MRSA

It's official. Steve's current condition has been caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA.

MRSA is possibly the meanest form of staph. Most antibiotics are powerless in its path.

The antibiotic Vancomycin, which he has been taking via IV since Thursday, is often effective in fighting MRSA. He'll continue receiving that drug.

There are some precautions in place for visitors. The hospital recommends that anyone who touches Steve wear a mask, robe and gloves. That seems to be more for the visitor's protection than the other way around. The nurse says that as long as you don't hug all over him, you should be safe. I know that he's irresistible, but we'll have to restrain ourselves for now!

The current plan is to remove the port from the right side of his chest then have a new port placed on the left side of his chest.

The staff here is working on getting him on the surgery schedule for Monday. There is a slight chance he could go home Monday; Tuesday seems more likely.

After he gets home, a home health care service will be responsible for administering the antibiotics through the newly placed port.

Steve is just wiped out. He's not sleeping well here (though right now he is taking a little nap) -- but that's almost always the case in hospitals.

The kids and I arrived home last night to find that Julie had worked her magic -- folding laundry, cleaning dishes, making beds, straightening piles. She and Meghan are in charge of Margie (the dog) while we're gone.

Uncle Jim kept Steve company this morning (and Jackie and the Earwoods dropped by) while Cooper, Katie and I were at church for the last Sunday in Advent.

Katie and fellow preschool singers were adorable during the prelude. Cooper and I had a front-row seat for the singing and wiggling.

They are now with Aunt Mel, Uncle Greg, Brooke and Molli for a cousins sleepover.

I'm staying the night at St. Paul so that I don't miss rounds in the morning or Steve's surgery.

We appreciate your continued prayers.