I spoke with Dr. A this morning and his prognosis of Scott was not good. Dr. A overviewed the ups and downs with his blood pressure, the persistant infection and fluid in his lungs, the presence of a sinus infection and his continued need for more platelets and plasma units.
Over the weekend, Scott's liver enzyme count remained at all-time high levels (around 38, it should be 1). Overnight his creatinine spiked to 1.8 and his kidney's urine output is only a couple 2-5cc an hour (normally 30 - 50cc).
Since Scott has been on "life support" (ventilator, tube feeds, saline and blood) for the past 4 weeks it's been difficult to see where he stands in this whole thing. The nurses have increased tube feeds to help stimulate the liver with no positive result. A couple weeks ago Scott was able to breathe on his own for a few hours at a time. They have attempted to ween him off oxygen with no positive result. Scott has been on every type of anti-biotic imaginable (expect for Penicillin, which he is allergic to) but his infections persist along with his high white blood cell count. Some of these anti-biotics are incredibly strong and can push additional strain on his liver and his kidney. What's truly discouraging is that today was the first day his kidney has been affected by all of this--the cancer, the initial surgery last year, the surgeries since and the multitude of drugs. Kidney failure is now a frightening possibility and one that Scott would not endure with a smile on his face.
It seems as though his circulatory and endocrine systems are slowing, along with his respiratory--all signs of a tiring body. We are frustrated that a solution to one system may compromise another.
Allie, myself and our mother are heading down this afternoon for the next day or two. During this time we will be meeting with the surgeons and other medical staff that have been keeping tabs on Scott for the past 4 - 12 months. His brother and sister-in-law will arrive tomorrow afternoon. We are certainly discouraged and worry about Scott's mental/physical well-being. It's difficult to find a sign of hope or improvement but we continue to remain as positive as we can.
Please continue to hold Scott in your thoughts and prayers these next few days.
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