Day 38!

Today's appointment at the cancer center went really well.  We met with Lenny who is quickly becoming one of our favorite doctors.
"Your labs look excellent." He said as he came into the room wearing a yellow paper gown.  "I hear you have finished the antibiotic for the C-Diff so I don't think we need to wear these anymore." He motioned to the gown, but didn't remove it.
"I'm a little concerned because you've lost 10 pounds this week." He continued.  "Have you been eating?"
Willie reported that he has been trying to eat more, but still doesn't have much of an appetite.  He has had some nausea the past few days, but nothing that has stopped him from eating.
"I think I'm eating good." Willie told Lenny.  "We had tri-tip and baked potatoes last night and I felt like I ate alot."
Lenny's eyes grew wide above the yellow mask that hid his face. "You are doing really well if you are eating tri-tip." He confirmed with a laugh.
Lenny explained that the weight loss is a giant red flag to the doctors.  It is an early sign of graft versus host disease in the gut.  If the weight loss continues they will do a scope of Will's intestines to see what is going on.  If it turns out to be GVHD in the gut then he will be put on steroids and 2 additional immuno suppresent drugs. 
"That's somewhere we don't want to go if we can avoid it." Lenny said when he finished explaining the risks.  "If we have to put you on additional drugs, then the risk of infection nearly triples and you are at a greater risk for hospitalization."
We absolutely agree that we don't want to go there.
"If it were really GVHD then you wouldn't feel good enough to be eating steak, so I'm hoping we will see a stop in the weight loss at your next appointment." He pulled off his paper gown and threw it in the trash then wished us a happy weekend on his way out.
It was kind of dismal information, but it's good to know what to look out for.  We are praying that Willie will be able to eat more and start holding his weight and that we will be able to dodge GVHD.  Your prayers for this will help!
After our appointment we drove home to Willows.  Kona, the most amazing dog in the world, was so excited to see her dad.  This is only a short trip as we have to go back on Sunday, but I can already see that a little time at home with his dog is what Willie needs to speed the healing process.
Happy Weekend to all!  See you next week!