Saturday, January 17, 2009

Update Saturday morning, 01.17.09—Blood culture results

We just found out that Shane's blood culture came back as positive for group A strep. This is good news as it really helps narrow down the treatment.

As a result, Shane is now off the broad-spectrum antibiotic vancomycin and he'll start on ampicillin (nearly the same as augmentin, amoxicillin). Honing in on the specific bacterial strain is preferable to over-treating with an antibiotic that covers too much ground, as it could potentially result in fostering antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

That's the good news for the morning. The not-so-good news is that they're still stumped as to why Shane's neck is swollen. It seems clear that it is an infection of some sort, but again they simply don't know how or why. There's also residual talk of a CT scan to get an even clearer picture of of his neck, but that's pretty far up in the air.

The docs have yet to do their rounds this morning (where we get to witness first-hand a very House-like scenario where head honchos come in and grill the underling medical staff), but I'm sure a topic of discussion will be whether or not to keep Shane's breathing tube in. I have a strong feeling they'll keep it in through today, but who knows. Issues at hand are 1) the fact that he's showing signs of breathing very well on his own, but 2) there is not a satisfactory "leak" at the present moment (the docs want to see some space around the breathing tube in Shane's airway, but he doesn't have any space right now and they're trying to figure out of it's due to swelling or the size of the tube itself).

Overall, things are progressing slowly, but they are progressing which is encouraging. Like Kylee mentioned, Shane seems more "with it" this morning which is both a good and bad thing: Good, because we get to interact with him and he gets to see his balloons, toys, books, and drawings from friends...Bad, because he starts to realize his situation and dons the most pathetic and heart-wrenching silent cry face you're ever seen on a little kid—and he's clearly uncomfortable. Like I said, though, he continues to get better and that's the whole point.

Here's Shaney this morning with his balloons and animals...

12 comments:

  1. I'm thrilled Shaney's doing better this morning... he's a pistol! And I love the stuffed animals with him... can't decide whether he's more lion or more monkey, since he's so much of both!! I love you like pieces little guy, Grandpa T. :0)

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  2. Last night I shared Shaney's pictures with River and Canon...we prayed for him, talked about why he was in the hospital, what he likes to do, how old he is, what are the names of his brothers, his mommy, his silly daddy, etc.... (You know, the inquisitive minds of children and their never ending questions and comments!) River got real quiet...then asked me if I had a small glass bottle. He also asked if he could talk to the Doctors to see where they are at, their thoughts on what is wrong, what meds he may need, and what they think will help. He told me that if he could talk with the Doctors, it would help him create a "surprise" for you, (C&K). This morning, I gave him an empty M&M container and he is at this moment, creating a medicine that he claims will surely heal Shane's infection. He said, "I need to get this to his parents. They need to give him three drops into his mouth...this should work mom, I hope anyway, for Shane...he needs to get better." (Sounds a bit like Narnia wouldn't you say?)
    So as River creates a healing medicine full of H2O, kids mouthwash and kick-it immune...adorned with Spiderman stickers and wrapped with love...Canon sits at his table "making love notes for Shane". As for Steve and I, our prayers continue.
    We love you! Mick

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  3. We had no idea this was going on!! Praying for you all!!
    love,
    kim almas

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  4. I didn't know about Shane, but I'm sending prayers your way. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.
    Love, Katie

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  5. What a brave little guy Shane is. Our whole church family is praying for his fast recovery. We are assured that his progress can only be from the Father. Hugs and Kisses to you all. Resting In His Arms, Aunt Lindy and Uncle Scott

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  6. Chris and Kylee,
    Please know that all of our thoughts and prayers are with you as you endure the most challenging thing a parent can endure. The Brighton Montessori Family is there if you need anything please call on us. May God's touch heal Shane and return Shane to us healthy and full of life. We're ready for him.
    Melissa Wilderson
    Brighton Montessori
    School Administrator

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  7. Chris and Kylee,
    Please know prayers for you and your family, especially Shane, are being sent from Raleigh and Apex, NC. Shane is just beautiful!
    sending love and prayers,
    the boyce's

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  8. Kylee and Chris,
    I don't know how to be a support for you when all I do is sit here and cry. My heart ACHES for you both.
    Natalya and I would like to buy Shane the 2nd biggest ice cream (after Mom and Dad's ice cream) when he gets home!
    Much love from our family to yours,
    Amy, Natalya and Paul

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  9. Hi;

    I'm a friend of Townsend's. He gave us word about Shane yesterday. We are here in Santa Barbara, CA praying for him and for all of you! Just wanted you to know there's love and good will coming at all of you from every direction! God's best to you, and especially to Shane...

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  10. Hello from Michigan!
    I am a prayer-warrior enlisted by Buffy and Brian Davis.
    Prayers stream your way...for all 5 of you and especially Shane!
    May you feel uplifted as you go about your day being parents of a Super Kid!
    Adorable! CAROL J.

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  11. hey from ohio. i'm a past coworker of kelly's. just wanted to let you know i'm very much keeping you two and shane in my thoughts, and hoping for his speedy recovery. ~matt

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  12. Hey Kylee and Chris,
    tell Shane i said hi, and i hope he gets better so we can play together!
    Trent Sessions

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