Saturday, April 7, 2012

Morning of April 7th

Celeste remains sedated to prevent anxiety (thrashing arms and such).  Each episode destablizes her vital signs for a while.  She's retaining fluid and her belly is a bit more distended than yesterday.  Her oxygen levels have improved and her heart rate is 110 to 115.  This morning's x-ray shows some improvement in her lungs but they are still full of lymphoma cells.  There is no other infection.  The ventilator is set at 90% oxygen and is working hard at 22 PEEP (pressure measurement) with only 3 more points possible.  Her kidneys are experiencing some difficulty because of the high PEEP and they are now walking a tightrope to balance what her lungs need to stay alive and how much her kidneys can take before failing.  She will receive a final dose of chemo tomorrow.  If the chemo does not significantly reduce the lymphoma cells in her lungs, there will not really be anything more left to do than keep her comfortable for as long as she hangs on.  In short, she still has a very small chance of rebounding but there is little reason to believe that will happen.

2 comments:

  1. Shaleece, thank you for keeping us informed on Celeste's status. It helps to have a little better connection with such distance between us. I've prayed so hard for a miraculous turn of events, as many have. Celeste is remarkable! I feel deep sorrow in light of her recent prognosis. She has the most amazing family of angels helping her to endure the battle. Please know that our hearts hurt with you and for you, and for Celeste. We hold on to hope and look for understanding in God's will. All of my love to Mom, Dad and the entire beautiful family. Gina

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hope you are all finding the peace and the strength you need to know what to do. Our prayers are for all of you and the doctors too.

    ReplyDelete