What a Day 1-10-06

Yesterday Andrea breathed on her own all day and was giving a voice box so she could talk. Hopefully it won't be long before she can have all the breathing devices removed and she can eat and drink normally. All she talks about is ice water and eating some hospital food. I can't blame her.

Yesterday her kidney doctor said she doesn't need dialysis anymore unless something changes. They went ahead and pulled the catheters for dialysis out of her groin. This is a huge step for her. Let's all pray that her kidneys continue to improve and that she doesn't need dialysis again.

Her liver numbers also came down like I thought they would, but let's pray for this to continue. Yesterday the fever was gone and she had a 97.9 temp all day. Her platelet count was at 149 yesterday morning (this is a normal value).

Theses are all huge improvement for Andrea, but she can't leave the hospital just yet. They are most likely going to move to the Progressive Care Unit soon. That's all I can think of right now, but I will update everyone again soon. Keep the prayers coming. Andrea told me to tell everyone that she love each and every one of you. Thanks for your support.

Andrea is doing well 1-9-06

Today and Yesterday were great days for Andrea. She continues to improve and they are even talking about moving her to the Progressive Care Unit (maybe 2-3 days). This would be a huge step for Andrea, so let's all pray for her continued improve over the next few days. Her breathing is getting so much better. Yesterday she was breathing on her own with an oxygen mask for 3 hours (40% O2). Then today she breathed on her own all day (30% O2). She also sat in the recliner today for an hour while she was breathing on her own. Yesterday she also said that she see to some degree, but today that vision wasn't there. That is still good though and hopefully means her eyes are going to clear up over time. No dialysis today but I figure they will need to tomorrow (she hasn't received dialysis in 3 days). Her liver numbers plateaued today so lets pray that they start coming down tomorrow. Today her temp was down and when I left the hospital her temp was 98.9. Her platelet count was 144 this morning.

I will post the pics people sent tomorrow. Thanks for all the support and keep the prayers coming. They are surely working. Andrea wants everyone to know that she loves everyone of you. Talk to everyone tomorrow.

Update 1-8-06

Yesterday was a resting and healing day for Andrea. She had a good day and continued to get more of her strength back. No dialysis yesterday and she still tolerated the tube feed for another day. Her temp was still up but hung around 100.4 all day. She sat up in the new bed (one that would convert into a chair) that they got her and had no problems.

Last night I stayed with her and she went to sleep around 10PM. Throughout the night she thought she was ready to go home (I don't blame her). She would put both legs off the side of the bed and raise her back up before I got up and told her she can't go just yet. It's great to see her getting more strength and thinking about going home. All night her temp stayed 100.4.

This morning her liver numbers were higher again (we want lower), but there is so many things that can cause this elevation. The good thing though is her platelet count was up to 134. One of the main things AML (Acute myeloid Leukemia) causes is a low platelet count and hers is almost back to the normal level. Let's keep on praying and we will get her out the hospital before we know it. Thanks so much for your concern and I will post another update soon.

Another wonderful day 1-7-06

Yesterday was another wonderful day for Andrea. Her temp came down to some degree (99-100.6) and didn't go higher all day. The liver and kidneys numbers came down again and her breathing continues to improve. It really looks like the new antibiotics they are giving her are lowering her temp. The eye specialist came by yesterday and said that her eyes still had blood floating around that prevents her from seeing. He said that the blood should drain out over time and if that doesn't occur (let's pray it does) there are procedures to remove the fluid. Andrea has been really scared that she is blind and this helped clear some things up for her. The spots on her hand and arm continue to look better.

Andrea got out of bed again and sat in a recliner for 3 hours and had no problems. She also did exercises while she was in the chair. Yesterday was a wonderful day for Andrea and we look forward to continued improvement. Let's pray for all of this to continue and for God to be there with her the whole way holding her hand. She is so strong and has already made true believers out of all the doctor, nurses, me, and her family and friends.

Pictures of Andrea and Friends

If anyone has some digital pics of you and Andrea please send them to me at jmartiniv@houston.rr.com. I will post them on the blog so that everyone can see her smile. Talk to everyone tomorrow morning.

More Progress 1-6-06

Andrea continues to have good day after good day. Her numbers improved and she was very happy all day yesterday. They did dialysis and she did very well. Her temp was still hanging around, but some of the doctors decided to change the antibiotics to see if the meds are causing the fever. In the morning after dialysis she had OT come by and do exercises with her. She sat on the side of the bed twice and was able to raise herself up. I don't think I could do what she did after laying in bed for 43 days. What a trooper.

She is still having trouble seeing because of the fluid and blood that was built up behind her eyes during the first couple of weeks. Her eye lids aren't swollen anymore, but the doctors tell us that it will be awhile before we know more about the status of her eyes. She can see red when you turn on the bright exam light, but is unable to see anything else. This has to be very frustrating, but she is confident that her vision will return. Let's all pray for her eyes to get better.

