Thursday PM: Update from CCU

This afternoon Steve is much better. He is able to speak and is quite clear-headed. All his vitals are normal. Much of what happened last night is probably due to an unintentional stoppage of his TPN drip, which, after the G-tube stoppage in the morning, was his only source of nourishment. Being diabetic, this immediately resulted in a dangerous dive of his blood sugar. The doctors have agreed to make sure Steve's blood sugar level will be monitored more frequently. Furthermore, the removal of the stent may have caused a minor infection.

Frequent diarrhea indicates that Steve's digestion is not as good as it should be. Therefore, when G-tube feeding resumes today, it will begin at a lower rate, and will be maintained at a slower pace.

Tomorrow marks the three-full-week term since the previous chemotherapy (the 2nd installment in a plan of 6) began. It is also the date, then, for the 3rd installment of chemotherapy, if everything had gone according to plan. However, as everything has not gone according to plan, and Steve's recovery has yet to begin, it is doubtful whether any chemotherapy should be contemplated at this point or at any point in the near future. Please pray for guidance for the doctors and the family so that we will make the best plan of care for Steve.