Everyone:  It hasn't been the easiest of days, but a plan is in place beginning tomorrow for Bruce to receive additional treatment to fight an infection that manifested yesterday. Meanwhile, know that he is still hanging in here and anxious to receive the benefits from continued treatment.

Dr. Adachi noticed the infection yesterday and added a 2nd antibiotic to B's drug regimen. The swelling was down today, but she wasn't satisfied by that alone. Thus she ordered hyperbaric treatment (a bit more about that later) today to begin tomorrow for a series of seven treatments, but it may be more...only time will tell if he requires additional treatment, but we are focusing on best case scenario.

This came unexpectedly and even though coordination was done to get both docs together to discuss w/ Bruce...one arrived earlier than expected and one arrived later. Thus the backwards intro to this treatment resulted in a bit of an emotional turmoil. This was addressed and worked out. Everyone is now on track and target.

Hyperbaric treatment was (exposure to 100% oxygen in a special chanber with tightly controlled time periods)  originally developed to treat deep sea divers that have not received the proper amount of oxygen to decompress correctly. Since that time it was discovered to have healing properties for diabetics w/ wounds that would not heal. It is now used for anyone requiring assistance in healing which includes people who have had cancer, cancer removed, and received radiation therapy.

Bruce is in the later category...needs assistance with radiated tissue to heal faster/better to give him best case of healing without additional complications. Due to this he will be in hospital a bit longer than expected, but it's vital to address this issue now as waiting will not produce the best results. So this is actually a very good thing to do even though it wasn't expected. This also promotes best care for Bruce which is imperative...they will transport him from hospital to University of Hawaii Health Care Center (UHHCC) and visa vie.

I'm very proud of him...he's very brave, determined and looking forward to each day that brings him closer to a complete cure and healing. We ask each of you to continue and, if possible, double plus your prayers and positive thoughts for Bruce.

We appreciate ALL of you so much.   There's other stories to share, but this is the ultimate one and all I have energy to share at this moment.

Posted by Linda Bourgault (Written 09.11.2007, Tuesday)