Shingles

Susan has been diagnosed with shingles, a nerve-root infection caused by Herpes Zoster, the virus that also causes chicken pox. The biggest problem is the painful sores she's got right now, but they should clear in a few days. There's some risk of a neuralgia that could occur later - nerve damage under the skin at the infection site that causes chronic pain in about 20% of patients.

It's a blessing we were able to get her treated with anti-viral meds within 72 hours of the rash appearing since it may have moderated her symptoms. Her symptoms were classic - painful, non-itchy rash on just one side of the body, headache and malaise, with no fever. The rash is contagious for the virus; but those infected would get chicken pox unless they had them already. Shingles can occur later since the virus lies dormant and may spring to life when some has a weakened immune system like Susan. We're thankful to finally name and treat her condition, ending our current mystery.

She'll have an MRI/MRA scan today since her medical team is concerned about blood found in her spinal fluid that could indicate an aneurism. This scan will also be an early view of her tumor instead of the MRI she would have had in two weeks, so I'm sure we'll have a chat and tumor update in the next few days.

We'll meet with her medical team in a few minutes to confirm the outlook, next steps, and find out when she can come home.

Viral infection?

You know you’ve been in ER a long time when you get acquainted with your 3rd shift of doctors and nurses.  After over 30 hours in an ER isolation room, Susan finally was admitted upstairs under the care of the internal medicine team, also in isolation until they understand the nature of her illness.  While we’re thankful she apparently does not have another case of fungal meningitis, they’re treating her for a viral infection until they can rule it out. 
This hospital episode has been more puzzling than others, since usually we’re able to diagnose a problem (hydrocephalus, infection, hemorrhage) pretty quickly and begin treating it.  This one’s a mystery and has some new elements.  While she had some symptoms of meningitis like head and neck pain, she lacked a fever and severe neck stiffness.  We’re still waiting for the fungal cultures of her spinal fluid; but the low white blood cell count indicates no infection there.  She does have a solid urinary tract infection; but that alone should not cause persistent headache. 
Susan complained of a sore scalp on the back of her head and neck beginning on Saturday – painful, not itchy.  I noticed the skin there had become red on Sunday and had developed rashy sores on Monday.  The rash is now the focus of the mystery and is assumed to be an effect of a herpes simplex virus until a culture taken last night can be completed.  Meanwhile, she’s feeling okay and is getting pain meds when she needs them.  People rightfully get concerned when there’s an ER/hospital event; but this one’s not critical or getting wonky. I expect we’ll understand the problem soon and will be able to finish treatment and get her home in a few days. As always, we know Susan’s big issue with GBM and her many complications are in God’s hands as we ask him for healing and pursue medical treatment.  Also, we’re thankful to each of you who support us with prayer and expressions of care.

Still in ER, still testing

We had a long night in ER and are waiting to transfer to a bed upstairs and for test results to confirm a diagnosis. Susan is stable - she has pain and fatigue, but times of alertness and good spirits after resting. She became dehydrated and is receiving fluids.

She's had a CT scan (looks okay), blood and urine tests, and endured a marathon 1 1/2 hour spinal tap at midnight that would earn the respect of a maple syrup farmer. And she thought I was a drip.

Early spinal fluid results seem to rule out bacterial infection; but fungal results take longer. Urine was positive for a significant infection they're treating with IV antibiotics. If meningitis is ruled out, Susan could be dealing with a combination of the UTI and diabetic issues. That's it for now. We're confident in the Lord she'll improve with the right treatment and are grateful for everyone's support and prayer.

Meningitis again?

We're admitting Susan to ER at UCLA with persistent headache, stiff neck, confusion, and some sensitivity to light. No fever. As many as 4 Vicodin in six hours didn't relieve her pain. Her neuro-oncologist suggested we go to ER to check for meningitis, given her history. 

Susan now has a lovely new bracelet. We know the drill and expect to wait a while for tests. We're glad Susan has her port for easy IV access, and we have our Lord who's with us in all things.