Saturday May 23, 2009

We went back to Dallas last night to be with Christi overnight. She was still having some nausea and discomfort with her back and esophagus, both chem related we think. We stayed overnight and have returned home to the lake today. She was feeling well enough that she does not need anyone with her at this point. The nurses and doctors are taking good care of her needs.

They gave her a weak chemo treatment which is supposed to reduce the effect of the "graft versus host disease" which is common when the donor's DNA does not perfectly match Christi's DNA. This has been a part of the treatment plan since the stem cell infusion. This will be repeated on days +4 and +6.

The doctors have told her that she should not eat any solid food until they can get her platelet count up. This should reduce the nausea and prevent straining which could cause hemorraging. She is drinking Gatorade and water to keep hydrated, and was given a bag of whole blood and another of platelets today.

They are encouraging her to walk as much as possible, and this morning she walked to and from the family waiting room which is quite a way down the hall. She made that fine, but was a little tired and glad to get back in bed just before we left.

Doctor Fay says she is doing very well, and is pleased with her progress and condition at this point. We are certain that God is watching over Christi, and has His hand upon her through this whole process. We look forward to engraftment of the stem cells which should take place within the next one to three weeks.

Posted by Layton & Melba Holt, Christi's parents.