We’re exhausted, Tyler most of all. Starting at 4 AM yesterday, Tyler began throwing up frequently. His constant dry cough became very loose. Every time he coughed, he vomited. Every time the mucous from his mucositis got unmanageable, he vomited. Just about everytime he shifted in his bed, he vomited.
Around 11 AM yesterday, they gave him a transfusion of platelets, since his were very low. Right before the platelets, his fever was 99.5. Right after (only 15 minutes later), it was 102.8. Since he’d had a cough, vomiting, and a rising temp prior to the platelets, they’re not sure if he had a reaction to the platelets (he’s received them many times and has never had a problem), or if the platelets themselves were contaminated by a bacteria, or if the platelets had nothing to do with his temp at all. The platelet bag as well as Tyler’s blood were sent to the lab to be tested. They immediately started him on Zosyn, an antibiotic.
The rest of the day, his fever hovered around 103. Between bouts of nausea, he was sent down to x-ray so they could make sure his lungs are OK (they are). He shivered, slept and vomited the rest of the day until diarrhea set in. In the evening, his blood pressures starting dropping into the danger zone, and we were prepared for the possibility he could go to the ICU if they couldn’t bring them back up. After a fluid bolus, they came back up enough to dodge the ICU bullet.
Sometime late last night, the doctor told me his blood cultures showed a gram positive bacterial infection, and they started him on Vancomycin, another antibiotic. His test for flu/virus is still being watched to see if it shows anything. It’s entirely possible he has both the bacterial infection as well as a separate viral infection which is causing his cough, vomiting and diarrhea. At any rate, he is now in isolation in his room. All medical staff must gown, glove and mask up, but Ron and I only have to wear a mask when we leave Tyler’s room. Tyler himself cannot leave his room at all. This will last for a week, until they get the final results of all his tests.
Today, he continues to have thick mucositis secretions, coughing fits, and vomiting. His fever is up and down. He was able to hold down his Sorafenib, which he’s still taking at half-dose. We also just found out as I write this that they have identified the specific type of bacteria and that it originated in his mouth. Given that his mouth is full of sores, this makes sense.
It’s hard to imagine that all this sickness and suffering isn’t even caused by Tyler’s AML, but by the treatment for it. My respect for the oncology professionals who have to keep kids alive and functional while pumping poison into them has really risen. There are so many possible causes for different symptoms, and the race is always on to figure out the best way to treat them.
As always, we so appreciate the prayers you’re lifting on Tyler’s behalf. We are ever mindful of them and of your love for us!