Greetings Friends!

As Kate mentioned previously, Noah is running a temperature and they took blood yesterday from a vein and from the Broviac catheter to check for bacteria.  We finally got the results back today and he has an infection in both his blood and the catheter.  So now the question is, did he get an infection in the catheter that went into his blood stream, or did he get an infection from something else that made it into the catheter?  They are trying to save the catheter by giving him antibiotics.  If they can’t get rid of the infection in the catheter, it will need to be surgically removed and replaced with a new one.  Now, it may sound simple to say that he is taking antibiotics, but if you have been following the blog for very long, you know that nothing is ever simple with Noah.  Of the seven different types of antibiotics they can give him, he already has shown an allergic reaction to 4 of them.  It is incredibly important that they eliminate this infection FAST!  So he is actually getting two antibiotics at once and one of them is (to quote the nurse) “The biggest gun we can give him.”  He is also receiving Benedryl with the antibiotics in hopes that it will help avert any allergic reactions.

Of course, he is still in pain from his tummy, and on top of that he is running a fever, so the poor little guy was miserable today.  In fact, describing Noah as “a little cranky” is like describing the Atlantic Ocean as “slightly moist.”  Fortunately, I was able to be there most of the day with Kate and help with the constant task of trying to make him comfortable.

We talked extensively with several doctors today about options for treating Noah.  In one scenario, we could bring him home some time next week and have him receive TPN through the Broviac here at the house.  This would require a great deal of monitoring and we would most likely have in-home health care for him.  Another option would be to transfer him out of Greenville Children’s Hospital and send him to the Emory Center in Atlanta.  This would have the benefit of getting his biopsy completed sooner as well as having new doctors looking at this case and perhaps offering so new insights into how we can improve Noah’s life and ability to get the nourishment he needs.

Tomorrow (Saturday) I will not be able to visit with Kate, but if anyone in the Greenville area wants to visit with her, I know she would appreciate the company.  It is amazing how much of a difference it can make with a second set of hands to help out.

OK, a few “Thankful Things” and I am off to bed….

1.  In the “Why didn’t we think of this before?!” department – I bought a Memory Foam mattress cover for Kate to sleep on.  She called me tonight and said that it was perfect and we are still kicking ourselves for not thinking about it six months ago!  DOH!!

2.  A family that lives near Greenville and learned about Noah through the blog has visited Kate and Noah several times over the past few weeks.  Today, the husband brought breakfast for Kate early this morning and the whole family visited this evening.  Noah has really taken a liking to this family and their wonderful children.  It was definitely one of the high points in his day.

3.  Babysitters!!  My parents, and a wonderful young lady who has been a friend of our family for years, have been able to watch our children most of the week so that I could either get in to the office, or visit with Kate and Noah.  I often feel so frustrated that I can’t be home, at the office, and with Kate all at the same time.  No matter where I am, I always feel the pressure of needing to be somewhere else.  Knowing that I have dependable babysitters when I need them is a huge blessing and helps with my peace of mind.

4.  How about those Red Sox?!  They beat the Baltimore Orioles tonight (again!) and are now an amazing 30 games over .500 (86-56).  The last time they were 30 games over was in 2004 - the year they won the World Series!  Think about it.... (and if you plan on writing a comment about how YOUR team is going to win instead of the Red Sox, you better be talking about the LA Angels because they are the only other serious contender out there at this point.)

5.  The nursing staff at the hospital deserves a mention in our list of Thankful Things.  These ladies are incredible and Noah just loves every one of them.  Having Noah it the hospital is very difficult, but they all really do help make it a little better in the ways they interact with Noah and visit with Kate.  When praying for Noah, be sure to pray for these dear ladies as well.  They will always have a special place in our hearts.

All the best,

Jeff

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Posted by Jaynee

Dear Jeff and Kate,
I just wanted to write and let you know our family prays for you several times each day. My hubby and I and our 10 little ones live in Mexico where we are missionaries. I have asked our church here to pray for you too. Our 8th little guy is named Noah and we have another little one named Nehemiah who is about your Noah's age. I think of your Noah often as I care for my children and constantly pray for him. I think of you too Kate and the new baby growing inside you. We just found out we're also expecting #11 and when I begin to get grumpy with the morning sickness and tiredness, often I think of you all and am encouraged as you so sweetly testify for our Lord admist all you are going through. You are a blessing to me. Our children pray for Noah at each meal as well as in their own devotion time and our family Bible time. We will be praying specifically for Noah's pain level to decrease as well as for wisdom for you and the doctors in the many decisions that need to be made. Keep resting and abiding in Him!
love,
Jaynee

