[<--- Charles Aaron - 2005]Charles finishes six weeks at OHSU with more to go. He is still battling GVH while making a bit of headway. This past week has seen him with a loss of strength, falling twice with occasional disorientation. He was not hurt during either fall but during his second fall he damaged his port-a-cath where he received all his IV insertions. As a result of this they removed the port-a-cath and installed two 2 port PICCs. One each in his upper arms. He had one in his upper left before. This time he has two because of the number of meds and not being able to mix some. He first had a PICC until coming in to OHSU for his transplant. Since the port-a-cath was primary for the transplant infusion the PICCs will be fine now for his needs.
He is still taking his "meals" IV however they are beginning this last week to give him pill meds and he takes that with a spoonful of applesauce.
From last week his guts seem to be a bit better. He now has a few areas with blisters and skin abrasions. The abrasions are raw and case pain.
They are not sure about his disorientation. There are many factors that could affect that. The biggest factor, probably, are the meds, mostly steroids.
They began reducing his steroids a week ago because long-term use of the strength he was receiving can cause lasting damage. Now they have to watch the GVH close because the steroids purpose was to subdue the new immune system.
Today when we came in we noticed that they had replaced Charles' mattress with an air mattress. This gives more even pressure over the whole body thus reducing pressure points and the possibility of bed sores.
His mom and I saw his original OHSU oncology Dr a few days ago. He had been out of the country for the holidays. He said that he had kept up on Charles' progress. He mentioned that the good side of more difficult GVH cases is that the likelihood of a relapse is lower. So, for the difficulties, there are bright spots. He said that in time the immune system and body will reconcile their differences. Each case is unique.
Today, Charles received two 300ml packs of blood and a "pint" of plateletes. His blood was getting weak so this is to fortify it.
His vital signs, taken every 4 hours, are good. (Vitals: Temperature, blood pressure & blood oxygen)
The nurses and CNAs (Certified Nurse Assistants) are wonderful. And all the staff are wonderful. Of course the best care is given by his girlfriend, Karlin. She is more than wonderful.
We thank you all for the thoughts, faith and prayers. They make a difference!
Don, aka Dad
What a journey this is. Charles, I took my dad to Baskin-Robbins the other day for a milkshake, and ended up having a bubble gum cone in honor of you. My dad asked me what the heck I was getting that for. I just smiled at him and told him that it just had to be done. I got a new guitar fro Christmas. You have better get your but out of that bed and come show me how to play it. Luve ya!
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