In terms of treatment, we continue on the same path as before. IV steroids and steroid cream. The rash is definitely improving, especially on his face, but his skin has started to peel - like after a sunburn. His red spots are still present on his arms and legs, but overall they are showing improvement also. Amazingly the warts on his arm and hand have gone down considerably. This new immune system is working a treat!
Shane has just come back from a Liver ultrasound. Just to check on the status of his liver as this needs to be monitored closely for GVHD also. His eyes are still yellow as the sun meaning his liver is still under strain. The medications and his TPN (nutrition) can easily do this to his liver, but it is important to be sure. Im trying to encourage Shane to start eating more food (clear fluids like broth and jelly) to reduce his reliance on his TPN. This should help his liver a great deal, but there is a process to return to eating to avoid abdominal distress.
Shane's blood counts unexpectedly increased today! His WBCs are 1.2 and Neuts are 0.56. It looks like engraftment is happening.
It has been two and a half weeks, and we're starting to feel the strain of it. Being away from home is sometimes really difficult and we find that we get a little short with each other. Neither of us mean to, its just that we don't really have our relaxing "down time" where we can just snuggle up on the lounge, or go for a walk outside. If you thought you got cabin fever over the wet weekend being stuck in a house, try being stuck in one tiny little hospital room (curled up uncomfortably between two uncomfortable chairs). Now there's a challenge for you!
On the positive side, we are two and a half weeks down, and maybe another week and a half left to go. Also, my toothbrush holder is so much cleaner without Shane dirtying it all the time!
xx
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