Great news - the CMV numbers are in the 5,000's. This is a huge drop and an important step in recovery. The target is a number below 100 aka "undetectable". There is a chance we will hit that marker soon; the estimate for the earliest possible discharge is late next week. The numbers will be run again early next week so by mid-week we should have a better idea of whether we are really looking at the possibility of discharge soon. Two of John's anti-viral meds (cytogam and gamcyclovir) have been discontinued but he is still receiving the phoscarnate twice a day as treatment against CMV.
Photopheresis has really been effective against the gvhd so the steroid dosage has also been decreased to a low maintainance level. The decreased steroid dose has improved immune function so John's own new immune system can work against the CMV too. Another in the long list of awful steroid side effects is diminished strength in the quads; PT is working on improving that.
We had a fantastic surprise last night; Kelly E - one of John's former students and a good family friend - stopped in for a visit. Catching up on Kelly's news was a real treat.
This is all a really good beginning to 2013,
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