so far so good....
other than the fact that i am having trouble sleeping-things seem good. i was a bit more relaxed when he was at the hospital at night-but i still am glad to have him home. i will adjust.
the day hospital appt went well and although tim was exhausted after the appt-i think the exercise was good for him. he had tons of blood work done and because of some elevated kidney function tests he received some fluids-but all seems good for now.
each time we go to the hospital they are primarily looking for something called GVHD (graft vs host disease). this is something that we have been told to look for and kind of expect (at some level it is good). the GRAFT is tims new cells (marks stuff) and the HOST is tims body. there are reasons way beyond my comprehension to expect the new cells to attack the old body!!!!
it is similar to getting a new organ transplant-tim is on anti-rejection drugs and will be monitored for quite awhile. the three most common places for the rejection to take place are:
1. the skin-a mild to severe rash-almost resembling a bad sunburn at first.
2. the liver-they are watching his enzymes by doing bloodwork and i am to make sure he doesn't turn yellow.
3. the gut-they are watching for gastro-intestinal inflamation and stuff like that.
they say the most severe reactions take place in the first 100 days and after that the reactions are a little different and usually less severe. i try to think back to the early days and how well mark and tim used to get along...pray for us!!!
today is T + 21 we have gone 21 days post transplant with only some minor signs of GVHD-this is what we are wishing for. some minor signs of GVHD are actually good for tim's new immune system and the doctors actually are pleased to see some. but, it does throw us into a very "tense" place. you want the immune system to get stronger and fight, but you don't want it to get too strong and not be able to stop the battle. please continue flooding the heavens with your prayers regarding this transplant.
we appreciate you always checking in and keeping track with our process.
love goes out to all.
tim and tammy
posted by tdewalt @ 2:51 AM
4 Comments:
Hello Tim
Great to hear you back home with Family.The Men's Bible Class still praying for your total healing.
We would like you to give a victory testimony in our class as soon as you are back in church.
Blessing
Dick/Jn1010~
Hi guys. So glad to hear things are going pretty well. My hubby and I have some of the same temperature issues--might I suggest perhaps a sweat suit for Tim and maybe a fan on the floor for you while you are sleeping(although judging from your data entry times, you never are asleep!), anyway, these things seem to work for us. Take care and hang in there-you're almost 1/4 of the way into the 100 days-that's a great thing. Remember, we're available if you need anything, even grocery shopping or whatever. Love, the Powells
Hi Tim, Tam and girls!
We are so happy and giving God all the glory that you are home and doing so well. Hallelujah! Just having the comforts of home has got to make you feel better. I wish we could know the actual number of the people who are praying for you guys. Wouldn't that be cool? No matter the number, it's powerful and effective and we're fully expecting more of the same great news. Hope you're adjusting to everyone suddenly being home together! Love to all of you.
Kim, Brent and boys
Tammy & Tim
Glad to hear your hospital visit was a good one. More great things to come your way,stay strong and hang in there. Prayers coming your way.
Tom & Amy
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