Induction Day 21

Dr.Williams from Infectious Disease visited us a little while ago to say the blood cultures taken from Nathan are still showing the pseudomonas but the bug is responding to the medications Nathan is receiving when tested outside of Nathan's body.  They are convinced that the port and the line that is attached is infected with the pseudomonas.  This bug apparently hides very well by attaching to plastic or metal and flattening so that medication does not affect it.  Now Nathan will need to have surgery to have the port removed however we aren't sure when this will happen.  Since the bug is still in Nathan's blood his spinal treatment tomorrow will be postponed. He is still to receive the vincristine so we are guessing the port will be removed some time after this treatment is done as it is our understanding that chemotherapy can not be delivered to children through an arm vein as they aren't large enough.  The other items of uncertainty is whether a new port will be installed or whether he will have to wait and then have surgery again and the type will need to be determined again: (1) port like he has now or (2) a central line external to his body (our understanding is this is the type of line that will be required for the BMT) so discussions need to be had with Dr Ali and Dr Lewis.  Dr Williams expects clear results as soon as the port is removed.  We are grateful for the care Nathan has recieved and continue to pray that this will clear from his system.

Nathan's hair has started to fall out from the chemo therapy.  His shirt was covered this morning, warranting a discussion again about it falling out.  Nathan is such a tough little boy but his feelings are very sensitive. He started to cry and when asked why he was upset he indicated he was sad because the kids at school would make fun of him without hair. We assured him that it would grow back like the last time and that his friends would understand.  Kids often speak their minds and don't think about feelings and that is why they are kids.