Update #2

Been doing better overall past several days with steroids but did have few nights of fever spikes including last night. Had follow-up appt today at Perelman. My blood counts are very low. My NP thinks my recent fevers and low blood counts may be due to a latent virus that may have reactivated in my body and/or some of the meds I’m taking. Cause she said it’s strange that I’d have fever when on steroids. So she’s holding a bunch of meds and may switch some if symptoms improve. Also had some more blood tests to check for the virus and concerned with possible gvhd of liver cause of elevated liver levels. Will follow-up again in a week. Please pray for strength and perseverance. Thanks!

And appreciate your continued prayers for Ryan and his family. I’m so inspired by this warrior and his parents’ faith and perseverance. Here’s a recent update from his dad:

Ryan's body is a wreck but he's doing okay, considering where he's been.  His doctor's think his leg looks good, although when we see the 60 stitches, we're not sure what it should look like.  Although he has had a slight fever, his cultures have been coming back negative.  He has a blood clot in his leg, but his doctors don't seem too concerned but keeping an eye on.  He has a rash/red skin, which started as an allergic reaction to a soap that turned into more of what his doctor's think may be a reaction to an anti-biotic.  His kidney creatinine levels have gone up, although plateaued, making the doctors lean towards seeing if his kidneys can come back on their own vs. putting him back on dialysis.  He continues to get blood and platelets, which is expected based on his recent trauma and leukemia.  There have been numerous doctors from various departments visiting today, to check in on him.  Kim said that his nurse practitioner Meghan (who is the best and we think saved his life 2 weeks ago) said that there are 6 teams in Penn Hospital who are on his case.  Unheard of.

Prayers are appreciated for no infection, reduction in his swelling, healing of his rash and wound, and continued progress to get him well enough to get back on his leukemia drug regimen.  We thank God for where Ryan is at from where he was last week.  We are thankful for the wonderful people (6 teams) at Penn Hospital that are truly looking after him.  We are thankful for all of you praying for him and being so supportive.  One day at a time.  As coach Will and his team keeps reminding us - 1% better.