Day +24:

Well, we were told it was possible that additional in-patient stays would likely be necessary. Today, that became true. For no “bad,” scary reason, Tony's Doctor decided to admit him today. She thinks he'll be in the hospital 'til Friday. This is Tony's “real” doctor, Dr. S. We LOVE her!!

OK, here's the story. We mentioned recently that Tony has mild Graft v Host disease. Well, now it is moderate. Still nothing for alarm. We went for our normal appointment today and learned that Dr. S. is the Doctor for this coming week. She planned on stopping in to see Tony while he was there. The nurse determined that the sores in Tony's mouth are blistering. For the past 2 days, Tony has not wanted much to eat AT ALL and has had little to drink. So, a few hours into the visit, Dr. S. came in. She did a physical exam and spoke to Tony quite a bit and determined that the best place for Tony is in the hospital. She thinks he might have developed GvH in his “gut” and so she wants him to be on IV fluids and IV nutrition. (For you healthcare people out there, that is Total Parenteral Nutrition) (for you non-healthcare people out there what that means is this: All of Tony's liquids and foods will be bypassing his stomach and even his intestines and will be going straight to his veins.) This will give his “gut” a chance to relax. Also, then, Tony will be receiving almost NO medicine orally. Once again, to give his “gut” a chance to take a vacation. The goal with this hospital stay is just to give his body a break so it can focus on healing. We are hoping he will take every opportunity to use the medicine and skills of the nurses to do just that!

As for Mom and I. It is almost a relief because hard as we tried, we were not getting everything he needed into or onto him. Its a fine balance between pestering and caring. Now the Mayo can deal with that balance for a few days.

Thanks again to all for your support, seen and unseen. It means more than you can possibly know.