Heart Ultrasound Results Are In - He Has a Heart!

It looks like it will be Sunday pm at the earliest before Joe leaves Duke hospital.  They did an ultrasound of his heart to see if any of the bacteria was present in the heart valves this morning.  The results were negative...whew!  They have identified the type of bacteria and changed his antibiotic to one more specific to this type of bacteria.  Only gets it once a day.  The particular strain of bacteria is streptococcus viridans.  Not an uncommon oral strep.

Cultures from the blood taken yesterday won't be ready until tomorrow evening.  This time they are waiting the full 48 hours.  The results will determine what happens next.  If the newest batch of cultures are negative, then we are good and Sunday might be release day.  If the cultures are positive, then they will do another check of his heart but this time with a scope down his esophagus and into the heart (OUCH!).  He will be knocked out for this if they have to do it.  

He feels good, looks good and has energy.  Only real problem is that the antibiotics will keep him from having his chemo treatments, which is not a good thing.  Not sure right now when they can resume.  Probably at least a couple of weeks.  This Monday's treatment has already been cancelled.

His new antibiotic is ceftriaxone.  It's a short 15 minute infusion once a day.  The rest of the time, we just sit here or go for walks.

As you can see, he still maintains that infectious smile.  Time for us to go get some exercise by walking around.

Many, many thanks for all the prayers and good wishes.  We are truly blessed by having so many people who care so deeply around us.  Also. A BIG thank you to our nurses and doctors:  Becke, Brittany, Britany, Lucie, Heather, Samantha, Courtney, Grace, Susan, Jasmine, Leah, John, Dr. Mowery, Dr. Fager, and Dr. Peppercorn.  They have all been great.  Even our very own Leigh Howard came over from the clinic to see us today and to not make me cry.

We Love All Of You!