New Treatment

From previous posts we mentioned that I (michelle) have been getting treatments of Rituxan to help raise my blood platelets, but as it turns out it is not working. My levels never went above 23,000 and on Tuesday my platelets dropped again to 11,000. The doctor then said that he wanted to try a new treatment called IVIG ( Intravenous immunoglobulin). The treatment by definintion is given as a plasma protein replacement therapy (IgG) for immune deficient patients which have decreased or abolished antibody production capabilities.

I started the treatment on Wednesday and just had another treatment today. They checked my platelets today and it seems to be doing a much better job then the rituxan I finally went up to 54,000 platelets. I will get my levels checked again next week and then see what happens.

The Doctor also mentioned that I might have to have my spleen removed if the new treatment doesn't work. He told me about the process of the spleen being removed and said it would be an easy surgery that they could do laparoscopically.

So, once again I am in wait mode and have to see what my levels are at on this coming Wednesday to see what is the next step. I'm getting to know the people that draw my blood real well. Anyways once again we will keep everyone posted as to what happens.