Some good news for the new year; John's rash is definitely improving and the steroid dosage has been decreased a bit. The photopheresis really seems to be helping turn the bend on the gvhd. The CMV numbers have also decreased quite a bit; we should have new numbers in a day or two and are really hoping to see the downward trend continue. The CMV is mostly what is keeping John in the hospital now so if there is a consistent decline in the numbers, we will be able to begin thinking about a discharge date. John has been in the hospital since 12/6 and we are both really looking forward to him being well enough to return home.
John's weight is fluctuating in the 180's and 190's now. That is a lot of water from all of the IV meds and hydrations. He has a lot of swelling but that will improve as he can come off some of the IV fluids. In the meantime, lasix is one of his best friends. Appetite is still great; Dunkin Donuts is right around the corner from the hospital and John is a very good patron.
Physical therapy is going well. That and walks in the hallway will also help reduce some of the swelling from fluids.
The blood counts are still low and still treated with leukine and neupogen for the wbc, and transfusions for the hemoglobin and platelets. The platelet count has been as low as 14,000 and is currently hovering around 20,000. It's hard to clot with a count that low so John has to be very careful not to fall or get bumped by anyone or anything.
We had a wonderful Christmas celebration (belated) with our kids, grandkids, and grandkittens/dogs. Their visits to the hospital were really uplifting for John. Zacc and Sharon have bad colds so they could only visit through the glass wall; they couldn't actually go on the floor. Neither could the girls since you have to be at least 16 to go on the floor. And, finally, the kittens and dogs could only visit in spirit but we have lots of pictures as evidence of their participation. Thanks are in order to our nephews who prepared a lovely last minute New Year's Eve dinner. We are looking forward to more celebrations in 2013 with John at the party venue instead of in the hospital this year. Wishing all of you health and happiness and wealth and wisdom in 2013.
So glad to keep reading of progress. We wish you a wonderful 2013 full of stories of improved health and getting to share the joy of visiting with you both in the near future.
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