Laurel's Health Update

We have decided as a family (Laurel, Rick, Chelsea, Jessica, Brett and Breanna) that the best way to keep everyone updated on Laurel's health situation is via internet (hence this blog), because we all feeling overwhelmed at the moment and frankly none of us relish the idea of spending hours on the phone or writing the same email over and over again.

Laurel has been in the hospital since Sunday, August 6th with a very serious infection: acute peritonitis, caused by internal perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. The ascites (fluid accumulation) that had been leaking from the tumours in her abdomen was contaminated with gastric contents and gut flora, the bacteria that live in the digestive tract. Her ca-125 went up to 600, but has now settled back down to around 300. She was on a few bouts of antibiotics, and they seemed to have cleared up the infection. Her blood pressure was very low, and her fever was very high, but these have both returned to normal, safe levels as of late. She is currently waiting for her oncologist to order another paracentesis (to drain the fluid), and hopefully she will be well enough to continue her chemo regimen this week.

Laurel appreciates your prayers and positive vibes to the universe, but does not wish to have any visitors other than immediate family at this time. She is feeling very weak and needs to spend her time in hospital resting as much as possible! We know that Laurel has many, many wonderful friends and associates, but we must ask you all to respect her and our need for privacy at this very difficult time in our lives.

We'll try to keep this blog updated as often as possible.