Update on Cody Birchell
02-01-2002 | 11:26 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green KY USA
Update on Cody Birchell
<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Great News! Cody is finally turning around for the good. He still has graft versus host disease (GVHD) and veinous occlusive disease (VOD) but they are responding to treatment. Both, the doctors say, are pretty bad but since they are responding to treatment they are not worried. It is just all part of the transplant. But the bad thing resulting from GVHD and VOD is still severe nausea and vomiting which could last for a few more weeks. His blood counts are recovering very nicely which means that the new bone marrow is grafting well. The next steps are getting his strength back by getting up and moving more and trying to eat. He has been only on IV nutrients for 3 weeks now. He has started to get cravings and hungry pains but liquids just havn't stayed down yet. A bone marrow aspiration will be done on Feb. 11 to see if any of Cody's cells remain. We hope and pray that all of them are new cells!
Also, the doctor said he is very pleased with his progress, and if things continue as they are, & he can start eating better; then he may get to go from the hospital to an isolation suite @ the Ronald McDonald House in 10-14 days! And, he should be able to go turkey hunting this Spring, if he's strong enough!!!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. All of you have touched our hearts. God bless you all.
Brian
One Shot....One Kill
Great News! Cody is finally turning around for the good. He still has graft versus host disease (GVHD) and veinous occlusive disease (VOD) but they are responding to treatment. Both, the doctors say, are pretty bad but since they are responding to treatment they are not worried. It is just all part of the transplant. But the bad thing resulting from GVHD and VOD is still severe nausea and vomiting which could last for a few more weeks. His blood counts are recovering very nicely which means that the new bone marrow is grafting well. The next steps are getting his strength back by getting up and moving more and trying to eat. He has been only on IV nutrients for 3 weeks now. He has started to get cravings and hungry pains but liquids just havn't stayed down yet. A bone marrow aspiration will be done on Feb. 11 to see if any of Cody's cells remain. We hope and pray that all of them are new cells!
Also, the doctor said he is very pleased with his progress, and if things continue as they are, & he can start eating better; then he may get to go from the hospital to an isolation suite @ the Ronald McDonald House in 10-14 days! And, he should be able to go turkey hunting this Spring, if he's strong enough!!!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. All of you have touched our hearts. God bless you all.
Brian
One Shot....One Kill
02-01-2002 | 12:17 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,820
Likes: 0
From: NY
RE: Update on Cody Birchell
Great news to hear Brian!! I also wanted to mention to the guys that Cody's mom sent a special "Thank You" card to thank the guys for all the E-mails, gifts, and donations for her son. She said that they all came at a perfect time!! A job well done for a future turkey hunting addict!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
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