Port Removal in Progress

They (the powers that be at Duke) have decided to remove the port that Joe had put in back in August.  This removal however is just a precaution since no bacteria or infection has yet to be traced to the port.  Whether he will have another port put in on the other side of his chest has yet to be determined.  The chemotherapy that he is on can be done via IV.  That isn't optimal, but it can be done.  They came for him for the surgery around 8:00am.  It is supposed to take around 1 1/2 hours but he will be quite sleepy and loopy afterwards (just like when they put it in).

He didn't have any fevers last night.  They started him on fluids around 6:30pm and then antibiotics around 8pm.  The antibiotics run for 30 minutes every 6 hours.  He ate well for dinner last night but was restricted to no food or drink after midnight for this morning's surgery.  They drew blood for cultures around 8:30pm and also needed a urine sample for culturing.  He slept well except for the usual interruptions.  More antibiotics around 1:30am, vitals around 3am, more blood drawn at 5am and then the final wake up at 6:15am when his nurse (Sarah) was in for her last check-up before the shift change at 7am.

They have identified the type of bacteria, but thus far I have not encountered a native English speaking doctor to tell me the name so I could look it up.  The doctor on the floor that was in for about 30 minutes last night was of Asian origin and although she said the name several times, I couldn't quite understand.  I didn't want to ask her to spell it for me, although I should.  I'm sure I can get the name from either Leigh, Dr. Zafar or Jason at some point today.   Speaking of Jason (Joe's former middle school student who is now a nurse in the Duke Cancer Center), he surprised Joe with a visit yesterday evening.  He had found out from another patient of his that reads our blog that Joe was in the hospital.  So he looked up the room (on the blog) and walked over to visit.  Just goes to show that once Joe has taught you, he has made an impact on you.  It also goes to the character of Jason.  He's very caring and dedicated to his profession and goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Thank you very much Jason.  It really lifted Joe's spirits to have you come by, as well as mine.

So today, I'm at work awaiting word once the surgery is done.  I'll keep pestering Joe on his cell phone, room phone and iPad until I get a response.  Or I can break down and call Duke for information.  I know this is not a major procedure but I still worry and won't take a deep breath or sigh of relief until I know he is out, conscious and talking to me.

Thank you for the prayers and words of support and concern.  We need a little extra right now and everyone is coming through.

9:31a.m. Update:  Joe is out of the surgery and eagerly awaiting his breakfast in his room.  It was painless and he is doing fine.

9:57a.m. Update:  Joe called again after his breakfast.  The oncologist on the floor came in (Dr. Riedel) and told Joe that the plan as it stands right now is to keep him on the antibiotics.  Apparently, the bacteria that has been identified has only been indentified by the family of bacteria, not the specific bacteria.  Until that is done, the general antibiotics will continue.  Once they zoom in more specifically, he will change antibiotics.  When released (earliest would be Friday), he will be on antibiotics at home for 2 weeks (no chemo).  They are doing another round of blood cultures this morning.  When they removed the port there was no sign of infection in the port site but they did flush it really well as a precaution.