One step forward, two steps sideways... John has been doing much better since his fall 10 days ago. The bruises have healed and he has managed to stay upright since then. And, I have managed not to run into any more of our friends' cars.
Photopheresis is helping the gvhd so we are able to reduce the steroids a little bit more starting tonight. Cross your fingers that the new lower dose will continue to be effective. The steroids continue to have lots of nasty side effects including muscle wasting and weakness (hence, the fall) and high blood sugar among others. We're trying to do what we can through diet to help reduce the blood sugars but since the problem is caused by the steroids and not by diet, limiting carbohydrates doesn't make a dramatic difference. John is on oral insulin twice a day, a short acting insulin injection three times a day, and a long acting insulin injection at night. The sugar is still high but we're hopeful the steroid reduction and introduction of the night time insulin will help - a lot.
John's hair has started to regrow; he won't be ready for a haircut with Tammy for a while but this is still a good sign. Our doctor said often transplant patients begin to regrow their hair at about 3 months and also begin to feel better at the same time. Those milestones are happening right on schedule. We're looking forward to continuing progress.
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