Mike continues to improve all the time. His labs were much better this week and they have taken him OFF the prednasone at last. That is a biggie, as he should find sleeping easier and he hopes his tremors will be better under control. And this should bring some improvement in his blood sugar levels. Let's hope.
He continues on 14 mg of prograf taken in two 7 mg doses, 500 mg cellcept and a bunch of other stuff.
He expects to transition from prograf to rapamune during month 4. They say this should be the better antirejection med for a person with previous hepto cellular carcinoma. They didn't say there was hard research, but the docs in this practice observe that HCC recurs less often in their patients on rapa rather than prograf. The trick will be to balance side effects with this potential benefit. He will have to see how his body reacts to the change.
His liver function tests were improved this week; kidney functions improved as well.
He is drinking more water and getting more exercise...walking mostly, at a more brisk pace for longer time each day. This may be the most significant change he has made in his post transplant regime.
There are many on this site at various stages pre and post transplant and I know I am always keeping an eye on the folks just ahead of Mike in this process...and offer Mike's experience to those just behind.
In early August he will see both an oncologist and a hepatologist to set up follow up regime for the HCC and the Hep C. The transplant surgeon doesn't need to see him until October (unless...shh....praying for not more unlesses).
He is sleeping better, is less grumpy and taking on more responsibility in the household than I ever expected to happen in this lifetime. I had gotten so used to taking care of everything it is with great joy I surrender the Chairman's hat on as many fronts as possible!!! Woo Woo. Hopefully one of us gets out the ladder and quiets the occasionally chirping smoke detector by the front door. The ceiling is vaulted there and so far I haven't gotten my behind up there... I keep thinking he will be up to ladders before long, hopefully before the darn thing starts wailing day and night.
Carol