Day 69. After being readmitted to the hospital on Easter with serious side effects of the Graft vs. Host Disease (GVH), I was too sick to deal with Email or anything else. GVH is the rejection of my host body by the new immune system, and included side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, confusion (which may be normal in my case), spotted skin, peeling, and edema.
It is a very serious condition, and happens to varying degrees in about half the cases. I pretty much stayed around in bed as the medical team (BMT is prepared for it) tried the mix of steroids, anti-rejection drugs, and other related therapies. For the last four weeks, I have been fed primarily through a tube, being too sick to think about eating. (although actually, right now, I weigh more now than I did when I had to drop everyhing and return.) I don't think you'd want to see much of this synthetic, intravenous food, however.
The low point earlier this week came with massive diahrrea and loss of blood at both ends. Now, the complete exhaustion as eased, and I decided I better get get this message out now. (Thanks Denise and Cheryl for filling in.)
There are some concerns among the doctors about the response rate they are getting to the therapies, but I am personally doing better and can sit up now and walk in the hall a bit.
On top of it all, the U of M/Fairview computer system crashed a week ago now, and I am just now getting a look at 4 weeks of email. I hope to answer all eventually, but it will take some time.
First, an initial blanket Thank You to my friends in the Outdoor Industry for your support. My family appreciates it.
Second, to my immediate family and friends, hang in there; we're going to beat this!
-Andy
Saturday, May 2, 2009
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