"A tough spot." This is how one of Erica's doctors explained her situation, and she is indeed in a tough spot. There are so many variables, so many uncertainties, so much waiting. Waiting for her white blood cell count to drop. Waiting for her white blood cell count to come back up, then waiting for the results of the bone marrow biopsy to see if this course of chemo worked and put her into remission. Nothing has been decided beyond that. There has been talk of what to do if and when she achieves remission but no firm plans made.
Erica finished a 5-day course of chemotherapy on Sunday night. We won't know for another 15-20 days whether or not this chemo worked. In the meantime we do as we have done before, try to keep her infection free, and so far, it isn't going so well. Since she is neutropenic (meaning she has no immune system) she has developed a fever and infection and the doctors are currently trying to get a handle on it and figure out how to treat it. In addition to this new infection, she is starting to feel the other effects of the chemo: weakness, nausea, soreness, and just all around crappy.
A note to visitors: please, please, please do not come by unless you are 100% healthy and have not been around anyone who has been ill recently. Also, please make sure to schedule a visit, don't just show up. We need to make sure we don't have too many visitors in the room at once. As Erica is currently fighting this still unknown infection, it is probably best to hold off on visiting for now until we know what is going on.
One other small update, Erica's room number has changed. She is now in room D41. The full address is below.
Jamie
Stanford Hospital and Clinics
Attn: Erica Murray, D Ground 41
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
Erica finished a 5-day course of chemotherapy on Sunday night. We won't know for another 15-20 days whether or not this chemo worked. In the meantime we do as we have done before, try to keep her infection free, and so far, it isn't going so well. Since she is neutropenic (meaning she has no immune system) she has developed a fever and infection and the doctors are currently trying to get a handle on it and figure out how to treat it. In addition to this new infection, she is starting to feel the other effects of the chemo: weakness, nausea, soreness, and just all around crappy.
A note to visitors: please, please, please do not come by unless you are 100% healthy and have not been around anyone who has been ill recently. Also, please make sure to schedule a visit, don't just show up. We need to make sure we don't have too many visitors in the room at once. As Erica is currently fighting this still unknown infection, it is probably best to hold off on visiting for now until we know what is going on.
One other small update, Erica's room number has changed. She is now in room D41. The full address is below.
Jamie
Stanford Hospital and Clinics
Attn: Erica Murray, D Ground 41
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
15 comments:
Fight, fight, fight my dear. If anyone can beat this, it is you. You mean so much to us, and we are with you every millisecond that passes. Love Katie & Steve
Jamie, thank you so much for the updates and for being there for Erica. I don't know you personally, but I think you are an angel and an amazing person!
Erica, keep fighting, sweetie. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Muchos abrazos,
Giselle
Still holding you in my thoughts and prayers.
thank you for the update jamie. i've been thinking about erica a lot lately and praying. LOVE, erik
Thanks for the update, Jamie - I've been checking the blog like five times a day this week... looks like checking the blog, emailing and sending my thoughts over the ocean is the only tiny thing I can do these days. Am so glad to know that Erica has such amazing and loyal friends around her.
Erica, keep going, fighting, kill that beast! Stay strong. Am with you 7/24.
Much love,
Gioia
BTW, mailed a package E's old room E 124 this morning - hope it'll find its way to the new room...?
Besos - Gioia
Exactly what Gioia said! Checking all the time. Its all we can do - don't we all wish we could do more? And its a testament to erica that she's surrounded herself with such an amazing support group. Of course her family and friends are friggin' awesome too. Every day, every millisecond ... we are with you as you fight the battles and eventually win the war.
so much love,
samina
Erica- Hadn't checked in a while but just heard the news. Sending you massive MASSIVE hugs from Down under. I have commanded every koala, and every kangaroo, to think warm, adorable, and healthy thoughts in your direction. and strength, to you and your wonderful family
susan
Hi Erica,
I don't know you personally but I have been referred to your website. You seem like such a wonderful person and have a tenacious fighting spirit that not many people have. You are in my thoughts.
Marisa
This makes me want to set up camp outside of E's room as a bouncer, to keep infection at bay!
Hang in there E. Sending Bobbi and Snoodles, the anti-infection angels, your way. Bobbi's a bit narcoleptic but can get the job done.
Love,
A
Keeping you my thoughts and prayers. Bless you and your family of loved ones.
Matt Humphreys
Erica,
keep fighting!
I send you hugs and love from Sudan.
Margherita
Erica you are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends looking out for you! You can fight this!!! You have an army of vigilet bloggers that will help you in any way you need. Just ask!
Are you allowed to eat chocolate chip cookies, or maybe your "Care" team needs some comfort foods sent there way! Sending you positive waves of love, hope and peace.
Stephanie
Fight , Fight, Fight Erica!! My thoughts are with you right now sending you extra strength!!
Hugs,
MP
My prayers are with you and your family.
Post a Comment