Post # 57 - How are the kidney's doing? Monday March 21st Bill had blood work done locally to see how the kidney functions were doing. The Creatinine came back at 1.6, which is a big improvement from where it was a week ago. His hemoglobin was also better at 8.2. We tracked his fluid input and output the entire week and we were able to see that the output was more than the input. The swelling in the legs and feet were noticeable less. He was no longer retaining fluid. Wednesday March 23rd Bill had his weekly appointment with the transplant doctor. The blood work looked even better on Wednesday - Creatinine is 1.5. Based upon the tremendous improvement in the kidney function levels it was decided that a nephrology consults was not necessary. The doctor was right, the problem was being caused by the medication. By this appointment Bill had lost a few pounds and was down to 122. He continues to get the Jevity 1.2 Cal liquid nutrition each night via the ng tube. Bill continues to take additional water through the ng tube every day. The doctor felt that we could go three weeks to the next appointment since Bill made significant improvement in the kidney functions. He ordered blood work for the following two Wednesday's to be done locally, so the kidney function could be monitored. Since the tacrolimus has been stopped, there have been no signs of GVHD. Wednesday, March 30th blood work was done at Parrish Medical Center, our local hospital. Hemoglobin is up to 8.7, Platelets are 157, WBC is 3.6, Creatinine is down to 1.3 All of his blood work looks really good. Bill has continued to loss additional weight. He is now down to 119 pounds. In addition to the Jevity 1.2 cal each night via the ng tube, Bill is eating regular food through out the day. He is eating as much as he can, which is limited. His tongue is still showing mild effects from the fungus, which destroys his taste buds. We have tried everything from his favorite foods, to donuts, ice cream, pizza, cheeses, carnation instant breakfast, macaroni and cheese, tortellini, clam chowder, friend chicken sandwiches, carrot cake and many more. He eats what he can. Friday April fools day, I mean April 1st is day 143 post transplant. Another 40 days and we can talk with the Dr. about bring Tweedy home. We miss having him in the house with us. The week-end went well. Bill does not leave the house much. We did manage to get out to the store to food shop on Sunday evening. We like to go late in the evening so there won't be to many people in the store. Bill is maintaining a weight of 119. This Wednesday Bill has blood work at Parrish Medical Center and then our next appointment at Moffitt is on April 13th.