Thank you for your concern, prayers and love for Lynette.

Lynette’s Medical Journey – Ongoing Story and Update - June 1

Over the past week and a half, Lynette has been navigating a challenging medical situation with incredible strength and grace. What began as abdominal pain and signs of infection led to a series of tests and procedures revealing a fluid collection near her gallbladder (Which was removed in April). While that collection may have slightly decreased in size, it’s still present and being closely monitored. At one point, the infection extended into her chest cavity, which required a procedure called a thoracentesis to drain fluid from around her right lung.

In response to this spreading infection, Lynette was placed on IV antibiotics (including ceftriaxone and metronidazole) and later underwent treatment to help clear the infection and prevent further complications. The good news is that so far, blood and fluid cultures have remained negative, which suggests that the infection may be well-contained. She has been in recovery, managing pain from incisions. The care team has remained thorough and responsive, with infectious disease doctors tracking her closely while transitioning her to oral antibiotics as she improves.

Update (Faribault ER Visit – June 2):

Lynette visited the emergency room today due to some ongoing discomfort. The ER team reviewed imaging of her abdomen, and thankfully, there was no new fluid buildup and no signs of worsening infection. The same small fluid pocket near the gallbladder is still there, possibly a bit smaller, but nothing concerning at this point. Clinically, she’s stable, and this visit helped confirm that there are no new complications. The ER doctor reinforced the current care plan and did not find any urgent concerns.

June 3:

Morning: The doctors at Abbott Hospital are preparing to drain the fluid below Lynette's lung (pleural cavity) or install a port. We will know more this afternoon.

Evening: Lynette had another procedure today to drain fluid from her pleural cavity. There was slightly less fluid this time, and while the test was tough on her physically, she is holding up. The doctors are still unsure about the cause of the fluid buildup and have decided to leave the area near the gallbladder alone for now, allowing it to drain naturally. She’ll likely remain in the hospital tonight and possibly tomorrow as they monitor her condition and await culture results. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Despite the discomfort, Lynette remains in relatively good spirits.

June 5:

Morning: Continued prayers for Lynette please! We expect to be discussing results of an x-ray and the culture referred to above. Lynette feels comforted by everyone’s prayers.

Lynette continues to show strength as she navigates a complex recovery. After being hospitalized again due to fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, doctors drained the fluid a few days ago—but unfortunately, it has started to reaccumulate. The good news is that current tests show no clear signs of infection or malignancy, and the fluid likely stems from inflammation caused by the intensity of recent procedures. Doctors have discussed two main options: either performing another single drainage like before or inserting a small catheter drain to allow for continuous monitoring and more precise removal. This would help minimize repeated procedures and hospital visits. The team emphasized that this kind of inflammation-related effusion, while uncomfortable, is not uncommon in cases like hers.

Afternoon:

Lynette experienced several sharp, stabbing chest pains over the past day, with a cluster of them early this morning. A follow-up X-ray confirmed that fluid is reaccumulating in her chest cavity. After consultation with the pulmonologist, the team discussed two options: repeating the thoracentesis (which Lynette hoped to avoid) or placing a chest tube. She chose the chest tube, which allows for continuous drainage of more complex fluid and gives her lungs a better chance to expand and heal. The procedure will help relieve pressure, reduce the chance of infection, and avoid long-term scarring in the lung cavity.

The doctors explained that some of the fluid previously drained appeared to be a mix of blood and inflammatory fluid, possibly a reaction to irritation in the area near the diaphragm. While they haven’t confirmed an active infection, they’re keeping a close eye on things. The team will monitor the chest tube drainage daily, and it will remain in place until fluid output decreases significantly. Pain management is in place, and we’re grateful for the attentiveness of both the pulmonary and infection teams. Please continue to pray for Lynette’s comfort and full healing in these next steps.

June 5:

Morning: Continued prayers for Lynette please! We expect to be discussing results of an x-ray and the culture referred to above. Lynette feels comforted by everyone’s prayers.

Lynette continues to show strength as she navigates a complex recovery. After being hospitalized again due to fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, doctors drained the fluid a few days ago—but unfortunately, it has started to reaccumulate. The good news is that current tests show no clear signs of infection or malignancy, and the fluid likely stems from inflammation caused by the intensity of recent procedures. Doctors have discussed two main options: either performing another single drainage like before or inserting a small catheter drain to allow for continuous monitoring and more precise removal. This would help minimize repeated procedures and hospital visits. The team emphasized that this kind of inflammation-related effusion, while uncomfortable, is not uncommon in cases like hers.

