Results of CT; Possible New Theory

The CT scan showed lots of fluid around TJ's lung again (a large plural effusion), they put in a chest tube and drained out 300 ccs already (just over one and a quarter cups) and they expect more to be come, to the point where they might put in a second chest tube tomorrow. For anybody wondering, this isn't a fun thing. It's a tube about the size of a thumb going into the chest cavity.

There is a new possible theory, with about as much evidence for it as the current one (the current one being the fungal infection) which is a staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Culturing the staph will take less time than culturing the fungus, but we still won't know anything for sure until then.

They did get a good sample for the culture. The method for figuring out if/what it is and what treats it they'll put a sample from TJ in a petri dish with different antibiotics surrounding it. Whichever one it reacts to, if it does at all, is our winner.

Finally a big thanks to everyone who is praying and leaving comments, sending emails, etc. It is very encouraging. When Mary Ann told one of the doctors that we were having a prayer rally of sorts today he said, "Good, that's just what we need."

Edit: Forgot to note two things, the doctor who did the chest tubes thought that there could be up to two liters around his lung. This additional pressure increases the difficulty in breathing, so getting it out is important. There are enough problems inside the lung already.