April 2013 Bob DeWaay Health Update

Here is the latest update from my Mom regarding my Dad's health:

Please pray for Bob DeWaay. His inflammation levels remain high and his white count is too high indicating that his immune system is too strong. They are increasing the prednisone to 15 mg and the Cytoxan back to 100 mg, which is where he first started.

On Monday he will be starting a new treatment. They will be using the drug ATG, which is Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) — a drug that targets a type of white blood cell called T cells. T cells are an important part of the immune system. T cells direct the rest of the immune system when to attack foreign cells such those that cause infection. They also help in the attack. This drug is the one that is used for transplant patients who are rejecting their transplanted organs. It is a very powerful immunosuppressive therapy.

I know this is a lot of information, but there has been a lot of confusion as to why they are wiping out his immune system. Bob has an auto immune disease called Churg Strauss Syndrome. His own immune system is attacking organs and most important his baby red blood cells. His body makes them everyday but his immune system destroys them. None survive so he can't make his own supply of blood.  This treatment is based on the widely accepted theory that the red blood cell aplasia is a result of the immune system attacking the bone marrow. The treatment weakens the immune system's response and allows the marrow to make more blood cells. It will be given by infusion and he will have to have it done in the hospital for at least the first 3 days. If he has no major reactions or side affects he can have the remaining 7 doses on an outpatient basis. This will be give for 10 days in a row starting this coming Monday April 22nd.

Please pray the drug would be effective, with few side affects and that it would work well enough so that he would be able to make his own blood supply, thus not having to have blood transfusions every 6 to 10 days.

Thank you so much for praying. God is sovereign, we totally trust Him and are so thankful for all of you who are praying and encouraging us.

PLEASE read the update to this post HERE.