Day 240 – Good News, No Sign of GvHD - Halleluiah, Praise the Lord! · Mar 8, 08:24 PM by Dale
It’s Chris with some really good news! Dale’s biopsy came back today and the GvHD is under control and no longer present in her gut. There also was no sign of CMV! This is fabulous news as we were working on how to get her to Houston where they have lots of experience in dealing with GvHD. The folks here are real rookies in this area. Almost cost us a lot! I’ll give Dr. Sarriera credit; he said to me yesterday that if the biopsy came back positive for GvHD today, he would be saying that this was beyond his level of expertise and we would have to move Dale to Tampa’s Moffit CC. I said I prefer MDACC Houston where they really know what they are doing. To that end, I, Patrick, Connie and my friend Barbara Keller and others as well were exploring all the possible ways we could get her to Houston. The choices ranged from over $20,000 to free. It makes my head spin just to think of it.
Bottom line, the GvHD is under control and they can now work on starting her digestive system up again. She hasn’t eaten much for three weeks and the GvHD of the gut, (pardon me for over simplifying) is like a rash of the stomach and intestines. Naturally, the result is a fever, nausea and diarrhea. Another piece of good news is it seems her immune system is actually working pretty well. Her numbers are: White cell count – 3.9 (low normal is 4.1), Hemoglobin – 11.8 (low normal is 11.8!) and Platelets – 149 (low normal is 145!)
We aren’t out of the woods yet. Her intestinal track is sort of collapsed and causing some obstruction. Gas is moving but it needs to get active again. The Dr. feels it will, but is cautious as well. Once that happens, they will start her on clear liquids and see how she does. Then something with more consistency moving on to normal eating. Once the stomach and bowels are working properly, they will begin physical therapy. That part will probably be in a nursing home that is set up to handle physical therapy.
We can rejoice today on the beautiful healing power of the Lord, the Doctors and the Meds. Prayer works! Thanks to all of you for your wonderful prayers and support. Daughter number one, Jennifer and her four kids arrive tomorrow as well as grand mom.
Gonna be a fun, busy weekend. Sure am happy we have some good news to focus on!
We will keep you all up to date. Take care. Chris
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Day 239 late Critical day tomorrow Day 242 ~ Taking a turn for the worse.