November 5th

Claire was admitted to Sutter Memorial early on Wednesday, October 31st. As if the news of a possible recurring cancer and surgery was not enough, she presented with a high fever not long after the last post. Claire did not have a low white blood count at the time so we attempted to manage the fever with tylenol. After peaking at 103 at 5:00 am, we called the doc to prepare for her arrival at Sutter. The process that we are so familiar with began again. She was hooked up to general anti-biotics and IV fluids and blood was drawn to culture for infection. The general rule is a 48 hour observation for bacterial growth. At hour 48 Claire was clear and preperations began for the Monday surgery. As she and Shannon were set to head down for the initial pre-op MRI a nurse entered informing them that the culture was growing and positive for staph. Being mentally prepared to have your child undergo brain surgery is a tough process. Getting there and having a delay is flat torture. So Claire will now undergo a 10-14 day regimen of high dose anti-biotic to clear the infection. As much as we want to get the questionable growth out, the risks are too high for surgery at this point. She will be monitored and when her neurosurgeon and oncology team feel it is safe,she will have the procedure.

On a positive note, Claire was able to come home tonight. We were able to locate the needed anti-biotics in a form that the team felt comfortable with for home treatment. It was not the favored choice by the Doc's but we felt strongly about getting Claire home for a stay before going back for the surgery. She certainly is rigged properly with her double broviac and GT feeding tube for home care.

It is a tough time with much anxiety and thought. But as always we will focus on the positive's and Claire's amazing spirit. We will update when we can.

Believe in Claire and KNOW SHE CAN.