Atlas' Tuberculosis Treatment

*UPDATE* From Leia... A few days ago, I shared an update with the preliminary diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacteria and a 6-month plan for antibiotic treatment. When we started that course of action, there were still a couple of test results still pending... On Monday, I got a call from our Doctor @ the Center for Infectious Disease informing us that Atlas' initial diagnosis was incorrect. Atlas has now been diagnosed with Tuberculosis in his lymph nodes, which is a type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and he has has been admitted to Duke Hospital. We're here indefinitely until they run a million tests and have more answers, with Saturday being the earliest we can hope to be able to go home. Bloodwork, CT scans, spinal tap.... this kid needs a break. We hoping that all tests will show the TB has isolated to those specific nodes and has not begun to spread further. Although his chest x-ray is clear and he doesn't really have any visible signs of pulmonary tuberculosis, which is contagious, in order to be at the hospital, he must stay in an infection quarantine room. He is not allowed to leave or have visitors, etc. Either Gary and/or myself have to be in the room with him 24/7. Although we are asymptomatic, we are not allowed to return to work until the health dept. also tests us for TB and confirms that he didn't get this bug from us. So that's more work we are now both missing..... Please think all the good thoughts you can spare for Atlas. This is hard on us but I can't imagine how confusing all of this is to Atlas.

*ORIGINAL* Atlas was seen by an ENT surgeon yesterday, August 7th for a consult on his continued lymph node issues.  Previous  attempts to treat the swollen lymphnodes have been unsuccessful.  The ENT sergeon recommended that due to size, location and it now being hard that a surgery to remove some of the nodes for biopsy should be done.  The facility performing the surgery requires an up front percentage for procedure cost and the procedure is supposed to be done this coming Tuesday, August 13th.  This has been an ongoing issue for Atlas.  There have been many doctor visits, many days off work and still no answer at this time.  Due to my dear friends' reluctancy to ask for financial assistance, I am doing it on their behalf.  Any help you can provide or sharing to help with Atlas' surgical costs would be an enormous help.  ❤️