Anther Virus !

Those were Kate's exact words when we learned that she has the zoster virus...in other words...shingles.
On Tuesday Kate noted a contained rash that was only itchy if touched. Upon consulting with her nurse practitioner, she told us to keep an eye on it and let her know if it spread, blistered or became painful.
Sure enough by the Wednesday all three symptoms were added to the equation.
Kate's rash is on the right side of her body, and as is typical of shingles, follows the nerve line. They called in a prescription for an anti viral medication which Kate began immediately. Today (Thursday) we had a scheduled clinic visit for counts prior to Kate's radiation treatment. When the doctor examined Kate's shingles, she responded without hesitation and very definitively, "we need to admit you". Kate's shingles had spread and needed to be addressed more aggressively with IV medication. The anti viral medication does not "cure" the shingles, it hopefully makes it run it's course a little faster. In addition to the anti-viral IV, Kate has a PCA (a pump) which allows her to administer a narcotic pain medication as needed. The anticipated length of her hospital stay is three to five days. We were a bit surprised by the decision to hospitalize Kate, as she was feeling and looking good, with the exception of the pain associated with the shingles. However, there was no hesitancy on her doctor's part to do this, and the we all want to get Kate on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. The doctor was also not surprised when Kate presented with shingles. With Kate's suppressed immune system, she is very susceptible to such things. With the addition of radiation, Kate's already compromised immune system took another hit and made it even more likely for her to come down with another virus. Again, because of her own weakened immune system, this virus came from with in and was not contracted from someone.

Kate's spirits are good and she enjoyed a visit with good friends this evening. She was also fine with me coming home for the night to get Maggie squared away to stay with two of her good friends over the next couple of days, as my parents, who she usually stays with, are out of town.

REQUESTS
~Please ask that Kate will rebound quickly from the shingles, that they will not spread further and the pain will be manageable.
~Please ask that the final week of radiation will go as smoothly as these first two weeks. WBC and ANC counts dropped today, as anticipated with radiation. Ask that Kate be protected from other viruses while her counts are lower. Nausea has been manageable and fatigue, while present, not consuming... what grace and mercy we have experienced.
PRAISES
~Praise that we caught this when we did and that the shingles are not much worse. God has graciously made Kate very aware of her own body and even subtle changes she quickly detects.
~Praise that Kate finished her last final on Wednesday and has no pressures of school work hanging over her head while she is recovering. We are thrilled and amazed that Kate was able to finish her junior year on time...another amazing grace gift!
PRAISE for the gift of good friends to care for Maggie, and for brave, extended family to care for Grace:)

Each day has evidences of His hand of care and reminders that He is in control going before us, with us and coming behind us in every aspect of our lives and this journey!

Covered by grace,
Elaine