Monday +12 (10:00 PM)

Jackie continues to receive her IV antibiotics. This afternoon she spiked a fever of about 102.2. Fortunately it did not last long. This evening she received her Vancomycin treatment. This has gone from a twice-a-day treatment to once every 24 hours. It became clear that this is the antibiotic that is causing her rash and some of her problems. After they began the infusion Jackie turned quite red. She had some congestion and swelling. Once the treatment ceased she went back to normal within about 2 hours. The physician's assistant thought they might discontinue the antibiotic due to Jackie's improved blood counts. It will be a topic of discussion tomorrow.

Jackie also received an infusion of albumin. This will cause the extra fluid to flow from the tissues back into the blood. Combined with Lasix it should help eliminate some of the excess fluid Jackie is experiencing. As of today she had lost about 2 of the 20 pounds in fluids that were put on over the last week. I think this will get better as the days pass. Her kidneys are returning to normal.

Her biggest complaint is lack of energy. This is mostly due to the lowered red blood cell count and the reduced amount of hemoglobin (the oxygen carrying component of the blood). Less oxygen means less energy. I believe once her RBC count returns to the 12-13 range she will feel much better.

Well, that's all for now.

Until later.


Bruce and Jackie
From Rochester, MN