Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Hello again --

A quick update. Craig had dialysis today as is his usual routine now (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). They pulled off about 8 pounds of fluid, which is 2 pounds more than they usually try to do, but he tolerated it well so they pushed it.

While Craig was having diaysis today, I met separately with his internist and 2 different nephrologists and spoke with a third nephrologist by phone. (Thanks to our collegue Dr. Cal Treger for putting us in touch with nephrologist Dr. Michael Kelly at Harborview.) They all have different takes on the case. One feels that it is stubborn minimal change disease. But others feel that we do not have the correct diagnosis. My guess is that Mayo will do another kidney biopsy.

Treatment wise, there is one vote for cyclosporine + prednisone at lower dose, one vote for getting off prednisone and using Rituximab or Cytoxan, and 1 vote for getting off prednisone and using Cyclosporine or Cytoxan. I hope Mayo gives us a very compelling opinion.

Craig did not have a tap of the abdominal fluid, as there was too little there after having dialysis and the radiologist agreed with Craig that the risk of the procedure outweighed the probability of finding something.

The only thing that all the doctors seem to agree on is that going to Mayo is a good idea. I hope they are right. We leave this Sunday.

Love, Sharon