Victoria's BMT Journey to Cure: Atopic Dermatitis

Day +356 Dermatologist appointment
Day + 349 Clinic day

Recap on clinic visit on October 16th

WBC: 4.65
HGB: 10.9
Platelet: 213
2nd flu shot and pentamidine aerosol done
Continue current cyclosporine dose (0.5 mL every 12 hours)
Continue current topical ointment regimen and Atarax for itching
Dermatology referral : Thank goodness for Dr. Chiang's referral to the Emory Dermatologist. (I'm highly appreciative of his honesty by admitting he wasn't quite sure what is causing the change of Viki's skin texture.) I'm glad that they finally let me take Viki to the skin specialist.

Other than the skin issues, Viki has been very content and playful which I'm greatly thankful for.

Here are some of pictures of what she's been up to in the past two months.

Enjoying her first pizza since the transplant

So excited about losing her first tooth

Recap on dermatologist visit on October 23rd

Dermatologist, Dr. Lawley's diagnosis: Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema: Thank God again, it is not chronic skin GVHD!!! (BMT drs were all WRONG.)
She thinks it is quite possible that Viki might have inherited the eczema from her donor (who really knows???) but, if it is true then, it was concealed while she was on cyclosporine. The eczema is revealing itself now that we are weaning down on her cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is also known for use for treatment of severe eczema (which explains her condition).
The Dr. doesn't believe that a skin biopsy is needed at this point and prescribed a topical ointment which contains cyclosporine for itching and redness of the skin.
Doctor suggests that we stop using Aquaphor and Eucerin products. Both contain lanolin alcohol in which eczema patients can experience allergic reaction. Instead, regular vaseline or Cetaphil products were recommended.
As for the change of skin texture (they call it a "goose skin" or "leathery skin"), there is no such magical treatment for it but, it may go away over time.

I felt relieved that we sort of figured out the source of this skin problem but, I still don't like this "unknown" feeling. I wished that the BMT doctors could have let me take Viki to Dr. Lawley much sooner but, I'm grateful for what we found out today.

Pictures taken the night before the dermatologist appointment

Dr. Lawley's office at Emory Healthcare

OMG, this cream costs $179 and it works like magic. (As a matter of the fact, Dr Lawley originally prescribed another ointment called Protopic but, our insurance denied it due to age restriction. It was for 16 and over. It took another day to get this Elidel cream approved.)