Feb 9, Day +13 Boomarang numbers

"Just the Facts"--  Highest numbers yet, but still not holding, so more platelets, 2 bags and a biopsy to test for GVH.

We are really watching the platelet numbers bounce.  Last night they hit the highest number yet at 16, but this morning they were back down to 9.  So they infused another 5 pack of platelets.  Each time they do this they always pre-medicate B to ward off any type of reaction.  Part of the pre-meds are 50 mg of Benadryl.  That is a lot and will make you really sleepy, so on top of all the other medicines and pain meds, he has the Benadryl to deal with, so no wonder he is so tired and still cannot get good sleep.  He got a second bag of platelets later in the day and then his numbers tested out at 22.  This is the highest yet.  We are just hoping that it holds.  Many of the BMT team members have told B that he is doing really well.  That is quite an encouragement from this very knowledgeable and experienced team.

I haven't mentioned this before, but one of the side effects of low platelets is a type of rash that comes out on your skin, call petichiae, I am sure that is not the correct spelling.  This rash looks like little red sores just under the skin. These have been present for about a week now,becoming more prevalent each day.  Well, today the big doctor decided to get a definitive answer about this rash and make certain what it is, as there is a possibility that it could be early GVH.  In all the research I have studied on this, it mentions that a patient that gets a little touch of GVH, usually does really well in recovery.  This is strange and not fully understood.  Actually it goes against all reason, but then we never created these bodies, so I can see why we don't know exactly how they work in every instance. We won't get the results of the biopsy for a few days. 

Today was the first day I didn't go to the hospital.  I was a little dizzy with a weird 24 hour flu I get every year.  So B had to spend most the entire day by himself.  He went to bed at 8 due to being so tired.  I am hoping he can get some good sleep, as this will go a long way to getting healed.  Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers on our behalf.
Until next time,
Hopeful Believer.