We've met with the current dermatologist. He is still vehement and adamant with his position last Friday. He expresses the risks. They are still the same. He's explained how the drug works. It still makes us anxious. He answered our questions. The answers are what we mostly suspected.
Here's the Catch 22. Mom already has a compromised immune system. The drug, while it can pose miraculous results, SUPPRESSES the immune system further. If we were to try the drug, it would be best for mom to be in the hospital, PREFERABLE ICU, due to the MONITORING that she would benefit from. Moved to a room on the floor, she would not get the same quality monitoring. On the flip side, if she moves to a room on the floor that means she is getting BETTER, thus strengthening perhaps, her immune system with antibiotic treatments and more. But, she would not be near the intense monitoring of the ICU.
ARGHhhhh!
Do you see what we have to consider?
As of now, we are considering nothing. We are acquiring information and letting it wash over us. We feel confident that we would not ok the administering of the drug at this point, based off the expertise of moms past Tulane dermatologist. He was not confident to administer it while infection is still in her urine.
Here are the tiers with the doctors concerning the administering of the drug:
Infection in the Blood : Absolute NO to the drug (both doctors)
Infection in the Urine : Tulane Dermatologist-NO Present Dermatologist- Hesitant
Infection in the Wound : Both would still treat her with the wound
Also, here are the tiers of effectiveness with the current psoriasis drugs:
IV Remicade (most risky, most dramatic results, shortest time frame, immune suppressant)
Humira (less risky, could provide great results, immune suppressant)
Embrel (the least effective of the three, mom has tried this one in the past without
significant and long-lasting results)
As I have mentioned, we are letting the information wash over us, helping us to become better informed with the hopes that it helps us make sound decisions. A great person and friend sent an empowering mantra via text days ago that read:
"I am a strong woman and I make sound decisions."
We will rest in that for now.
2 comments:
As I read through your blogs, it really touched my heart and brought me to a serious reality of what really matters. I have an aunt who has struggled with infections in her bloodstream for years. She would be in the hospital for weeks at a time..even months at one time. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and have vividly seen the results of it demonstrated in my life and in the life of those that surround me. Now, that aunt that I speak about has been without infection in her bloodstream or anywhere else in her body for several months now, and we all give God the glory and praise for that. I am so touched by the way that you and your sister are striving to make "sure" steps in many decisions that you are facing and will face in the near future and I am confident that the Lord will direct your path. For ultimately, the will of God is what matters. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and I definitely hope for the best. God bless you.
Thank you so much for taking the time read and keep us in your prayers. We are grateful for all warm thoughts. We will keep your family in our prayers, as well.
Post a Comment