Update 3
She had a ct scan assisted biopsy this morning (fancy title for removing fluid from around the cracked vertebrae in her spine with the Doc using a ct scan to "see" where he put the needle), since it's basically on her spine. He was able to get 1 cc of fluid, next step is to do a graham stain (look under the microscope) and culture to see if bacteria grow. If no bacteria grow, she goes home with a clam shell brace (looks like a knight's armor up top) and wear that for 6-8 weeks. If there's infection, she'll get a pic line (needle in a vein that they'll put IV's in) and she'll get IV antibiotics from 1-4 times daily for 6 weeks depending on what will kill the little buggers. This will be done either by health home care nurses or her going to the hospital depending on how often and what her insurance will spring for. And still wear the clamshell brace for 6-8 weeks. So now it is a waiting game.
On a better note, it's amazing how much info we are getting now ... for example one of "her Doctors" was there this morning and I asked about when she'd be taken for the procedure, she didn't know. Five minutes after the doc left the nurse came in and told us they'd be there to pick her up at 10. Two minutes after 10 the nurse was in her room to see if they'd been there. Three minutes after 10 she was on the phone. Four minutes after 10 she told us they were on their way. Amazing how well you get treated when you call the patient advocate. That's not in my nature to pitch a fit, but I get a little wacko when it comes to Mom ... as it should be.
Anyway .... thanks again for your prayers and thoughts
Fuzzy.