Good morning ~

Mandy just called and apologized for not giving an update sooner, but things have been in a holding pattern for the past few days. They have also been getting some conflicting information from Chris' two main doctors, so she's been trying to figure exactly what the next steps will be.

The surgeon came by the other day and told them that as far as he's concerned, when the incision stops draining Chris can go home. He also said that he wanted to move Chris' follow-up surgery (this is the surgery to do the partial shoulder replacement) from next week to the next. However, the following morning, the oncologist came in and Mandy told him what the surgeon said and the oncologist said absolutely Chris was not ready to be released yet. He said that Chris would be there at least through the weekend, maybe beyond.

They are having a difficult time because there is no concensus among these two doctors. In addition, the oncologist seemed upset that the surgeon was pushing the surgery back a week. Mandy said that one of the problems is that the doctors aren't saying why they want to do what they want to do, so it is leaving them frustrated and confused.

Mandy said that she and Chris agreed not to be in a rush -- they would rather wait until all is stable and not have to worry about his care at home.

At this time, surgery to put in the permanent hardware for the partial shoulder replacement is still pending, but they do not have a date for that yet. As of yesterday the new complication is that Chris had to have both plasma and platelets. The doctors feel that his continuously low platelet count is contributing to the fact that the incision won't stop draining. A CT scan of Chris arm and possibly a bone marrow scan might need to be scheduled to see if there is internal bleeding in the arm and also to determine if Chris' bone marrow is still producing platelets. They are concerned because Chris remains low on platelets even after receiving several units.

Some good news is that the swelling in Chris' arm is improving. His occupational therapist came yesterday and was able to elevate his arm above his heart and in that short time his hand is now back to normal and forearm is looking better. There is still some swelling in his elbow area, but they can definitely see a difference since his arm has been elevated.

While we were on the phone this morning, the infectious disease doctor came by to check on Chris. He told them that all the cultures that are being run on the surgery samples are still coming back negative, which is very good news.

At this time, Chris is still in Room 651 in the Truitt Building (6th Floor). The orders are still in to move him back to the Roberts Building - 6th Floor, but apparently they are full and a bed is not yet available. I think that visitors are welcome as Chris and Mandy might need friendly faces to break up the long days and nights.

Thank you all for your continued prayers for the Joyces. Right now, a big prayer request is for there to be concensus among the doctors and that they can agree on a treatment plan.

~Kathie