Update

Anna had surgery this afternoon to remove the brain shunt.  During the surgery we packed up our belongings and moved back to the PICU.  These rooms are smaller, and louder.

The infection was identified as a staff infection which originated with the shunt.  The exact type of bug won't be known for a few days, until the culture has more of a chance to grow.  At that point, Anna's antibiotics might be adjusted to make sure the most effective ones are being used.  We knew that infections were a risk with a shunt, but it was obvious that Anna needed one.

Anna is fairly stable physically right now.  Her fever is down some, but we've been told that the full fever might not go away for several days.  Anna's fever and symptoms were pretty scary this morning ... and they came on fast.  The infectious disease guys who stopped by earlier today were surprised by how fast Anna became symptomatic in the last 24 hours.  Maybe that means the fast growing bugs will be quick to die, too.

Although Anna is stable, she is, however, very, very grumpy.  She was quite uncomfortable before anesthesia and has historically had a rough time waking up.  Today was no different.

Although we are grateful that the source of the fever was found quickly and the operation and antibiotics are helping, we are also disappointed.  Anna will be in the PICU until her spinal fluid comes back clear for multiple days, at that point she will have another operation to remove the EVD and replace the shunt.  The plan is for Anna to have her last three radiation treatments next week, but she'll still need to be in the hospital until the infection stuff is taken care of.

We were looking forward to going home this weekend and being home together next week.  We were prepared to say our farewells to people here.  We were ready for this phase to be over.

I'm having a hard time being thankful right now.  But I'll try.

Thanksgiving prayers
Please give thanks that the source of Anna's fever was found quickly and is treatable.
Please thank God for the nurses and doctors that Anna had overnight yesterday and today; they are amazing.
Please give thanks that childcare for Kate and Ethan worked out so that Matt and I could be here together today.  Not only do we do better facing these trials together, we really missed each other this week.
Please thank God that when the oncologist had Anna's spinal fluid tested, no cancer cells were found.  There is still probably cancer in other places, but at least it's no longer in the fluid.
Please thank God that my fears last night and this morning of the cancer spreading out of Anna's central nervous system were unfounded.

Request prayers
Please pray that Anna's infection goes away quickly.
Please pray that Anna is able to finish up her treatments early next week.
Please pray for Anna's care staff; we were getting close and comfortable with the P4 staff and this setback was rough for some of them, too.
Please continue to pray for strength and wisdom for Matt and me.
Please continue to pray that Anna's treatments are 100% effective and that she experiences minimal side effects.
Please pray for restful sleep for our family.

Thank you for your support and prayers.