Thursday's smile

Dr. Butler said the tissue sample came back as normal degenerative material, no tumor cells, but they sent the sample out for further analysis. He said Steven's neck felt softer (hard tissue showing softening is taking place) and said that all immune system indicators are much stronger.

Dr. Ting, the oral surgeon, came in and was able to determine the which tooth was bad and is moving forward on an extraction. He is have a CT scan this afternoon to try to get a better analysis of the situation since they do not have any Xrays to indicate the full area of infection. The extraction is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:30.

We have requested Dr. Sheer work with Dr. Patricia Murray, another infectious disease specialist at St. Johns who has worked with systemic strep earlier this year. Dr. Sheer asked that a PT eval. be done.

Dr. Goldman feels that everything is going well and that it is going to be a long healing process.

Steven began feeding on Gatoraide through the stomach this afternoon.

One more note, once Steven is better he will be moving to a respiratory hospital to get off the respirator/off the trach. and back to normal.

Best news of all, today Steven smiled!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Norma