We received a call Monday night around 7 from one of Tony's doctors. He informed us that Tony's bronchoscopy had come back positive for CMV pneumonia and that we would need to go to the hospital immediately for treatment. Unfortunately, the oncology floor had no available rooms, so the doctor told us to go to the Emergency Room and they would find us a room. We went to the ER and I was very uncomfortable because there were a ton of people and I knew Tony's chances of getting yet one more illness was increased. Tony wore a mask while we waited to get called back. When we finally got called back, then insisted on doing all of the tests that Tony already has had done...several times. He had to get an xray and an EKG, and blood tests. It was frustrating because we already knew what was wrong and what he needed as treatment. A room up in the oncology unit finally opened up around 1 in the morning. We got him all settled and he finally got the medication he needed. A special thanks goes out to the Glenn's who so wonderfully stayed at our apartment and watched Jack (he was sleeping) until I was able to come home at 1:30.
On a positive note, the new oncology floor is finished so Tony is in a brand new room. It is super nice!
CMV is something that a huge percent of the US population already has. Our bodies just fight it off. But because Tony's immune system is down, his body is not able to fight it off. They medicine they give him only stops it from getting worse. They don't have anything to get rid of it completely. That is why it was so important we got him to the hospital to begin the treatment. (I have to remember that when I feel frustrated about the long night in the ER. Tony needs sleep to get better too). So the medicine will stop it from getting worse as his body slowly tries to fight the virus.
He has had a score of doctors coming in and out of his room. He has a doctor assigned to him from the ER. He has his regular oncology doctors, and he has an Infectious Diseases doctor. This morning he had several "almost" doctors come in and "practice" on him, but he was really tired and didn't want to answer the same questions over and over and over, so hopefully that won't happen again.
We are not sure when Tony will be able to come home again. (the ER doctor says one thing and the oncology doctor is saying something else). But we are really hoping that they can get him feeling better. He is pretty miserable with all the symptoms from both the CMV pneumonia and the C. Difficile (which effects his digestive tract. It is what is causing all of his nausea as well).
To end this update, I would just like to ask for everyone to pray for Tony. This has been such a long road of feeling sick, and he needs the extra strength you all can give him. Thank you always for all of your love and support.
Dear Brittany, Thank you for doing the very best you can to help Tony through this severe illness. He needs the strength only you can give.
ReplyDeleteWhile Tony heals, he will need the support of the entire family which he has. I love you, Grandma Lewis
Oh my goodness! That kid is one heck of a fighter if he can handle all of that! We've been praying for you and Tony and Jack. I hope he gets better soon.
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