February 28, 2007

Well it’s day+27 and I’ve been back in OHSU since Feb 24th. I have a bit of redness (doctors call it a rash but Barbara and I don’t see a lot of difference from normal for me) around my neck and my stomach is puny most of the time. There have been many bacterial, viral, and fungal tests done. All were negative.

A dermatologist took a paper punch sized biopsy off my upper back skin and a gastrointestinal doctor scoped my GI track from both ends and took biopsies from both areas. These tests were made to confirm whether I have a mild case of Graft verses Host Disease (GvHD) or some sort of infection. The skin biopsy came back positive as GvHD. The doctors were pretty sure it was GvHD when I came in, but needed to do all of the tests to be thorough.

As mentioned earlier, GvHD is a good thing when mild. It indicates that the graft cells will attack and kill left over leukemia cells, if any were left. I have a mild case since my stomach area has been affected. However my lower tract, skin and liver are doing quite well. They are now treating the GvHD with more steroids and immunosuppressants.

I have been on broth and liquid diet since being admitted. Everyone is so different but a likely course for me from here will be to add some plain white rice in a few days, then crackers and bread in a few more days. After that they will add some simple veggies and chicken meat, then fish. And finally in about a month I can have a steak (they never mentioned when I can have a Costco sausage). Again, this is a guess, not any promises. Oh well, I trust that God has all of that in control anyway.

Again, you all are so important to me. Thanks for your support and prayers.