Sorry it's been so long since you heard from me. I kept waiting because I wanted to give you a great report. Unfortunately that has not been the case. Yes my liver has calmed down with my bilirubin a tenth of a percentage over normal. However my itching (all over my body) continues on. We now believe we may be dealing with a subcutaneous case of graft vs. host in my skin. The battle rages on as I try to recuperate. Also with the weaning off of the steroids has resulted in great fatigue as Dr. Magineau warned me it might. I so wanted to be the one that did not have fatigue, unfortunately that has not been the case either. I am trying to not get too discouraged. I had a conversation with a woman in the waiting room who had been through the same thing and her itching finally resolved, so that gave me hope.
I am so grateful for my home and being able to rest whenever I need to. I see many people at U of M who would gladly exchange their walkers and wheelchairs for my itching. I work really hard at having a good perspective. The return to normal is a long and slow process indeed. I will be seeing a dermatologist and the graft vs. host specialist in the next few weeks. Again, I am so grateful for U of M and their care for me, it is a true team effort. Dr. Magineau assured me this week that we will get through this.
Now in other news we have a new grandson McClure Denison, aka Mac. He was born July 20. Beth, Chad and Luci have adjusted well to this new addition to their family. Luci absolutely dotes on him so no sibling rivalry, at least at this point. All other members of the family are doing well. The Reed family is here this weekend due to the wedding of Glen's brother Rick. I always love it when family is near.
So there you go, the highs and the lows for me. Hopefully, on my next update I will be able to tell I have had relief from this endless itching! As always, I thank you for your prayers and your care and concern.
Grace and Peace, Peggy
