Monday, January 17, 2011

Latest on Beth Evans from Matt...

The Following is an update on Beth, from Matt:

We just spoke with Dr. Boulad today ... another good report. They continue to wean her off the IV meds and replace them with pills. She should be completely off morphine early tomorrow (they have to wean you off morphine b/c of its addictive effects). They give you a special drug to stimulate your white blood count. Beth is no longer taking that so her counts are leveling off. Her new marrow is now making red blood cells and platelets. She is still getting an occasional platelet transfusion during this transition as the new blood cells keep up and then build up. She has not had a red cell transfusion in quite some time.

So ... counts are looking good and getting better, organs look good, pain is under control and almost gone, and all IV meds are being either eliminated or replaced by pills. The dangers remain infections and Graft Versus Host Disease but the doctors are very vigilant and proactive in prevention.

As of now, Beth should be released from the hospital sometime late tomorrow (Tuesday). She will then be in outpatient status for quite some time (and would be readmitted in the event of a fever, signs of infection, or any sign of Graft versus Host Disease).

Please keep praying for Beth to regain strength, for her counts to continue to strengthen, and for protection against infection & Graft vs. Host Disease.

Thanks so much!!

Matt