Immunosuppressant Therapy

Today we are beginning immunosuppressant therapy despite the fact that she still has an infection and three open wounds. Not an ideal time to suppress the immune system but we are left with few options. With no neutrophils it seems that we may never get on top of the infection. So as one doctor put it, "we bite the bullet and hope for the best." T There are three drugs involved in the therapy. The first is ATG a drug produced from injecting T-cells into a horse and letting it build up antibodies. There are many risks for reaction, so a steroid is given as well. The third drug is cyclosporine, which has similar purpose as the ATG - to kill the T-cells (suppress them might be a better word) in her body which could be preventing her stem cells in her bone marrow from producing white cells - neutrophils in particular. The therapy can work up to 60% of the time, but usually takes four to eight weeks to do so. Today we pray that her body won't reject the drug and that it will do what it is intended to do. We pray that it won't cause even more complications with her per-existing infections and wounds. One concern is that the steroids necessary for treatment will inhibit healing of her open wounds. The plan is to taper her off of the steroids a little sooner than normal. There are too many risks to mention, however, so we bite the bullet. The bone marrow team is preparing to intervene when they feel it expedient. They have identified umbilical cord blood that is a 4 out of 6 match. They are also testing blood of both biological parents and of her biological half brother. If one of us is indeed a half match, they are considering a bone marrow transplant with a combination of cord blood and half match from family member. I pray it doesn't come to this, but it is comforting that they are preparing for anything. They are in constant contact with The National Health Institute in Washington D.C. Timmie has several unique factors contributing to the rarity of of her already rare diagnosis. Now my husband, father, and brothers will lay their hands upon her head and confer a blessing upon her. I am grateful for the power of the priesthood and the power of prayer. I feel strength from the prayers being offered in her behalf. Today a wonderful older woman, performing custodial duties in our room, sat down her mop and threw both of her arms around me. She whispered, "I love you" three times as a tear rolled down her cheek. The funny thing is I believed her. She sensed the gravity of the situation and her kindness and compassion allowed her to truly love complete strangers. I will love like this from this day forth.