Graft vs. Host Disease

On April 15, 2010 Steve was released from the hospital and joyously came home. He had at the time a level one of "graft vs. host disease" (GVHD) due to his body cells fighting the donor's blood cells. This is a natural reaction to a stem cell transplant, and caused a red measle-like rash over Steve's whole body. However, after four days at home, the GVHD worsened to a level 2 or 3 (of a possible 4) and Steve had to be re-admitted to the hospital.

The rash became a solid red/purple over most of Steve's body, and it was burning his skin from inside the cells-out. It caused so much pain on the bottom of Steve's feet and palms of his hands that he could hardly walk for about 7 days. While in the hospital Steve was sent to Huntsman Cancer Hospital twice a week for a special treatment called photopheresis to try and balance out his white blood cells from this extreme reaction.

Finally on April 25, the rash began to let up a little, especially on Steve's feet and hands. Much of Steve's skin is blistered and peeling all over in big areas, sometimes leaving new raw skin exposed. Steve's face is returning to pink, instead of bright red!

Steve has shown a lot of patience and strong resilience in a long and challenging ordeal. He is cheerfully waiting to be put back on real food, hopefully tomorrow, instead of IV nutrition. He (and we also) are so thankful he is really starting to mend.

Engraftment!!

Steve's ANC number (a combination count of his white blood cells) hit the goal of 500 today--that is when his stem cell transplant is considered to have "engrafted" if it remains at that count in the following days. This means that those stem cells from his donor have found their way into the cavities of Steve's bones and are producing new marrow and white blood cells. The doctors are surprised that this has happened so early-this is the early end of the scale. We are thrilled and so grateful, as is Steve. Thank you, thank you for your prayers and faith in Steve's behalf.

Now Steve is just working toward being able to eat without IV nutrition and getting his strength back. He will keep getting stronger and stronger as the days go by. The doctors will be telling him how soon he can be released to go home, as they watch his progress over the next few days.

500 Origami Cranes

Following a beautiful Japanese tradition, the Young Single Adults from Steve's Stake sent him a wonderful gift of healing and hope by folding 500 paper Origami Cranes and sending them to Steve's hospital room. The cranes are beautiful and will be a keepsake for Steve long after he is well.

More importantly, the Young Single Adults held a special fast for Steve and Michael Hurst on March 28. Steve was very grateful for their faith and strength in helping him get through this sickness.