin. He is also on an Anti-fungal, Caspofungin. He has been taking Ativan for anti-emetics, oxycodone for pain, Benedryl and Tylenol to bring down fevers. Our nurse today is Courtney, whom I have never had, but I L.O.V.E. her. She is fabulous. Spencer's vitals are looking good. His temp is currently 37.9 c which is about 100.0 f. 100.3 is considered a fever. So at the moment we are fever free. His heart rate is back down to 107-114 which is fabulous compared to the 140-160 it had been. His pressures are beautiful. His oxygen levels are still hanging out on the low side so he has been on oxygen all day. He has not slept well for a few days and tries to be tough and not take meds. I asked the nurse, however, to medicate him because he needs to sleep to heal. He, thankfully has been sleeping all day. Thank you for all of your prayers and fasting. Please continue to do so. I need this boy healthy! We love you all.

18 comments:

  1. Thanks for the update, we love you guys so so much!

    As the NKOTB would say, the Gooches are Hangin Tough!

    <3

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  2. Love you guys, thanks for the update!

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  3. So happy to hear he is doing a bit better. Our prayers are with you!

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  4. P.S. I am Jena's friend and neighbor and have heard much about Spence's struggle...just thought I'd let you know where I came from. ;)

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  5. You all continue to stay in my heart and prayers. You have one STRONG little man. I am so excited that he is doing better.
    BIG, BIG, BIG HUGS!!

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  6. I'm so grateful prayers are answered, and that some of them are answered sooner than later. He is a strong little fighter and definitely a hero! Anyone who can survive all that definitely is deserving of the "Super Spence" title. I am so glad he is doing a bit better and so happy your heart can get some rest too! Hugs and prayers still comin.

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  7. Sounds more hopeful...can't get you out of my mind today. It's all so emotional and hits too close to home with how close in age he is with Owen. The image of him getting cleaned up 3 times last night, cold and shaking, when he's already feeling so yucky just broke my heart. I love our little boys.

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  8. Bless his little sweet heart! What a trooper. There are many fighting this with you guys, both here and in heaven! WE are all fasting for you tomorrow. We love you guys and pray for a quick recovery! Hang in there sister! You are such a good mommy to your sweet little boy! How lucky he is to have his mommy by his side as he goes through this!

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  9. Love you! Praying for your family and Spencer always.

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  10. Wow, I am so sorry! We love you! Your in our prayers! Please let me know if you need a babysitter or help with anything.

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  11. Just sending a lot of prayers and love your way. I have never met you, but want you to know what a strong beautiful spirit you have. I have a son your sweet Spencer's age. He saw me one day reading your blog, as tears ran down my face. He asked who I was reading about. I showed him a picture of Spencer. I told him his story. My son got tears in his eyes. He told me that he felt bad for him, and asked why he had to have cancer. I couldn't answer him really. I wonder at times why people have to go through some of the thing they do. But this I do know, you have touched so many lives. Spencer has touched so many lives with his courage, his fight, his love. May Heavenly Father comfort you and your family. Many prayers from our family to yours.
    Love, Jaci

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  12. WOW!! I missed this morning's post but I am so glad to hear things are looking up. You are in our prayers. Keep fighting and know that we are all praying for the best.

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  13. holly! we are totally praying for you and your family!! i'm glad to hear things are looking a little better. love you!!

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  14. I have never met you either, but I've been following your story since the beginning. (My cousin works with your husband.) It's heart-wrenching reading what your poor Spencer is going through. I can't imagine what it's like for your family, but thank you for sharing such a personal experience. Your strength is inspiring! Your little boy is amazing and you are super mom for doing such a great job with everything. You really are. Your guardian angels are there to lift you up when things get tough. It's okay to get angry and frustrated. Anyone reading your blog has nothing but love and sympathy for you. My thoughts are with you and I pray for your sweet angel boy to be strong and healthy and that he won't suffer. God bless.

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  15. Holly,
    I was in elementary school with Owen and have been reading your posts and following Spencers progress. I have watched a love one fight cancer and just wanted to let you know that I pray for you and your family everyday. Spencer is one amazing little boy, I feel as if I know you all even though we've never met. Lots of gentle hugs and prayers from one mom to another.
    Jamie

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  16. Hi there. I don't know your family at all but got connected to your blog from others I follow/have followed. I just had to say, after looking at the new pictures of your sweet boy, that I am praying for you all from Indiana. What you're going through has to be nearly unbearable, and being a mother of 2 young boys, well...I just can't imagine. Hang tough and know that good things do happen to people who wait..((hugs))

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  17. I don't know you, but I have fallen in love with your "Super Spence". I pray each day for your little guy, that he and your family will be comforted through this journey and that all will be well soon. What a courageous little hero he is. And, Mom, you also win an award for courage. Hang in there, keep up the posts and know that a stranger cares!

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  18. Hopefully this is the corner he needed to turn and will be improving everyday. My prayers are with him.

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