Thursday, February 24, 2011

Dear Ones --

It has been quite awhile since I have written. We had an appointment with our nephrologist Dr. O'Neill at the Poly Clinic on Feb 3rd and it was very positive. The protein in the urine is down to 600 (normal is less than 250, but at the worst, Craig's was 11,000 -- so 600 is fabulous). Better yet, the blood protein has now risen to a completely normal level, which means no swelling and no more muscle wasting.

Craig's weight is improving as well -- he is up from a low of 150 in Oct 2010 to 170 now (still down from his baseline of 212, but definitely heading in the right direction). He still has absolutely no buns, so his brothers and son cannot yet "ski his buns off".

He continues on Cellcept, which suppresses the immune system (kidney transplant patients take it too), a low dose of prednisone (7.5 mg each day), and spironolactone (a diuretic which apparently can reduce protein in the urine). The latter makes it necessary for Craig to get up 2 to 3 times a night, but after weeks of making little to no urine, he is happy to do so.

The 2 infusions of Rituxan (IV drug mainly used to treat lymphoma) appear to have wiped out the part of Craig's immune system that was messing with his kidneys, and he will not need to take it again until if and when that part of his immune system starts to misbehave -- and I am hopeful this will not be necessary.

In the meantime, I am hearing more whistling and laughter around the house and it is a beautiful thing.

Here's to a happier and healthier 2011 for all.

Love, Sharon