Overall, today was another good day at the clinic. Praise God!
We had plenty of time to ask questions and talk about how Elena is doing. The sty on her eye is pretty much gone and is not a concern. Nausea every once in a while ok, not sure why it would be happening? The new rash on her arms and legs a slight concern.
Could it be GVHD of the skin? Yes. Is it? That is uncertain at this time. What are we going to do about it? Her doctors are going to hold her steroid at its current dose, not continue with the taper this week. Elena will start using a topical steroid cream on the rash twice a day and use a moisturizing lotion all over twice a day. Since Elena had acute GVHD of the skin while in the hospital, she is at a higher risk of having chronic GVHD of the skin now. We will treat the rash topically this week and return to the clinic on Tuesday, November 20th for another checkup and more blood work.
Speaking of blood work, Elena's counts are good, but some of her blood chemistry levels are not where they should be. Everything that Elena has been through - chemo throughout the first battle, high dose chemo during this second battle, and other oral drugs have really taken a toll on Elena's kidneys. Two certain blood tests that measure her kidney function have risen for the second time in a row. Her kidneys are stressed. Please pray that the adjustment made to Elena's current meds will help increase her kidney function. Please also pray BIG that Elena will be able to drink the required 64 oz a day. We fight the battle daily. She has to drink and it is not an easy task for her. Basically, drinking that much daily will be like taking her pills, something she has to do and Elena really doesn't like being told she HAS TO do anything.
We are still waiting on the CMV and IGG levels for this week. Praying for no setbacks with either of these tests.
Elena's body is still in the early stages of recovery. We know that complete and total healing will take time and we are trying to be patient in the waiting.
Please continue to pray with us for complete and total healing.
In Him,
The Tates
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26
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Continuing to pray for you guys. Praying for wisdom for the doctors, patience, strength and complete healing. Also praying that Elena is really thirsty so the water situation is a little easier :) I think of you guys often.
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Lisa Kenney & family
It's so good to here about you Elena and how well you all are holding up! I miss you so much! Don't forget to call me some time! Love, Micah V :)
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