Saturday

Marty had another good day today.  Marty's white blood cell count was up to 3 (normal range is between 4 - 11).  In the past week it has been as low at 0.4.  He was also very responsive and communicating with hand gestures. 

Marty will need a tracheotomy and a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) tube put in which possibly could be happening tomorrow.  Due to the fact that Marty can not be indefinitely intubated and for his comfort level, a tracheotomy tube is necessary.  The tracheotomy tube is put in to help him breath easier and to remove secretions from his lungs. The length of time that this will remain in will be reevaluated as Marty's care continues.  The PEG tube is a feeding tube in the abdomen that goes directly to the stomach.  It will be put in so Marty can continue to receive adequate nourishment as he may not be able to orally intake sufficient amounts of food.  This is especially important when future chemotherapy treatments will be administered.  These surgeries will happen simultaneously. 

Marty continues to receive 3 different antibiotics in order to fight off the infections of unknown origin(s).  His blood sugars continue to remain within normal limits.

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -- Zeph. 3:17

Amanda