Yesterday I received the test results from my endoscopy, which showed no evidence of GVHD. This means that I can again resume tapering from the steroids and immunosuppressants.
Because I have been on such a high dose of steroids and immunosuppressants for such a long time, it will take several months for noticeable improvements. Also, the taper is going to be very slow. Nevertheless, it's happening; and for the first time since early May, I do not have any sings of GVHD. I am very thankful to God for answering my prayer in this way. Honestly, I was not expecting such good results because physically I have not been doing well.
Yet the culprit for my physical pain and exhaustion recently has turned out not to be the GVHD nor is it completely the fault of the CMV infection. In order to fight off the CMV, I take an antibiotic called foscarnet twice a day intravenously. Foscarnet is a very nasty drug that causes headaches, edema, and really messes with your stomach. The longer you are on it, the worse the side effects. So my physical ailments right now are likely the result of the foscarnet and other medications.
This is all good news in a way: 1) Once the foscarnet kills off the infection, I can stop taking the drug, which will help me improve physically; 2) Because there are no signs of GVHD, I can slowly resume my taper; 3) As I commence with the taper, my blood counts should stabilize, which means more energy and the ability to resist or fight off infections like a normal person; and 4) As I improve, I will have less appointments and tests, which means more time to rest and recover. I am really hoping to recover in time for the Spring semester.
Praise God for this wonderful answer to our prayers.
It is so good to hear from you! What a praise! We will continue to pray for the healing of the infection and for your recovery.
ReplyDeleteMy phone hadn't been updating your posts for some reason. So I got like four at the same time today. It made me wonder what else I was missing (I didn't even know you had a blog until Pastor Dale mentioned it sometime in August, I believe). Anyways, I took a little time to read some of your old posts I didn't know existed...Thank you for giving us a glimpse of all the things you've been through. Thank you because we can praise God for the spiritual growth He's given you and for keeping you. Thank you because we can reflect on our lives and thank Him for our circumstances. Thank you because whatever you're going through, and we with you, it draws us near to Him in prayer, to thank Him, and give Him the honor, the praise, and the glory He deserves.
Much much love in Christ my dear friend! From the brandt clan
I agree with Raquel ! Praise God and His Glory for giving you strength. We keep you in our prayers always....Love, Lisa
ReplyDeleteYay! SO happy to hear that! Hoping and praying things continue to improve.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Roger (EBCB)