Neither Out Far Nor In Deep

Nick 's time in the hospital continues to filled with rough waters. On Monday, Nick had to have another test done to see if the fungus is growing in fluid which has been hanging out in his lungs since the lung biopsy on June 19th. The test is called a "thoracentesis." It is done at the bedside by the pulmonary doctors with the aid of an ultrasound machine. They locate the fluid with the ultrasound and then they stick a needle into the lung space between the ribs on your back! As horrible as this sounds, Nick did really great and he didn't even feel them sticking him with the numbing medicine. They gave him some sedative to help him stay calm. My biggest worry was actually getting Nick into the position for the test and fortunately, he came through this with flying colors.

After taking off enough fluid for testing, cultures etc. the doctors came back to tell us that this fluid is most likely infected. The only way to get is out at this point is to take Nick back to the operating room and have them clear out the "pockets" of fluid that are in his left lower lung. Usually, the fluid is not in pockets and it could be drained with a tube inserted into the pleural space. However, because Nick's fluid has "walled itself off" (a natural response of the body to keep badness away from other vital organs, like the lungs) the fluid cannot be drained this way.
The plan is to take Nick to the OR tomorrow sometime. He will have to have the same type of scoping procedure he had when they did his lung biopsy. He will also have a chest tube again and most likely some kind of drain into the chest cavity to keep the fluid from coming back again.

It is pretty much a month since Nick's lung biopsy and yet it feels like it was just yesterday. Nick has continued to run low grade fevers for the past few days and he hasn't been looking or feeling real great. Nick has been trying so hard to get his energy back and focus on his physical therapy goals, the speaking valve, and trying to learn how to eat again. But, everything has been thwarted by this infection which is sapping his strength and is of great concern to everyone. The tests on the fungus are not back yet (they had to be sent to Texas to do the testing). We are all awaiting the results of the sensitivity testing as this will tell us if the medications we have Nick on will actually KILL this particular fungus! It is called Aspergillus ustus and it is VERY RARE!

I am exhausted right now, so I must go to bed. I will try to post tomorrow to let everyone know how things go in the OR. The surgeon is very concerned specifically about the risk of bleeding. Nick's counts have been very low again. His marrow does not seem to be making platelets, WBC or RBC's right now. He must be transfused regularly for platelets and RBC's every couple days or so. Please keep Nick in your prayers today as he continues to fight so valiantly.

Neither Out Far Nor In Deep by Robert Frost

The people along the sand
All turn and look one way.
They turn their back upon the land
They look at the sea all day.

As long as it takes to pass
A ship keeps raising its hull:
The wetter ground like glass
Reflects a standing gull.

The land may vary more:
But wherever the truth may be--
The water comes ashore
And the people look at the sea.

They cannot look out far.
They cannot look in deep.
But when was that ever a bar
To any watch they keep?