Hello everyone. In an effort to keep you all up to date on Steven's condition and progress, and for you to make posts of your own, we have started the Steven Blog...I will post updates from Mark, Steven's brother, and we'll try to let everyone know what is happening as it is happening. Please send messages and we will pass them on to Steven.
He is at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica in ICU, being closely watched by an excellent team of doctors and nurses, friends and family. He's stable and though being kept sedated, is still conscious and responds whenever someone speaks to him. He raises his eyebrows especially when a loved one's name is mentioned. He is aware of what is happening and is doing a great job fighting his infection.
Mark met with Dr. Butler ENT this morning. He and Dr. Butler agree that the swelling is in his neck is reduced, the Dr. is pleased. Dr. Boasberg also showed up and is liking what he sees. Steven still has a temperature of 101 so they are putting him in a cool wrap to help bring it down. His white blood cells are up slightly but really need to keep going up...send thoughts of white blood cells multiplying!
more soon....
Hey friends & family:
ReplyDeleteI just got off the phone with Mark and he wanted me to relay( in this blog) how it stands at the moment:
Pilar is correct in her information. But we want you all to know this: the doctors have pumped Steven full of all the antibiotics they can, in terms of this infection( which they have determined is a systemic strep, not staff) and have also taken a bone marrow biopsy to make sure he is producing some white blood cells to fight this terrible and deadly infection. His current count went from 303 to 900 today. You and I typically have about 11,000. They will know the results wednesday/thursday and whether or not we are looking at an autoimmune deficiency. Mark also told me the the swelling in Steven't neck has been noticably reduced. That is positive news. He is taking tylenol for his fever ( which vacilates from 99 to 101) but as he regains conciousness he may need more agressive medication for pain. Please do not try to call Mark as he has his hands full and most of time cannot talk on his cell. If you have questions, those of us who can, will answer them or find out for you. Post your thoughts or conerns here please. We need Mark to be present and as focused as possible for the Doctors and for Steven. Keep them both in your prayers......oxpolly
Hello All,
ReplyDeleteGood news, Steven's white blood cell count is up to 2300, just what the doctors wanted to see!
Love,
Norma
I am so glad to hear that Steven is improving. My entire family is keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Please know we are here for anything any of you need.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dean Blaine & Family
Wondeful news - I've been so worried. Thank you so much for creating this blog. I live close by to Steven, work from home and have plenty of time to help with anything - walking Chance, cooking, shopping etc. Please doon't hesitate to call if I can help - 310-877-4636. Please give him my love - sending healing thoughts his way.
ReplyDeleteSpoke to Mark this morning and the good news is that the white blood cell count is now into the 16000 range, so that is looking great. Steven has had a set back with a bout of pneumonia, but that is not altogether unusual considering the circumstances. The major concern right now is the swelling in the neck, which is still substantial. They did a CAT scan on it yesterday but the results have not come back. With the swelling, they still have to keep a tube down his throat so he can breathe. I'll be going to L.A. tomorrow evening to give Mark a break......love, Norma
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear of Steven's progress!!! Please let Steven know he is in our prayers and thoughts continually and give him my love. I am sending visions of God's healing light flowing through his body.
ReplyDeleteMark, my prayers are with you too! Please take care of yourself!
Love,
Brooke, Savannah, and Olivia
July 18, 2009 9:48 AM