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Posted by Anonymous

Just wanted you to know that I still cry everytime I read this blog and I continue to lift every one of you up to the Lord!!!
Many blessings!
Shelley

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Posted by InfertilityMom

Asking the Lord for wisdom, comfort and peace for all of you. {{{hugs}}}

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Posted by Anonymous

Dear Jeff & Kate,
Well, we are still praying "without ceasing"!!!!! Praying that these anibiotiocs & Benedryl sure kills these infections & gets this little guy on his way to healing and you all back home again - all home together!!
WOW - I know that the Lord has a plan for all of this but it sure would be nice to put a little "preview" on the wall!!!
Hugs to all from the Kiesslings in Fresno,California

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Posted by all8rmine

My name is Carole and I am living in Kentucky, but my heart is right there at that hospital with you, Kate, especially, and also with you, Jeff, the kids and rest of family there. I have been keeping up on Noah ever since I found out about him through the benifit that the Erskines did.
I held off on putting a comment for a few reasons, one being I know you have no "extra" time there to read long posts from strangers,but God moved my heart tonite(today, its 5 am actually) I have been having some health issues myself and had a sleepless night here, I checked my mail and read the latest "Noah" news with tears in my eyes. I just want you to know that I really understand alot of what you are dealing with. I also wanted to offer some of my hope because I have gone through those dark days and am here to testify to Gods goodness.My daughter Rachel was diagnosed with a rare liver disease around two months of age, this caused many problems including alot of tummy problems, she had surgeries that helped but not solved her problems, so she went onto the liver donor transplant waiting list. We waited two whole years for her liver.She had her transplant right before her third b-day. I was actually pregnant (Congrats btw on your blessing!) with my son during the wait for the transplant.So I spent many days "living" at the hospital while pregnant. I remember one nurse being worried that with my big belly I was gonna roll off the little cot they gave me to sleep on, LOL! So the memory foam thing brought a smile to me.Well I could say so much more to you, maybe more later, BUT I want to tell you that my sick little baby is now a wonderful, healthy, 15 year old teen, Praise God. She is down to one med for anti-rejection and visits her gastro Dr every six months. Its almost un-real to me even as I type this. I am taken right back to those long days at the hospital as soon as I read your blog. If I lived closer I would come and just sit with you, I remember thinking that it would be so nice to just have someone come and sit with me somedays. People were always thinking that had to DO stuff to help out, and that was all great, but somedays I just needed to share a cup of tea and talk to a big person who was not a Dr,nurse,etc....well that and a very LONNNGGG nap in a room w/o beeping stuff. :) Anyways,thats all from this long-winded stranger (but sister in Christ!)

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Posted by tami lewis

i am praying for this infection to be cleared immediately.

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Posted by Joy Kinard

In the words of Kate... God is good... All the time. God is good yesterday, today, and He will still be good tomorrow. I am so dismayed to hear about Noah's infection. I pray for wisdom for you and Jeff. I pray that God will lead you in the direction that Noah needs to go as you make these decisions. You are in my heart all day long each day.

Be encouraged by the power of God. See Him today in the kindness of people, the love of family, and the promises He blesses us with.

Praise be to God for He alone is worthy of Praise!
Joy

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Posted by Patty

As usual we are praying for Noah and the family. It is always good to hear from all of you.

God bless you in every way,

Patty and family

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Posted by Tami

I am praying for healing of the infection and for the pain little Noah is in. I love reading your thankful list in the midst of all the struggles. You are truly turning your eyes upon Jesus. I will be praying for the decisions you are faced with.

Love, Tami
(CSP, MOMYS)

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Posted by Anonymous

praying, and thankful for a better night's sleep
Love and prayers
Monique and family

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Posted by lahbluebonnet

for wisdom, comfort, healing, sleep...
Blessings,
Laurie from TLT

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Posted by Anonymous

Hi Jeff and Kate!

I can't figure this blog thing out, and this is my first post and I hope I'm doing this right!

My hubby and I live only a 45 min ride away from Phila, Children's Hospital. PLEASE get in contact with me at butterfly6309@gmail.com and I'll give you all of our phone numbers, etc. We've been praying for you and your family and we'd like to help you however we can.

Please know that CHOP, as it's affectionately known here, has a VERY good reputation for being the best of the best. Children come from around the globe to be here.

We too, homeschool a large brood and are in ministry and again, even if it's to wash a few loads of wash for you or bring you a home cooked meal, we'd like to help you and your family where we can, so please contact me so we can work out the details.

Hugs,

Nan

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