Griffin with Fever

Update 2/10/2009 2:20Pm

Griffin was admitted to the 4Th floor Oncology floor into an isolation room He was started on Mirapenem (antibiotic), Intravenous fluids, and continuous pulse oximetry (a measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood- basically if numbers were low then supplemental oxygen would be needed).

The doctors told Gretchen and Jon chest x-ray results showed possible mid/lower lobe infiltrate. Other differential diagnoses included atalectasis. The plan is to have Griffin go home. Gretchen and Grif are waiting for Jon to pick them up from the hospital. Griffin was also found to have an increase in his blood count which is encouraging because then he will be able to receive chemotherapy, but not until this infection is cleared.

Continue to keep Griffin in your prayers, and Thank you for your comments.




With a temperature of 103.0, Griffin is on the way to Children's Memorial Hospital. Griffin was observed to develop a 'croupy' sounding cough and doctors were immediately notified by Gretchen earlier in the day, and ordered to monitor Grif for fever. Jon and Gretchen are at Griffin's side and the rest of the Maks family are at home with MamaRita. Updates will be posted as soon as Gretchen calls back with results from the hospital. Please continue to keep Griffin and the family in your prayers.

Send your kisses

Hi everyone,

Thank you for checking out the blog. Keeping you posted on the "going's on and the what's happening" with Grif. The big question I get asked is, "How is Griffin doing?"

Griffin remains at home, and continues to be on lock down because his immune system is compromised. His blood count continues to remain on the low end of the parameters and therefore he has been on hold from receiving chemotherapy. Griffin's plan of care consists of a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday to definitively determine if the chemotherapy treatments will continue or if he is in relapse. Without saying, Gretchen and Jon remain hopeful and optimistic of the results. Griffin is noted to be in good spirits, but is also stir crazy. The boy is always hungry and continually eating. Talks of locks on cabinets have been verbalized because he is not restricted from eating at certain times. (During intake of chemo meds Griffin was restricted from eating 2 hours before and after eating due to high risk of vomiting of medication).

The next steps will be determined after the results of Thursday's biopsy. Please continue to pray and send positive thoughts Griffin's way.

Here is an image of the family giving love and kisses to Griffin.