A longer stay at UCLA

Fri 11/10/07
Austin and Adam joined me this afternoon to visit Susan, taking turns to meet the two-at-a-time limit in the NTCU. She had vomited in the am, but rested later and was able to eat lunch. I was thankful to be there for first-hand information when the neuro team made rounds at 4pm. Since fungi grow more slowly than bacteria, they take longer to eliminate. Even the initial fungal culture from Wed will not have developed until Sat or Sun. As a result, Susan will need to be hospitalized for at least a week or more until the infection is negative and the shunts can be placed. She's not happy about the idea, but she understands it's necessary.
Susan had the PICC line installed yesterday, replacing the small-volume line they had placed in her foot. IVs are a continual problem for her since she's limited to her left side after breast cancer treatment and right-side lymph node removal. Her left arm is full of scar tissue after five hospital stays and dozens of blood draws, so the PICC line really helps.

Sun 11/11/07
With frequent nausea and vomiting, fatigue and confusion, this was a difficult weekend for Susan. Her doctors have not confirmed absolutely what meningitis organism she's fighting since her blood and spinal fluid cultures from Wed/Thu are still growing, so she's on a shotgun approach of antifungals and antibiotics like last time. However, it appears this time one of the antibiotics is causing her nausea and requires premedication to prevent it. We hope it provides relief.

Mon 11/12/07
We thank God that Susan has improved and had her best day yet – no nausea, with greater strength and alertness. In a development that is confusing for me, she has tested negative for infection. This is good news along with her general progress; but it doesn't explain why the meningitis returned. If the Lord wants to heal it outright, we'll take it, and anticipate the doctors' upcoming reports.

Another beautiful realization came to rest with us today. God never promised we would not have troubles, nor did He guarantee he would take our troubles away – but He has given us something that is greater, His faithful assurance that He is always with us. It's better to go through tough times with God than have it easy and never know Him.