July 31 (Tuesday) - 530pm

A quick, but important update.   Rich's infection was isolated a short while ago and it was determined he has "extended-spectrum beta-lactamase" producing bateria, which is a drug resistant bacteria.  The good news in this is that they had already started treating him with a broad based antibiotic, and from the indications he is responding to that treatment and those all important 'numbers' are improving.

But the consequences of finding this particular bacteria renders a caution to any of us who have visited with Rich in the near term, and may have come in contact with it.   We were cautioned today to wash any clothing that we may have worn while visiting Rich, and also to avoid any possible cross contanimation from his room to Jeannette's in the future.   Anyone visiting Rich will now be required to wear a surgical "cap, mask, and gown" as part of that process.   Of course, right now its still not the time for visitors other than the immediate family and those on a very short list, so fortunately these cautions do not impact very many.     And while this development doesnt fall into the "good news" information category, the team of doctors at least know what they are dealing with, and it seems they have a handle on it.  They clearly know what precautions must be followed, and most importantly, how to treat it.   

As for Jeannette, they were going ahead with her MRI this aftenoon, so hopefully this evening there will be more to report.   - John