Afternoon:

Lynette experienced several sharp, stabbing chest pains over the past day, with a cluster of them early this morning. A follow-up X-ray confirmed that fluid is reaccumulating in her chest cavity. After consultation with the pulmonologist, the team discussed two options: repeating the thoracentesis (which Lynette hoped to avoid) or placing a chest tube. She chose the chest tube, which allows for continuous drainage of more complex fluid and gives her lungs a better chance to expand and heal. The procedure will help relieve pressure, reduce the chance of infection, and avoid long-term scarring in the lung cavity.

The doctors explained that some of the fluid previously drained appeared to be a mix of blood and inflammatory fluid, possibly a reaction to irritation in the area near the diaphragm. While they haven’t confirmed an active infection, they’re keeping a close eye on things. The team will monitor the chest tube drainage daily, and it will remain in place until fluid output decreases significantly. Pain management is in place, and we’re grateful for the attentiveness of both the pulmonary and infection teams. Please continue to pray for Lynette’s comfort and full healing in these next steps.

June 6:

Explanation: The pleural space is the thin area between the lung and the chest wall. Under normal conditions, it contains a very small amount of fluid to help the lungs glide smoothly as you breathe. In Lynette’s case, fluid has been collecting in that space—what doctors call a pleural effusion. This often happens when there's irritation or inflammation nearby, such as from an infection or after surgery near the diaphragm. The body reacts by producing extra fluid, kind of like how your skin swells after a bruise. In Lynette's situation, the fluid is more than just water—it's a mixture that may include blood, inflammatory fluid, or even infected material, which can make the lungs feel tight and painful.

This build-up puts pressure on the lungs, making it harder to breathe and causing sharp chest pain. When fluid continues to reaccumulate after being drained—especially if it's more complex, like bloody or thick—it’s a sign the body is still reacting strongly to something. That’s why the team decided on a chest tube: to keep the fluid draining consistently, allow the lung to re-expand, and reduce the risk of long-term damage or infection in that area.

Morning:

The doctor stopped by briefly today and shared that they’re monitoring the fluid drainage closely—currently over 200cc, and they need it to drop to 100cc before removing the chest tube. He plans to run more X-rays today and tomorrow, and if the numbers look right, the tube may come out tomorrow. Thankfully, there’s no sign of infection in the fluid so far. Lynette is also undergoing an EKG, as there was a concern about a low pulse reading. She's feeling pretty sore today and has asked for no visitors as she focuses on rest and recovery.

June 7:

Today brought some clarity and new developments. The pulmonologist shared that the chest tube might come out soon—fluid output is down, which is a good sign. However, tests from the abdominal area revealed bacterial infection, confirmed through a ribosomal RNA test (a type of PCR test). This likely explains the inflammation seen above the diaphragm. The team is now consulting with surgeons to decide if that area will need to be drained, possibly with a less invasive procedure.

Antibiotics continue to be key, aiming to clear what the body can’t fully reach on its own. No bacteria or cancer was found in the chest fluid so far, but results from additional testing are still pending. Fatigue and shortness of breath are present, but expected given all that’s going on. As always, thank you for your prayers and love—we’re taking things one step at a time.

June 8: Pentecost Sunday

This afternoon, they placed another drain into Lynette’s gallbladder area after confirming there was infection present. The procedure went smoothly—she let them know her pain tolerance was low today, so they adjusted her meds to keep her comfortable. Tomorrow, they plan to run some heart tests due to a few extra beats and minor irregularities. For now, we know she’ll be staying another night. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

June 9: Pentecost Monday
Today we had a detailed discussion with Lynette’s infectious disease doctor, who walked us through some new lab results. A specialized test from her previous admission (called a 16S PCR) detected Staph aureus bacteria in the fluid near her gallbladder, confirming that the area was indeed infected. That’s why they placed a new drain over the weekend to help clear it out. The good news is that the surgeon feels the drainage is going well and that the drain may come out in the next day or two. Since the infection has now been confirmed, Lynette’s course of antibiotics has been reset—she’ll remain on them for at least two more weeks from the day the new drain was placed.

In addition, another area of concern is the fluid that had built up around her lung. A second sample taken during the most recent chest tube placement is now growing a different kind of bacteria—possibly a gram-negative bacillus. While we wait to confirm whether this is a true infection or just contamination, Lynette has been started on a broader antibiotic that covers both types of bacteria. She’s feeling a bit groggy from the medications but is staying alert to any side effects. Thankfully, her vital signs and lab work look encouraging, and she’s showing signs of progress. We’re continuing to take things one day at a time and are grateful for your prayers and encouragement.

