Treatment Not Working; New Approach
I spoke with Lina’s chief transplant MD – Philippe Armand – at Dana-Farber this afternoon.
He said that her multiple issues haven’t really improved or worsened in the past week.
He said the main problem remains the acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). He says the transplant team is “surprised and concerned” that the aGVHD hasn’t responded to 2 weeks of steroid treatment. It is the aGVHD which has caused her gastro-intestinal system to stop working.
They have another possible drug treatment which they will ‘probably’ start Lina on tomorrow. He said it’s a similar routine as chemotherapy – give the drug via IV for a day then take a week off and repeat several times. He said it could take weeks for any improvement if she responds to this treatment
It looks pretty clear that Lina won’t be home for Chloe’s high school graduation – June 8th. Moriah has her 7th grade ‘Semi-Formal’ dance Friday night so we won’t be back in Boston before Saturday.
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