Feeling a Little Better this Week

At the time of my last post, Jill had mild symptoms of Graft-Versus-Host-Disease in several places. In the next few days the GVHD in her mouth intensified enough that it became difficult for her to eat. In response, the doctors increased the dosage of prednisone which was successful in getting the GVHD, at least in her mouth, under control. She is also taking a drug to reduce the iron levels in her body and that situation seems to be improving. Jill had a bronchoscopy today to determine if she has an infection in her lungs. We should know the results of that procedure in the next few days. Meanwhile, Jill is focusing on her physical therapy to offset the effects of the prednisone on her muscle and bone mass. I will report again in a couple of weeks after Jill has another scan.

tom

Results of Recent Tests

Yesterday, Jill met with her oncologist to review the results of the tests she had in Seattle last month. Overall the results were very good. Her lymph nodes were stable, meaning that there were no signs of cancer in her lymph nodes. There was evidence of mild Graft-Versus-Host-Disease (GVHD) in her mouth, large intestines, liver and lungs. This is not unexpected in cases where the bone marrow donor and recipient are not close matches. It does mean that they may have to increase her dose of prednisone to control the GVHD until it diminishes. In addition, they will start treating her for excess iron in her system. Because she receives blood transfusions so frequently, the amount of iron introduced to her system is significant. Her body naturally stores the excess iron but the levels have become too high and must be reduced.

The tests also identified what may be an infection in Jill's lungs. She will have a bronchoscopy soon to determine if she does indeed have an infection. If so they will begin treatment for that.

The medical team will continue to monitor the GVHD situation, and in about a month she will have a follow-up full scan to check both the lung condition and the GVHD.

In the mean time, Jill is getting out and doing some fun things. Last weekend she attended a course on art therapy. The course counts towards the continuing education requirements to maintain her social work certification. She is also planning to take a course called "Fixing Fido" which will give her tips on training Turbo the dog.

tom