August 27 Post

Halleluiah! The catheter is out!

We showed up for blood work this morning at Saint Joe Med Center and as we were waiting Austin contemplated the possibility that his numbers had lapsed and that he would need another treatment, or at least would be sporting the pheresis catheter over another weekend.

The doctor met with us by 9:30am with the opening question, "Are you ready to get that thing out?" Austin's labs indicated sustainability with a few increases, which means "goodbye plasmapheresis!" I think Austin was in shock because all he could say is "really?"

The process for removal wan't nearly as invasive as when it was put in. We were sent to the nephrology center near the hospital and were on our way by 11:00am. Austin needs to be careful over the next three days as the opening heals that the catheter inhabited for over a month. His first possibility for a shower is Sunday morning. Kind of gives a ring to Tony Campolo's message "It's Friday - but Sunday's Comin'!"

We have a followup appointment in Goshen to review results of bone marrow biopsy (which we heard looked fine) and most probably set up a schedule for blood work to ensure the healing process stays on track.

As I shared in the last post, stay tuned for information about a blood/plasma drive, and thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone - doctors, nurses, family, and friends for your expertise, help, prayers and support over the last month! ritch