Liver Biopsy & Hypothermia

Yesterday was filled with highs and lows.

Liam’s liver biopsy went well. As far as we know, they were able to extract a large enough sample of infected tissue to send off for various tests. Liam was having some trouble breathing before being intubated for the biopsy, and they warned us that he might need to stay on a breathing tube after the procedure. Thankfully, he was able to breathe on his own and is not on a breathing tube.

After the biopsy, the doctor gave us some good news. A blood test revealed the species of fungus in his body. They were able to take him off the “big gun” antifungal (amphotericin), and put him on the milder one (micafungen). We are so relieved to be done with amphotericin and its terrible side effects. Please keep praying that they can get his fungal infection under control.

As soon as we got excited about fungus identification and the move to a milder anti-fungal, things took a turn for the worst. Liam began to experience hypothermia. His body dropped to 92 degrees and they couldn’t get it to rise. So, last night at 10:30pm, they moved us to the ICU.

The doctors are baffled by this turn of events. They cannot figure out why his temperature isn’t regulating. They have had Liam under a heating blanket, but today they will try to remove it and see if his body can regulate on its own.

One scary possibility is that the fungus has moved to Liam’s brain. Temperature regulation is a brain function. And Liam has also been delirious for the last 24 hours. Yesterday, we assumed that it was the morphine and the sedation, but it’s not normal to continue this long. They are nervous to do an MRI before his body temperature regulates because they will need to sedate him again. So, right now we are waiting to see what will happen. So far, today, his delirium has improved a bit. He is also not in as much pain as he was before.

In the midst of all these new findings, Liam is still receiving chemotherapy. Next week, he is still scheduled for really intense treatment. So far, his ANC counts have remained high, which is good. But, next week, they will drop to zero and remain low for a while.

As you can imagine, we’re anxious for answers. But, we are entrusting the medical team and Liam into the Lord’s hands. Please join us in praying for answers, wisdom for doctors, healing, and comfort. Please also pray for better sleep for Liam, Emily, and me while at the hospital. We’re frequently running on just a few hours of sleep.