💔 Daytona Beach, FL — In a touching and challenging medical journey, young Wilder is currently undergoing intensive treatment after a CT scan revealed multiple nodules in his lungs, confirming a diagnosis of fungal pneumonia. Already battling cancer, Wilder’s compromised immune system has made him vulnerable to infections that would rarely affect a healthy individual.
🩺 Doctors have started him on a daily “peanut” antibiotic, cautiously preceded by pre-medication routines to help avoid allergic reactions. Additional antibiotics are expected to join his regimen soon. Notably, one of the medications must be taken continuously for the remaining three years of Wilder’s chemotherapy — a long-term defense to prevent future fungal invasions.
🌿 Specialists from Infectious Disease teams conducted a comprehensive investigation of Wilder’s environmental history, aiming to identify possible fungal exposures. As fungi are a natural part of the air we breathe, pinpointing the exact source is nearly impossible. Suspected culprits range from construction dust to outdoor play — even the family dog could have unwittingly introduced spores from the woods.
🎥 On the surgical front, Wilder underwent sedation for an endoscopic nose exam which thankfully showed no trace of fungus. Had the camera revealed fungal growth, it would have meant repeated sedations and tissue scrapings — a fate that, for now, Wilder has been spared.
💉 The tug-of-war between fighting infection and continuing aggressive cancer treatment presents difficult decisions for his care team. Wilder was on a two-week cycle of Thioguanine, a chemo drug that further suppressed his immune system to zero. Physicians chose to discontinue the final doses in hopes of a quicker recovery of his neutrophil count, essential for fighting off the fungus naturally.
🫁 Once neutrophils return, doctors anticipate potential flare-ups in symptoms like fever, coughing, and inflammation, but there’s hope this won’t be Wilder’s reality. Encouragingly, his fever has subsided for over 24 hours thanks to the current treatments. Despite requiring oxygen, Wilder’s heart rate — which had plummeted alarmingly — stabilized post-sedation.
🏨 Wilder’s level of care required relocating to a unit with a lower nurse-to-patient ratio. The move stirred emotions as he passed the room where he endured 35 grueling days previously. His quiet request not to re-enter that space was a heart-wrenching reminder of all he’s been through.
🎬 He fell asleep watching Cars late last night, offering a tender moment of calm. His mother, running on three days without rest, hopes for more than 15 minutes of sleep once his two-hour antibiotic infusion concludes.
🙏 How You Can Help: Wilder’s family, though hesitant to share, has provided links for those who wish to show support — be it through prayer, smiles, or financial assistance. Every act of kindness is deeply appreciated.
Support Wilder:
- Amazon Registry
- Venmo: @Lynda-Adams-14
- CashApp: $lyndamo1311
- GoFundMe
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