June 10:

We got some new information today about a rare bacteria that showed up in one of the fluid samples taken from around Lynette’s lung. It’s not a typical infection-causing bug and may have been a contaminant, but because of everything her body has already been through, the doctors are playing it safe. They’ve started her on a four-week course of oral antibiotics to make sure any potential infection is fully treated. One of her previous antibiotics has been stopped, and the one she’s continuing will also help with healing around the gallbladder area.

The chest tube has already been removed, which is a good sign, and a follow-up chest X-ray will be done soon to confirm everything looks clear. The gallbladder drain is still in place for now, and the surgical team will decide the right time for it to come out. Lynette continues to stay engaged, ask great questions, and show real courage through it all. We’re thankful for the progress and continue to pray for a smooth road ahead. Thank you for walking with us!

June 11:

Morning:
We had a good chat with the team today, and the big news is that Lynette’s drain output remains very low—so low, in fact, that the surgeon is ready to pull it as soon as they get confirmation from two key updates. First, they’re running a CT scan of her abdomen (to check the gallbladder area) and—at the PA’s insistence—adding imaging of her chest in the same session. Normally follow-up lung imaging would wait a few weeks, but since she’s already getting scanned below, they’ve included her lungs to be sure no pleural fluid has returned.

Those scans, plus daily culture results from the drain fluid, will be reviewed around noon. If both the CT images (abdomen and chest) look clear and the cultures remain reassuring, the plan is to remove the drain later today. Removing it will be a big milestone, and will also help us decide if Lynette can head home this afternoon or needs one more night for observation.

She’s still feeling some localized discomfort—especially a persistent ache right under her diaphragm—and that flares when her pain meds wear off. The team believes it’s likely just residual inflammation and irritation, which should settle once the tube is out. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a drain-free update by evening. As always, thank you for your prayers and support—it means so much to all of us.

Afternoon:
The doctor reviewed the results of Lynette’s abdominal and chest CT scans and confirmed very encouraging news: the fluid around both the lungs and the gallbladder area has significantly decreased. There’s now only a minimal amount remaining near the lungs, and just a small pocket around the site where the drain had been placed. With that improvement—and the confirmation from final culture results and imaging—the drain was removed, and the team feels confident moving forward with discharge planning. The infectious disease team is finalizing the exact oral antibiotic regimen based on a somewhat unusual bacteria they identified. While there was some debate about whether it was a contaminant or true infection, the treatment plan will cover it either way. Discharge orders have been initiated, pending one last visit from the infectious disease doctor to confirm follow-up needs.

Lynette is feeling significantly better overall, though she’s still experiencing steady discomfort under the diaphragm, rated around a 5 out of 10. The care team believes this is likely residual pain from the drain and inflammation, which should gradually improve. The doctor emphasized that some discomfort is expected and does not indicate a new issue. Pain will be managed at home with Tylenol and a small reserve of stronger medication if needed. Lynette is encouraged to resume normal activities as tolerated and should follow up with her primary care provider within about five days to monitor recovery and help avoid potential readmission. Discharge is expected later today once prescriptions are filled and final instructions are provided.

Dr. Granada, the infectious disease specialist, reviewed Lynette’s recent test results and treatment. Although earlier fluid samples didn’t clearly show infection, later testing confirmed the presence of two bacteria. Because this is the second time fluid has built up, Dr. Granada believes it's safest to treat it as an infection. Lynette’s antibiotics have been switched to Bactrim, taken as two double-strength tablets twice daily. This medication covers both bacteria, and a pill form works just as well as IV.

The antibiotic course will last at least four weeks, with a follow-up appointment scheduled for July 8. While taking Bactrim, it's important to watch for side effects like rash, nausea, or vomiting and to call Dr. Granada’s office with any concerns. To support her gut during treatment, Dr. Granada recommends eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and raw sauerkraut.

Evening Update:

Lynette is being discharged tonight!

June 12:

Lynette’s first day home went well! She got a good night’s sleep and enjoyed some quality one-on-one time with her grandchildren. Friends and family are pitching in to help her find the best foods for gut health.

We’re so grateful for all your prayers, messages, and support. We’ll keep updating here as things progress. If you'd like to leave a message for Lynette, Justin or family feel welcome to do so in the comments below.