Ava will get a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) done tomorrow (Wednesday) to determine if Ava has a viral or fungal pneumonia. The procedure involves inserting a scope through the mouth/nose to the lungs, and injecting fluid to collect cells. The fluid is then collected for examination. The BAL is the procedure that only catches the presence of fungus 20% of the time and can also give false negatives.
Ava's oxygen saturation continues to be in the low 80's when breathing on her own, so she is getting a decent amount of supplemental oxygen (2.5 L). The doctors are also looking into the possibility that Ava may have some lung damage as a result of radiation.
As you can imagine, it's quite a juggle with 3 kids to care for, one being a newborn. Thanks for your continued prayers for Ava, as well as for stamina, rest and peace for the entire Lee family.
Hi Esther and Mike,
ReplyDeleteI am Leway Chen's brother in law and the Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology at the University of Rochester. I know all the pediatric pulmonologists at Lurie quite well. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.
Clement Ren
Sorry. Just realized you might not have my contact info. Best way to reach me is by email: clement_ren@urmc.rochester.edu
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