Emerald Hope

Day +12 - ok - when Jen's bilirubin began to go up (now at 29) the doctors thought it was too early for her to get graft vs host disease. So, when the liver problems increased, they diagnosed the VOD. Now, since new symptoms are occurring which are not associated with VOD but are associated with GVHD (graft vs host disease), they are considering the latter as her diagnosis. So, GVHD is expected to occur, VOD sometimes occurs; GVHD is treatable with steroids (which they have started); VOD apparently is not treatable. So, we are told we should be rooting for GVHD instead of VOD - are you following all this - we know this is not easy for them, there are so many complications and each patient is different; we know it's a balancing act and caution must be taken not to disturb the engraftment. All we know is we want the right treatment for the right diagnosis and we want Jen to feel much better than she does right now. So, we're turning our attention to the treatment and results of this new protocol they've issued and we'll try to keep you up-to-date. This is a wonderful institution with wonderful doctors and staff. I am glad we are here for her treatment. We just want this to turn out RIGHT.

I'll be nicer tomorrow.

jo/mom/granny