Simon's Mom

Counts were good today. Simon is now officially off steroids. Next week, we will find out how well his counts are able to hold without the steroids, and if the graft versus host will flair again without the steroids. He has been on the steroids this round since mid October, so this is a huge test. If he passes, we are one step closer to being able to move home!

Now that he is off the steroids, his blood pressure should return to normal. We are also hoping to be able to end the Carafate, which he was put on back in November when he developed a bleeding ulcer. That one isn't a tough med, but it is a booger to get his 3 doses in every day. It has to be timed just right with his other meds, either an hour before or two hours after.

We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and for once, it is not the light of an oncoming train!

Simon on steroids. In another couple of months, I will be able to post pictures of Simon without the swollen moon face of steroids. He will always have the stretch marks as a reminder of what the steroids did to him. (While the effects of the steroids are nasty, they also were necessary to keep him alive.)

"The task ahead of you is never a great as the power behind you." This quote is on a shirt of Simon's. It has a picture of a soldier kneeling. Under the soldier is the verse " Be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10. It seemed appropriate.