Chimerisms

We had a few appointments today and are eager to share the news.  I don't know if I have ever been so anxious to post about our appointments.

First on our schedule was a blood draw.

Second was a visit with our nurse and provider.  This is where we got the good news, and they were so anxious to share it with us.  Chimerisms report was back and the results are improved. (pronounced  kī-ˈmir-ˌi-zəm )

CD3+ T-cells = (these are the cells that they are really concerned with)
1/7/14         48% donor 1/Dennis,  30% donor 2,  22% host/Terry
this is improved from
12/24/13  when donor 2 was only 19%.


CD33+ myeloid cells =
1/7/14         0% donor 1/Dennis,  95% donor 2,  5% host/Terry
improved from
12/24/13   when donor 2 was 90%.

These numbers tell us that the trend is going in the right direction and that we have something to look forward to.  This also suggests that a DLI will probably not be given, at least not at this point because the trend is upward. 


After that good news we were told that the blood counts are all improving or holding their own. 
Here are the numbers - the first numbers will be today's numbers, the second number will be from 1/7/14, the third will be the normal count.

WBC = 4.12(L)     2.87(L)     normal is 4.5-11.0
RBC = 3/92(L)     3.46(L)     normal is 4.50-5.90
HCT = 37(L)     33(L)     normal is 150-400
PLT = 69(L)     68(L)     normal is 150-400
ANC = 3.46     2.44     normal is 1.8-7.8
Creatinine = 0.98     1.02     I don't have the normal numbers but I googled it and found that it might be - 0.6 to 1.2 .   We know that it seemed to be a victory when the creatinine level reached a number lower than 1.25.  The lower it goes the more happy they are.  They have considered taking him off hydration soon because that number is so good.  However, Terry needs magnesium and potassium and he gets that in his hydration so we'll continue to get it for the next few days.


There is more news. 
The testing on the bacteria growing in Terry's sinuses has been identified as pseudomonas.   Augmentin will not help clear that (but then we could tell them that because it has not helped Terry for two weeks already), so we are starting another IV drug, an antibiotic called Meropenem.   We are down one pill on the list and up three more IV drug administrations.  It may not sound like a fair trade, but we are so happy to make that trade because we believe it will be better for his health.

Our third and final visit at the clinic was at the infusion room for the Vidaza infusion.
He also got the first dose of Meropenem at that same appointment.    Now I will administer it here - three times a day.  

I don't think I've ever been so involved in Terry's health care.  I have been concerned and active with it all, but never have I been so involved in administering drugs to him.  I sure hope we are getting it right!


And there is still more news.  Terry will receive an IG infusion  (immune globulin) sometime in the next few days during one of his Vidaza appointments, but this will possibly take 6 hours.  This should also help his sinus issues improve.  We are pleased with this decision as well.


We rode the shuttle to the grocery store this afternoon and then came home and started the IV products.  First the Ganciclovir, next the hydration (which is happening as I write this).  Coram will be dropping off the Meropenem this evening sometime and we will begin that at 8:00pm.  This schedule today is keeping us hoping and hopping!  Like all new changes, we will become more familiar with things and it will seem easier ..., not that the thing itself has changed, but because our ability to accept and understand has improved.  Here, let me get that quote right ... 


"That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our ability to do has increased."  Ralph Waldo Emerson   (found here)


Whew!

Did you get all that?  If you didn't we assure you that it is GOOD NEWS!