Day +93

Joe received his first dose of Cidofovir today. This means I can share more factual information on how it is administered, unlike yesterday. :) Joe was given fluid (Saline) over three hours, and some Probenecid. After that, the Cidofovir ran over one hour. Then Joe was given more fluid over two hours. Then some more Probenecid...and then he was to take one more dose of Probenecid six hours after the second dose. Such a complicated drug. And unlike what we thought yesterday, each Thursday will be the same routine. It wasn't so bad - says me, the girl who wasn't hooked up to an IV pole for six hours. The huge blessing of today was that Joe's rash looked even better than it did yesterday, and it was even less itchy. This made hanging out at the hospital less miserable. Coming out from the agony of constant itchy, dry, rashy skin makes everything seem more pleasant! Joe definitely is looking brighter and has renewed energy to fight this stupid MDS stuff.

Tomorrow we go back to the BMT office for another blood draw and rash assessment. We're hoping for a taper in the steroids soon. As mentioned before, a high dose of steroids makes it very difficult to treat CMV. A high dose of steroids can also mask infection by inhibiting the ability to get a fever. Infection is increased when WBC (and neutrophils and lymphocytes) are low as they have been with Joe. Surely Joe won't develop any infections, but we need to be prepared for the possibility so we know what to look for.

Thank you for continued prayers, good vibes, virtual germ-free hugs and kisses, and warm fuzzies!

~~~~
Happy happy birthday Rachel U. We love you!!!!!!

The Lord you God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
~Zephaniah 3:15