How’s Chase?

A remarkable statistic… The medical team shared today that Chase’s case of Pott’s Puffy Tumor is one of only 315 documented cases in the world since 1950.

Eye Swelling: Chase’s left eye continues to show some residual swelling. The team is introducing a steroid to help reduce inflammation and see if that moves things in the right direction. This is a targeted next step as the overall recovery continues.

Encouraging News on Antibiotics: The team is cautiously hinting that Chase may be discharged on oral antibiotics rather than requiring a PICC line for IV treatment at home. This would be a significantly better outcome — simpler, less invasive, and far easier to manage day to day. That said it is too early to celebrate and the decision has not yet been finalized. We will share more as we know it.

New Blood Work — And a New IV: Fresh blood work was ordered today but Chase’s existing IV had other ideas and was no longer cooperating. This meant a new IV was needed — and of course a new needle stick, which none of us particularly welcomed. Fortunately MGH has a dedicated IV specialist who came equipped with an ultrasound to locate the best vein and numbed Chase’s arm beforehand. Chase reported it was remarkably easy as a result. Another example of the exceptional and thoughtful care he continues to receive at MGH.