Day 62 and Still in Clinic

Today is Day 62 and I still haven't been released from IPOP. And, it doesn't look like things are going to change anytime this week either even though my numbers are looking good.

My skin biopsy from last Thursday was inconclusive - my skin rash could be GVH or it could be a drug reaction. A bone marrow doc will visit me in clinic tomorrow to further evaluate as my rash is not only highly visible now, but is spreading over my entire body. As for my innerds, well that's another story. Nausea and diarrhea have become the bane of my existence. After I see the doc tomorrow it will be determined if I need to have an endoscopy done as GVH can also settle in the gut. If the GVH worsens then I'll be treated with steroids, if it doesn't then it's merely a wait and see situation. GVH must be monitored very carefully as it can seriously effect the major organs of the body. While a mild case of GVH will not be treated and is a good and important step in my recovery, monitoring and taking care of myself are the watchwords. Even a mild case of sunburn can be life-threatening to someone with GVH.

I also had a CT Scan of my sinuses and chest on Friday and they are both clear. My bone marrow biopsy and donor vs patient test results are not back yet, and my stool specimen was clear of any bacteria or infection. So everything points to GVH, but it's just too soon to tell with certainty.

This has been a difficult couple of weeks for me. I feel weak and just plain worn out, especially after doing so well through everything else. But, this too shall pass and when it does, watch out!