Last night my Mom stayed with her in her room and she had a decent night of rest. Most of her numbers are down this morning and when my Mom left at 6AM her temp was at 98.8. At 9AM when I called her temp was back up to 100.0, but this is still low for the last week. She will not be receiving dialysis today and continues to tolerate the tube feed. The doctors also put her back on the lowest ventilator setting (CPAP) this morning and she is doing really well. One doctor mentioned that he hopes she doesn't have to be on dialysis much longer (man that would be great). I can't think of anything else, but I will get everyone another update soon. Keep the prayers coming and we will get our beautiful baby out of the hospital. Thanks for all the support.

Address for Cards

Andrea Luthringer, 7S2-10
c/o St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital
6720 Bertner Ave.
Houston, TX 77030

Update 1-5-06

Yesterday Andrea had another great day and continued to improve. Her liver and kidneys showed improvement and we pray for them to keep this trend. She was put on the lowest ventilator setting for a couple of hours and the doctor said she did better than expected. Early yesterday morning she did more exercises which made her tired throughout the day. This is a good things because she needs rest so she can heal. They haven't had her out of bed again because she has a catheter in her groin and they don't want her to irritate it. She still had a temp (100-101) all day, but we are praying that it will resolve itself soon. The irritations on her hand and arm are mostly likely not causing the fever. The doctor that was brought in yesterday said the areas were calcium buildup due to trauma and would disappear over time. They continued the tube feed yesterday and she tolerated it well. Last night we watched the UT/USC football game. What a game it was. Yesterday was a great day for Andrea.

This morning she is receiving dialysis and will be doing exercising later in the day. Her Mom said that her temp was 99.9 at 6AM this morning. Her liver numbers continued to improve over night. I will get everyone the address for the hospital today so you can send cards if interested. Today should be another great day so keep on praying. It is definitely working so don't quit. Talk to everyone soon. God Bless.

Continued Improvement 1-4-06

Sorry I haven't posted in two days. Monday night I was worn out and last night I stayed with Andrea all night. Monday Andrea stood with help and took a few steps then sat in the recliner for thirty minutes. The rest of the day went fine and she had a healing day. She actually got some sleep Monday night and felt rested Tuesday morning.

Tuesday wa little rougher but turned out to be a good day. She had to receive dialysis which made her really cold. This time though she didn't have such a bad reaction and tolerated it well. She continues to talk to me all day and I have become an expert on reading lips. They also started feeding her again last night and she seems to be tolerating it well. This should help get her GI tract working better. She did continue to run a fever yesterday (100-101), but hopefully that will resolve itself soon. We also discovered that the skin irritation on one of her hands and arm might be causing a low grade fever. We should know more about this after today.

Last night Andrea slept well and didn't wake up but a few times. Her fever got up to 101.7 around 2AM, but when I left this morning at 6AM it was 100.2. I called her Mom at noon this morning and she said that her liver and kidney numbers had improved. Her platelets have stayed around 100 the last four or five days and this is great news in regard to the cancer. She continues to do exercises with the PT and OT. We planning on her having a healing day today. No dialysis or big tests today. Pray for another good day and for the doctors to find the source of this fever. That's everyone for the support.

Short Morning Update 12-2-06

Just wanted everyone to know that Andrea got out of bed this morning and stood up with a little help and took some steps. She then sat in the recliner in her room for 30 minutes. This was a big step for her and we are extremely proud of her. It is amazing that all the little things have her down and she continues to make huge improvements everyday. What a strong girl she is. Well just wanted to fill everyone in and I will write more tonight. Continue to pray for Andrea (it is working).

Another picture of Andrea in New Zealand 

Update for Andrea 1-1-06

On Saturday Andrea had a better day than today, but God continues to heal Andrea. She continues to sit up in bed and brush her teeth. The last couple of days she has not got much sleep and wants to stay up and talk. Yesterday she seemed very peaceful and talked all day. When I left on in the morning at 3AM she was running a 101 fever but seemed to be feeling ok.

Today her fever was about the same and received dialysis. While they were doing the dialysis she started to get really cold and her temp went up (not to 104 this time but it did go up). She complained about her tummy hurting real bad and they decided to stop a little early on the dialysis. When I left tonight her temp was falling and it looked as though she sweating her fever off as the nurses were taking her down for a CT of her tummy. The stomach doctor thought it might be the combination of IBS (that Andrea already had before all of this) and her being off all pain meds today.

I have a really good feeling that tomorrow we will have a better day. If she could just break this fever it seems as though she would get much better. Let's all pray that she be strong and get through this little bump in her road. Remember she has already passed over bumps much larger than the one she is facing now. Andrea is so strong and continues to amaze us all. Pray for her to keep her faith and ask God to be with her at all times holding her hand.

