Tell the Bees

Complications: Update

It’s Saturday night. Chloe, Moriah & I came to Boston today and will stay in the Brookline Courtyard Marriott until Monday.

We spent several hours tonight at the hospital with Lina. The biopsies confirmed today that she has acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). And she is still having a rough time with its manifestations: vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, rash. Tomorrow, they will begin treating the aGVHD with intravenal steroids.

She had a bad fall today. The nurses thought she may have broken her hip and received a concussion. But x-rays and brain scans were negative. She just has more new pains – and a new bed alarm to let the nurses know when she is trying to get up.

The good news is that Lina’s transplant doctor tells us that if she can ride out the aGVHD without too much treatment it may actually be helpful to the long-term benefits of the stem cell transplant.

8 comments

8 Comments so far

  1. Susan Baker May 11th, 2008 8:04 am

    I’m sure this is a very rough ride for all of you. Hang on tight. There’s nothing harder than watching someone you love suffer like that and my heart goes out to you all. Yes, those rough rides make us all stronger in the end, but the now is pretty darn tough. You are all in my prayers asking for strength.

  2. Pat Weinswig May 11th, 2008 2:41 pm

    Dear Lina: All of the Weinswigs in Madison are keeping up with this site and want you to know you’re in our hearts and prayers. You are an unbelievably strong woman of great courage and heart. Don’t stop now. This is a fight that we want you to beat. If each of us could take a share of your pain to allow you some comfort and peace, we would all do it in a heartbeat. Knowing that, I hope this thought will bring a ray of hope and sunshine to you on this darkest of journeys. Somehow the power of prayer can achieve miraculous results and you have many, many prayers from people all over the world. May this be so for you and your loving family. Fondly, Pat, Mel and Bob Weinswig

  3. John Newhouser May 11th, 2008 11:08 pm

    Dear Lina, Craig, Chloe and Moriah,
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers constantly. We send you our love and encouragement. Many friends are praying for you, praying for healing and strength and peace and comfort. We wish we could be there now to hug you and encourage you and carry some of your load. Lina, we hope and pray that tomorrow will be a better day and that in some way our deep love and concern for all of you, together in unity with the hundreds of others who love you , will strengthen you and sustain you.
    We love you all. John, Teri, Aja, Landon, Matt & Michael

  4. Mary May 12th, 2008 12:04 am

    Dear Girls and Craig,
    Thanks so much for keeping us informed. I was lucky enough to talk with Lina yesterday. Grateful you are there with our mighty mouse. I send all my most positive energy your way. Love Mary

  5. Denise Laverriere (Transformit) May 12th, 2008 8:49 am

    Lina I often think of you and how you are doing. I just found out about this site and am glad to be able to keep track without constantly asking someone in work. My prayers are with you. I truly hope you get through this, you have much more of life to enjoy.
    Thinking of you,
    Denise

  6. Cindy Stocks May 12th, 2008 9:13 am

    Dear Lina, Craig, Chloe and Moriah,
    It’s hard to find the words to express the comfort and strength I want to convey to each of you, and particularly to Lina. Craig’s latest posting describes an incredibly difficult situation. Daily, I — like so many others — am sending you all the healing energy I can summon and holding you in my thoughts and prayers. Try to be strong and know that brighter days are ahead.
    Love,
    Cindy

  7. Nancy Ansheles May 12th, 2008 10:09 am

    Dear Lina, Craig, Chloe, and Moriah – I echo the words and feelings of your friends. We’re all on the outside and yet feel so connected to you. Feel our love and support and determination. Suck it in and use it to heal, heal, heal.

    Envision summer is coming, and Lina needs to be enjoying that gorgeous deck and beautiful view!
    love and hugs, Nancy

  8. Jeff Schwartz May 12th, 2008 6:41 pm

    I share the thoughts and wishes of all who have sent comments and are thinking of you, Lina. I don’t know how well it works through email but I’m sending you my stash of strength and hopes and energy and resilience and patience. Wishing you the very best,
    Jeff

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