Update from Elaine

Doctors told us this morning that Kate's blood cultures came back positive for bacteria, so this is one of the culprits for making her feel bad. The bacteria in the blood probably came from her own intestine and her body was not strong enough to resist it as a result of weakened immune system from chemo. This bacteria can make you very sick if not caught or treated. We're thankful it was discovered here at the hospital and we had not gone home with it. We've added another antibiotic to target this bacteria. The doctor said Kate will probably feel worse before she feels better:( She will now have to remain in the hospital at least through the weekend. She must have bacteria cultures come back clean for 3 days in a row and the fever needs to go away before they will release her. So, once again we wait. I got a little teary at the news, but Kate feels so bad, the news could not make her feel any worse. She just wants to get better.

We did learn that the other C-diff bacteria test came back negative. That's a praise. We still have a couple other tests out that we haven't heard back on.

At this point I'm not sure if this will impact the admission scheduled for Jan 29th or not. That's something I'm sure Kate's doctors will address down the road.

Kate's still not eating so we added some nutrition (protein and lipids (fat) to her IV solution.

Please pray hard that God will lift her over this hurdle. My heart aches for her as I see the weariness in her eyes and the strength exhausted with every heave, but she is an amazing girl and keeps on with a strength and beautiful grace like I have never seen.

My Mom and Dad came in today and visited with Kate a bit until the morphine she got for her throat sores knocked her out. While Kate slept they took me out to lunch. It was good to get out in the fresh air for a while. Kate woke up just as we returned from lunch and shared a few smiles and laughs and sent love home to Maggie and Grace.

Requests:
~When I asked Kate what her top prayer request would be tonight, she said for her stomach.
Please ask that God lift the nausea, still the heaves, and renew Kate's appetite.
~Please also pray that the antibiotics would be effective in fighting the bacteria and we the cultures will come back soon free of bacteria!
~Ask believing that God will allow Kate to detour the next few days of "feeling worse before she feels better" and that He will turn this around so quickly that the medical doctors will be amazed.
~Please pray for our sweet Maggie at home. We are looking forward to getting her in here this weekend and loving on her.

Thank you for carrying the corners of Kate's mat and asking God for her healing.

Grace,
Elaine