Darrin is going home today. Dr. ODonnell has given her OK and is unlocking the shackles. Darrin is still being treated for the CMV and will be getting IV ganciclovir medication for another week at home. Next week they will check his virus levels and determine if he can discard the IV in favor of oral medication. The doctor will have him on the oral medication for additional weeks to ensure that the virus is under control. His blood also needs regular monitoring since the medication lowers the counts. We are so fortunate to have Colleen from Sea Crest as his nurse at home. Colleen took care of Darrin in February when he came home from Hoag following his pancreas surgery. Darrin and I are both very happy that she is available this week. I am asking for prayers for another patient here at City of Hope. We met Max Lopez and his wife Jessi in March prior to the transplant. They live in Palm Springs. He and Darrin had adjacent chairs for blood draw in the outpatient clinic. Max had his bone marrow transplant several days before Darrin. We have crossed paths frequently as he and Darrin have similar post-transplant clinic appointments. I saw Jessi in the hallway at the hospital several weeks ago and found out that Max had also been admitted with high fevers. He is in a room just down the hall from Darrin. Max is having a difficult time recovering from his fevers, and is now being treated for the onset of pneumonia. This is a very tough time for him and his wife. As we celebrate Darrins release from the hospital, our hearts are deeply sad that Max is having a tough time. We are praying for recovery from his setback and that we see him again soon in the outpatient clinic. Please say a prayer too for our friend and fellow transplant recipient. Written by Ray Kawecki at 10:07 am ant posted to caringbridge.org, sorry for the cut and paste.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 18:09:22 +0000