Nov. 7 - The Waiting Game

They took out Troy's dialysis port today (hoping it was the cause of the infection), but they won't know more about the cause until tomorrow.

While he is fine and doing better, I know he HATES being in the hospital. Let's all hope he gets out soon.

Here is an image of what the shirts will look like. I think the first orders will be ready Friday and we will work to get them out to everyone ASAP. Don't fret, we will take a second order soon.

Nov. 6-Back in the Saddle Again

It's time to play good news/bad news.
Bad news first. A minor setback. Troy went in for dialysis yesterday, and the staff there noticed that he was running a fever, which is an indicator of infection. He went in to the emergency room, and at 3:30 in the morning, he was admitted back into the 5th floor of NGHS. The blood culture came back positive for infection, at the 48 hours point, we'll know exactly where the bad stuff is. Fingers crossed, he'll be able to go home Wednesday afternoon. (Troy's mom and I started counting the number of rooms that he's been in. I think he's up to nine different rooms since the end of July. )
Good news time! (Yay!) Troy's voice is sooooo much stronger. To me, he sounds 99% back to normal. He's also getting feisty again, and definitely wants to get back home and out of the hospital.
Thanks again for all of the positive thoughts and good energy.
-Helen

Nov. 2 - Home Sweet Home

Troy's WBC was 2.2 today! So, after exactly one month (Oct. 2 - Nov. 2), Troy went home tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I spoke with him this evening and he said "you have no idea how nice it was to smell fresh air and be at home!"

So, I think we can all sleep a little better tonight. I'm effectively "signing off" and will get back with you when something new develops (visitation, etc.).

Thanks for your support over the past month, I know Troy and his family really appreciate it.

Nov. 1

WBC 1.2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Troy had a pretty good day today. If his voice was at 25% the past month, I would say it was at 50% today. And, of course, his WBC is significantly better. So, I would say that he will be home VERY soon.

Email: I would suggest stopping emails to the hospital and begin emailing Troy directly. Troy wanted me to mention he may not get back to you immediately (or he may not get back to you at all), because his inbox will probably get flooded. (I don't want to publish his email online in order to protect his privacy.)

Visitation: I'm sure it will take a few days for him and his family to get settled, so please be patient as they figure out how to manage the visitation process.

Food/Gifts: Troy's immune system is still impaired, so please don't send any flowers or food. Cards and emails are probably the best things right now.

Thanks

Oct. 31

Troy's WBC almost doubled today! His dialysis machine broke down halfway through treatment, so he had to start all over - a total of 6 hours! The worst part is that he can't eat while on the machine, so his lunch just sat there - taunting him. He still has some minor pain from the shingles - all of this left Troy to describe today as "long."

His voice was a little stronger today and he seemed to be doing well - tired of the hospital - but well.

p.s. Jack, your email bounced back - could you resend your address?