Update from Kathie

Hi everyone. Mandy called a few minutes ago with an update about Chris. As of about 30 minutes ago, Chris was moved out of ICU and back to his room in the Roberts building at Baylor.

Overnight in the ICU, they were able to get his breathing, blood pressure, and temperature back to normal and he had a restful night. Earlier this morning, Chris had an MRI taken of his arm to verify the results of the blood culture which indicated a bacterial infection around the metal plate in his arm. There have also been outward indications of infection in this area -- with an increased redness around the scar and redness that has traveled up and down the arm.

Because the blood cultures, MRI, and x-rays are all showing infection around the metal plate, Chris will undergo surgery as soon as possible to remove the plate. Chris has requested the same surgeon who did the first surgery on his arm and the nurses are currently trying to contact him to see if the surgery could be scheduled for today. If not, it will most likely be first thing tomorrow.

As far as a treatment plan goes, Mandy said that the doctors have said that the first order of business is to get Chris' white blood count up (he is taking shots for this); second is to get this infection taken care of. After those two things are under control, then they will address the issue of the abdominal tumors.

Please continue to pray for Chris and for Mandy and the kids -- for strength, patience, and comfort. Please also pray for wisdom for the doctors and their ability to get these problems under control as soon as possible, so they can begin a treatment plan for the abdominal tumors.

Thank you!
Kathie