Msg 18 - Update

Cameron was moved to the 4th floor which was one more step to recovery. On Oct. 5th fluid was discovered in his chest near the lungs and the sack around his heart. He was moved to the CCU where they put a tube into his chest as well as the sack around his heart. Today I was able to speak with one of his doctors. It is unclear as to where the fluid in his chest came from but it is thought to possibly be just a result of the surgery. Fluid does tend to pool there some times. It was a good amount of fluid but not enough to collapse the lungs so this is good. As for the fluid near the heart it was just old blood and fluid resulting from the previous surgery, nothing to be alarmed about. Today an ultrasound of the chest and heart showed everything to be in good condition so the tube that extracts the fluids near the heart was removed. They will watch his chest for a bit more but the ultrasound showed no fluid at this time. Cameron will be returning to the 4th floor sometime this week continuing the process of his recovery.

On another note, Cameron’s line to his heart for dialysis had some clotting. This is uncommon but not impossible. The doctor said it looks good as of now and they will be watching it. Cameron has a week left of antibiotics and will then be receiving a shunt in his arm. This is really the last thing the doctors have on their “to do” list for Cameron. Once he receives the shunt it will be 3 weeks before it can be used for dialysis. The swelling in his arm and leg has almost completely left except for some swelling in his left hand. He will be receiving physical therapy today which is going very well. Cameron’s problem holding down food has improved, as he has not had an upset stomach since the problem arose. All in all Cameron is doing very well considering everything that he has been through. He is amazes me everyday.

I will be returning to 29 palms tonight and then on to Idaho Friday for my post deployment leave. Curtis will still be in the area and at the hospital on fri the 13th for the weekend, if you have any questions. Chantal and Omar have been very helpful in updating us when the family is not around which is a huge blessing. I am certain that we will all stay well informed.

Guy