Friday Update 12-30-05

Andrea didn't have such a good day, but is doing better now. She was fine Friday morning and still running a small fever (99-101). Then around 1PM she received dialysis for four hours and after that she went downstairs for a scan. When she got out of the scan she was running a 104 fever and we had to cool her down with ice packs, cooling blankets, and fans. The doctors were concerned that it might be something with her heart but quickly ruled that out. The scan showed no evidence of infection. I stayed with her all night and her temp fell all the way to 100. This morning the doctors said that they are not sure what caused the temp spike, but thought it might be one of the antibiotics that has been known to cause fever. They quickly took her off of the med and she current has a 101 temp with no cooling devices. She has been resting good this morning and says that she is just a little bored. We are going to watch the TCU bowl game today and she is excited about that. Keep praying and we can beat this infection. Happy New Years to everyone and thank you so much for all your support. Andrea loves all of you.

Andrea is strong 12-29-05

Another improving day and Andrea continues to impress everyone with her strength. Early this morning they took her down to the lowest setting on the ventilator and reduced more of her pain meds. If she continues to do well on the ventilator setting she will be taken off and put on oxygen support. That will be a big step for her. She did not get dialysis today, but might receive it tomorrow. She sat up on the side of the bed early in the morning and brushed her own teeth. Then later on in the morning occupational therapy came by and she sat up for ten minutes on her own. They also had her do some more arm and leg exercises that she had no problem doing on her own. Liver and kidney numbers stabilized today so maybe we will start a downward trend and get rid of this infection. She was still running a fever today but was down from yesterday.

Again she continued to talk with her mouth all day today and we could understand every word. We got her some audio books so she could listen to them when no one was allowed in the room. Her spirits are way up and she just wants out as soon as possible. Today was just such a great day for Andrea and she was so much more alive. Her mind is all there and wants to do anything she can to help herself get better. All the support has really helped her get through all this. Just knowing all of you are out there and would do anything. Just keep praying and all of our prayers will be answered. Talk to everyone tomorrow.

Another great day 12-28-05

Today was another great day for Andrea and we all love watching her make improvements. There is still the concern of an infection (she had a temperature today), but other than that we are very excited about her progress. Her liver numbers went back up (we want them to go down) a little, but this could be explained by the infection. I believe that we caught this one in time and she will improve quickly. They removed the catheter for dialysis from her groin today, which was probably the source of the infection. This should turn the liver numbers around quickly if this was the source. Her kidneys are still showing signs of improvement and her blood pressure is great.

Physical therapy came by today and did some exercises with her and she loved it. She sat up on the side of the bed for ten minutes on her own. The therapist was amazed by her strength. She also did arm and leg exercises. We will doing these exercises with her three times a day from now on. She is so happy to be doing exercises so her body doesn't get any weaker. It was so amazing to see her do those things today. She is so strong.

Her family and I have become experts in reading lips and trust me the last few days she has had many things to say. She wants everyone to know that she appreciates all the support. Please keep your prayers coming and we will get her through this terrible disease. If there is anything you would like for me to tell her on your behalf please comment to one of the posts and I will be sure to read it to her. Talk to everyone tomorrow. God Bless.

St. Lukes Blood Bank

Here a link for information regarding the blood bank at St. Lukes Hospital. If you are interested in donating please contact the blood bank and make an appointment (you won't have to wait). Andrea still needs blood and platelets. Thanks for all the support.

http://www.sleh.com/sleh/Section004/index.cfm?pagename=BloodDonorCenter&PageMD=SUPPORT%20ST%20LUKES

Update for Andrea 12-27-05

Andrea had another great today and continues to improve. Her liver and kidney functions improved for another day and we pray for this to continue. She had a slightly elevated temperature all day and we hope this is not a sign that the infection has returned. All day she was mouthing things to me and I was able to read her lips. She said that she wanted out of the bed and I don't blame her. All day she smiled, kissed, and yawned with her mouth. Toward the end of the afternoon she said that she was tired and wanted to go to bed. We said that would be fine and we quietly let her sleep.

We hope by the end of the week we can get her out of the bed and into a chair for a period of time. Physical therapy came by today and did a little workout with her to stimulate her muscles. She appreciated the workout greatly. They also took her off the 24-7 dialysis machine and pulled all the IVs out of her hands. Now she has the minimal IVs in her groin and chest areas. Her blood pressure has gone up to a normal level without support and they let her breathe primarily on her own for nearly six hours. Overall today was wonderful and we look forward and pray for days like this one.

Prayers or Messages for Andrea

Feel free to post prayers or messages for Andrea as comments to this topic and I will be sure to read them to her daily. She really loves all the support and cares about all of you.

Evening Update 12-26-05

Andrea did really well today and continued to improve. She doesn't have a fever and continues to make small gains with her kidneys. Throughout the day she was more awake than she's been in the last couple of weeks. The doctors have taken her off of some of the sedation meds and she wants out of bed really bad. Tomorrow they are going to take her off of the 24-7 CRRT dialysis machine and let her kidneys try to do some work on their own. Pray for kidneys to work better after she gets off the machine. They will most likely start periodic dialysis the day after tomorrow. Also pray for her liver to continue to improve over the next couple of days. Please feel free to post any comments to these posts or ask any questions and I will try to respond.

Andrea, Kathy (her Mom), and Betty (my Mom) in New Zealand