Patience is a virtue

Patrick continues to feel better and he tolerated the very strong antibiotic for his sinus infection very well.  He has gained 10 of the 25 pounds lost while battling his cold and sinus infection and is anxious to move toward the second journey.

We moved furniture into our Durham apartment last week and were ready for take off on Friday when a mechanical failure was discovered through a routine chest X-ray.  The X-ray showed a new spot on Patrick's left lung which turned out to be pneumonia.  Needless to say, all has been put on hold for the time being.  This infection occurring, although is a huge bump in the road, is not a complete surprise as Patrick's immune system is still very compromised from the first round of chemotherapy.  How fortunate we are that the spot showed up on the X-ray, and we did not move forward with chemotherapy as that could create quite a challenge.

We now continue the waiting game and the old Proverbs "Rome was not built in a day" and "Patience is a virtue" run through our minds frequently.  There is, however, something positive.  We have a plan to get to the bottom of this pneumonia. The plan is to see an infectious disease doctor next Wednesday and for Patrick to have a bronchoscopy (lung biopsy) early next week.  Hopefully, with the great minds of the infectious disease doctors and the biopsy, we will learn what type of infection this is and treat it so he can start his regimine.  In the meantime, Patrick is taking antibiotics to cover all types of pneumonia, but it will be a relief to know exactly what type of infection it is. 

Once the dust settles, we will move towards the second journey which begins with having his catheter placed.  Once the catheter is in place, he can begin his 5 days of chemotherapy and one full body dose of radiation. He will next have the new donor cell infusion and then start 60-90 days of supportive care in the outpatient clinic.

This transplant is a little different than the first, which will hopefully make the outcome different!
Dr. Chao has ordered one full body dose of radiation along with more chemotherapy.  These additions should enable Patrick's immune system to become more suppressed, making the donor cells feel more welcomed and want to make Patrick's body their permanent home! 

This is all we have to report for now.  We will be back in touch when we know something....hopefully be sooner rather than later!  Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts.    xoxoxo caroline


But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:31

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."
-John 16:33