Day 12 (and holding)... Ryan never makes things easy, does he?

All is good at the end of the day

So, it's Father's Day, which means that Ryan has to do something amazing.  Of course, that doesn't require it to be a 'good' something amazing...  (Spoiler alert:  He's stable and feeling much better, now...)

****WARNING - GRAPHIC PHOTOS***

Patrick got a call at the apartment around 4am this morning, saying that Ryan had 'scratched' his belly... Not too terrifying, since the chemo meds can make your skin thin.  He didn't get the impression it was that big of a deal, so he went back to sleep and came over around 9-10 am, like usual.

By that point, the 'scratch' had turned into an open sore, which had turned 'green'...  Green, in case you didn't already guess, is not a good color for anything on your body.  The doctors were also quite puzzled. 

Infectious Disease came by and looked at it, took a swab and cultured it.  But, otherwise, were not overly impressed.  (i.e. It didn't look like an infection so they didn't expect it to be a problem for that department).

General Surgery came by and were intrigued.  They were considering exploratory surgery, to cut him open and figure out what the heck was going on.

Radiology came by at some point, and explained that based on the CT scan last night, he currently has an intestinal hernia, with the bowel popping out through his stomach.

 

Transplant Surgery came by and said 'no way' to doing any surgery right now.  His ANC count was around 250, and if they went into the OR, he could go septic quickly, which would be very bad.  They looked at his belly and explained that the 'green' thing was actually his intestine, sitting at the surface of the abdomen.  This was great!  (Their words, not mine).  They said to watch it during the day, and let them know when it ruptured.  (Are you kidding????)  

(This all occurred by around noon this afternoon...  Patrick called me, and explained that it might be best if I jumped in the car and raced out to Seattle...)

By about 6pm, the intestine had 'popped' and started oozing stool.  The ostomy nurse was already there, with supplies in hand.  They got the ostomy bag on him (as you can see, his tummy is a mass of scars, so getting the bag to stick is an adventure in itself).  The docs were called back in, and Transplant Surgery was pleased with how it was going.  They plan on discussing the 'plan' with the team tomorrow morning, after another CT scan (with contrast), and that will help them to figure out exactly what is going on.

The most hysterical part of this very crazy day is Ryan himself.  He was miserable.  He was in such pain, they had him on Tylenol, Morphine AND Dilaudid.  He couldn't sit up and spent most of the time sleeping (he didn't even want to play with Legos or watch movies).  

Within an hour of the intestine 'popping', he was sitting up, laughing, playing with toys and feeling great.  His fever (that we've been fighting for the last 5 days) is gone.  He hasn't asked for any more pain meds.  Everyone is amazed at his behavior!

Needless to say, I obviously jumped in the car and raced over here.  (mom, I promise, I kept it on cruise control and stayed within 5 miles of the speed limit the whole time).   I did run home and pack my bag, but I also made it in record time.  

We will know more after the morning CT scan, and after all the doctors have spent time discussing what the heck is going on.  Leave it to Ryan to do something most people have never seen before.  It seems that he didn't exactly 'scratch' his belly, but the intestine was trying to get out (yes, just like in Aliens)  And, because it ruptured outside the body, there is little chance of sepsis in the abdomen cavity (which is what usually happens if the intestine ruptures inside the body.  So, it a very sick way, this is a good thing.  And, clinically, he looks great... except for the intestine sticking out of his belly...  Oh, and the chemo/cancer treatment plan is on hold, until we figure out what to do... 

I hope I'll know more soon.  Thank you all for the continued prayers and good thoughts!!