June 8 - The bumpy road of post-transplant

I was speaking to Dr Gemma yesterday.  He warned me that sometimes the post-transplant period I am currently in is sometimes as challenging as the acute phase of post-transplant.  He was right.

On discharge this past Tuesday, Jan and I were excited to go home.  Oops!  First bump... Cytomegalovirus!  This virus in almost all who get this viral infection, usually in childhood, will  cause a mononucleosis like illness or minimal symptoms, if any.  It then goes dormant (like chicken pox) and resides in the body in a kind of suspended state.  It can reactivate (wake up if you will).  This happens in a lot of different transplant patients.  It can be a dangerous, causing encephalitis (brain infection) and affect other organs including causing the transplant to fail.  There is an oral medication, valgancicyclor, which can help.  But this drug can be quite toxic including causing the transplant to fail as well.

Platelet counts remain a problem and tomorrow I will get the platelet transfusion at Winchester Medical Center.  The platelet count is dangerously low at 10,000.  Platelets as you know are small cells in the blood whose job it is (among other functions) to stop bleeding and to prevent bleeding.  Most normal patients are well over 100,000.  Thankfully, Dr Gemma and his staff can oversee the transfusion locally.  This saves us from driving 200 miles round trip to go to Johns Hopkins.

The serious side-bummer is that Jan and I will not be able to go with our children and grandchildren to the beach. This is due to the seriously low platelet counts so we need to stay home! We are both devastated.  This is usually our yearly one week vacation with family to unwind and have fun as a group.

Please pray that Jan and I readjust to these new realities and that the therapies work.  Thanks to all.


Comments

  1. AddieJune 7, 2018 at 8:19 PM

    You all are in our prayers, Bradd family! Stay strong; you’ve all fought this battle with genuine faith and prayer ... keep on keepin on! Love and prayers pouring your way!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Shiflett'sJune 8, 2018 at 6:24 AM

    Praying always for you and your family Dr. Bradd! Your faith is strong, and GOD is good..we love you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 8, 2018 at 9:03 AM

    Prayers for you and your families. So sorry you can't go with your family. I truly know how very much the little things mean when you've looked forward to them for so long. Much Love 💗

    ReplyDelete
  4. Paul and SallyJune 9, 2018 at 5:21 PM

    Glad you are home. Certainly a positive. Very sorry you'll miss the vacation time with all the family. Dr. Gemma is awesome! We know he'll do everything possible to bring you through this. Love and prayers continue coming your way.

    ReplyDelete

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