Michael is almost at the end of his 100 days of isolation! He had a clinic visit this past Tuesday that went quite well. The next time he returns to the clinic, his 100 days will be over. He will learn what happens during the next phase of his recovery and what new rules he must follow.
The doctor was pleased to see that Michael's ANC was over 2,500; he had gained another three pounds, was strong, and still free of side effects of the transplant. They did, however, discover a problem related to the radiation he had last fall.
It is relatively common that total body irradiation may cause some abnormalities in the throat glands. Michael's thyroid glands are beginning to change. The doctors immediately ordered some tests that showed that one is swelling and the other is shrinking, but the hormone levels regulated by the thyroid are still just fine. Since these changes are taking place much faster than "normal," the doctor anticipates that the swelling/shrinking will continue and will begin to affect his hormone levels. When (or if!) this happens, he will just need to start hormone replacement therapy which consists of a daily pill for the rest of his life. They'll keep checking on this issue every three months. This news was actually good; a real possibility was that this swelling could have been a cancerous mass caused by the radiation. We find ourselves again so, so thankful.
We do have a tremendous problem facing us now, though. What are we going to do to celebrate the end of Michael's 100 days? Ideas, anyone??
It is relatively common that total body irradiation may cause some abnormalities in the throat glands. Michael's thyroid glands are beginning to change. The doctors immediately ordered some tests that showed that one is swelling and the other is shrinking, but the hormone levels regulated by the thyroid are still just fine. Since these changes are taking place much faster than "normal," the doctor anticipates that the swelling/shrinking will continue and will begin to affect his hormone levels. When (or if!) this happens, he will just need to start hormone replacement therapy which consists of a daily pill for the rest of his life. They'll keep checking on this issue every three months. This news was actually good; a real possibility was that this swelling could have been a cancerous mass caused by the radiation. We find ourselves again so, so thankful.
We do have a tremendous problem facing us now, though. What are we going to do to celebrate the end of Michael's 100 days? Ideas, anyone??
So happy for you guys that hes doing so well in his recovery! Whatever you do to celebrate do it big!
ReplyDelete