I will try not to bore anyone because there have been a lot of little details to this situation.
Long story short: Rosalie has a bacterial infection in her central line (her port).
Today the port was removed surgically.
On Thursday she will get another kind of central line called a PICC line.
The advantage to the PICC line is that is will be in a better position for radiation, it is easy to place, and it is easy to remove if it ever becomes infected. The port had seemed the obvious choice of central lines at the beginning of this process, but it just hasn't worked out this go-round. She may need one again later in the year, but we'll just cross that bridge as it comes.
Rosalie has done very well here in the hospital. She has been able to get her radiation each weekday, save for the morning that she still had a fever. She seems at ease here and is easily distracted when she asks about being with Susannah at night. She's needed three peripheral IVs (ouch!) since we've been here and some peripheral blood draws as well. It reminds us why a central line is necessary in the first place. Peripheral IVs just don't last in small children. Central lines offer safe and reliable entries for infusions because they are inserted into the deeper part of the vein where there is better "turbulence(thanks,Amber for giving me that word!)."
They've been able to test antibiotic sentitivities to the bacteria that grew out in her cultures. Initially they were covering her with two antibiotics and they've been able to pare things down to the one now that they know which one the bacteria is reacting to.
Since we live so close to the hospital we will be able to go home tomorrow and then come back on Thursday morning for radiation and PICC placement.
They will administer the IV antibiotic at the clinic for the rest of the week instead of having to be in-patient.
That's all for now.
Rosalie has 11 more sessions of radiation. We pray that these sessions will cure her of this cancer. She can do this!
All the best.
Love,
Carolyn
Rosalie and Saraly
Another Rainbow in Maine, Sent from Aunt Peggy and Uncle Tom
8 comments:
Glad that Rosalie will come home.
You seem to have taken care of this nasty fever.
Rosalie is beautiful on the picture, she looks like enjoying her stay at the hospital.
Thinking of you, and praying for Rosalie
Love,
Catherine Braunstein
Oh, that is frustrating. But how wonderful that you get to go home for the night! Looking for rainbows all over the place here in Brooklyn. Love, Elisabeth.
The rainbow is almost as beautiful as Rosie's precious smile! We hope the central line procedure goes well and send our love & strength to you.
-Sarah and Jeff
wonderful pictures !!!! i swear there was a rainbow in front of rosie`s window @ the hospital !!! amazing
love
Saraly L
When sunshine takes over a rainstorm, you get a rainbow. Sweet Rosalie is the sunshine conquering her rainstorm (just look at that smile!) The Rosenbergs
Yeah Reibels!! Keep on fighting/smiling - you are heroes big and small! More voodoo (and a little gumbo..) on the way...The Ruths
August, 2008 has been declared Rosalie Reibel Month on Nantucket Island, 30 miles off the Cape Cod coast.
J. Squigley Squigle, executive director of the Nantucket chapter of the RRR Fan Club, announced that the California flag will be flown 24/7 through the month over the Island in Rosalie's honor. Squigle also announced a heightened level of "We Can Do It" lapel pin display. "This type of energy transfer has been helpful to Rosalie in the past and we're confident it will be helpful again" Squigle said.
Earlier this year members of the chapter visited the Vatican and crossed Donner Pass carrying the RRR banner.
"We just hope she gets as much energy from us as we get from her" Squigle said in closing.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rosalie is such an amazing trooper (as are her parents).
love,
Caroline (Nichol) Campbell
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