Day +31 October 23

Elle is doing OK today (yesterday).  In rounds, we discussed the new ideas and ID, BMT, and ICU docs thought about some things and are dosing the Caspofungin at a very high dose in conjunction with Voriconazole.  The Apmho-terrible as Vicki put it is not as effective in the sensitivity tests for her particular yeast although it usually is.  Also, It takes up 6 hours of line time and they want to do an Ampho B "lock" (still hasn't happened for different reasons but will start tomorrow). 

They said the essential oils and coconut oils are fine, but do not want to use pro biotics at this stage in BMT as it can actually be harmful with septic responses! Who knew yogurt could do that!  But as she improves, I will revisit that. 

Today I reorganized and cleaned Elle's room, changed blankets and Bair Hugger, wiped down all of her supplies and surfaces where the supplies are and her night nurse continued with the rest of the room.  I also cleaned her mouth very well when we did head gear hoping to prevent VAP -the last thing she needs right now is pneumonia on top of everything else.

Other than that, we listened to soft music and lullabies, I talked to her, hummed, held her hand and her dad did likewise.  We having started really watching her positioning schedule so she is turned every 2 hours, and the nurses are doing a great job at keeping her pain controlled.

ID and BMT docs both feel optimistic and believe there is time for treatment to show that it has worked.  She did get positive cultures again, but with the changes that were made, she should have a better result next time.

When Chloe and I prayed tonight before bed, she pulled me close to her and stroked my hair.  She is such an intuitive little sweetheart.  Before I closed the door, I was cheerfully wishing her sweet dreams and she looked convinced and relaxed and gave a happy smile back and asked for a kiss and a hug.  Her dad and I try not to worry her, but she still gets it.  

We kept the car parked and we all walked to Noodles today for lunch (thanks Vicki, used the card) and watched the excitement of the area preparing for Obama's speech.

Thank you again, everyone for the ideas for the infection (Fungemia), I am going to think about how to do the Vinegar thing too.  I am so glad my dad is here.  I can really concentrate on the baby and still spend good, quality time with Chloe in the evening.  It has been good for Stefan as well.

Long, long lines of people waiting to hear Obama speak behind Chloe

Peace chickens with signs that said "END WAR, YES WE CAN"