Comments on: Eat Your Yogurt

By: Hardip and Robert Passananti

Hardip and Robert Passananti — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:06:43 +0000

Chaya and PC,

As a fellow Indian, I can vouch for the benefits of homemade raita and ate it almost everyday growing up. I have very fond memories of my grandma making a fresh batch regularly and having it with most every meal.

Robert and I are following your journey closely and appreciate your posts. This journal and clltopics in general really is the ‘bible’ for CLL patients. Thank you for letting us share in your journey, the candidness of your posts, and for educating the CLL masses. Your efforts are much appreciated.

Best,
Robert and Hardip

By: Blair and Barb

Blair and Barb — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:32:38 +0000

Chaya and PC,
Congratulations on the platelet count going up. We check every day to hear news about ‘Harvey’ and we are sending our vibes for the fevers to end and the appetite to return. Thanks for the post about yogurt. We have been making our own for many years. It has a bit more tang and sometimes comes out a little less solid than commercial yogurt, but you know what is in it when you make it yourself.
Our thoughts are with you. Keep strong, you will get through this. You have lots of friends rooting for you.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:36:58 +0000

I’ve just started reading ‘the patient from hell’ by Stephen Schneider so naturally (lovingly!) my thoughts went to you; the innovative, tenacious, meticulous, generous Venkats. I am thinking and checking daily and sending positive thought to Harvey, Slim, Chaya, and all the family.

By: Cathie

Cathie — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:34:00 +0000

Chaya and Harvey–

I’ve been away from my computer for almost two weeks while vacationing. Good news about the platelets! Bad news about the CMV or whatever is causing the fevers! Thank you for sharing all of it with us so fully. It takes strong people to deal with all this, and both of you are strong!

We do have a beautiful spring in Minneapolis when it finally comes, don’t we?

By: Betty

Betty — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:28:21 +0000

Chaya, Perhaps you might remind Harvey that he is “eating for two”. Sounds as if boy cord Seattle Slim is growing beautifully, and growing boys need all the “groceries” they can get. Hopefully, the Marinol will help turn this corner.
Thank you for your postings and the invaluable information you continue to share.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you both.

By: chaya

chaya — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:51:03 +0000

While the transplant program does not give us a list of do’s and dont’s when it comes to what Harvey may eat, they have the last say on all medications – and that includes supplements like Vitamin D3. No, Harvey does not take any supplements, other than the multivitamin that has been approved by the Investigators.

Maintaining adequate nutrition is a problem. Harvey is going through a period of anorexia, nothing tastes good and he does not want to eat unless and until I nag at him. I am sorry to report he has lost weight in the last month or so, weight that he did not need to lose.

Just in the last couple of days he has been put on a drug called “Marinol”, a semi-synthetic analog of one of the components of marijuana. It is supposed to help with improving appetite, but none of the “fun” side effects of marijuana. We shall see.

As you would expect, Marinol is much more expensive than the weed you can buy at the street corner on most cities. Very strict prescribing restrictions guide the availability of Marinol – unlike the ease with which most teenagers can get the natural form of the same drug.

By: Wayne Wells

Wayne Wells — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:57:34 +0000

Chaya, I’m not sure that shared worry helps Harvey much but thanks for letting us know what’s up even with lack eventful things to share. Speaking of nutrition; does Harvey have a diet that includes supplements like Vitamin D3 etc. and are supplements a good idea this early in the game? Are you his nutritionist or does his hospital care include a diet protocol? I could imagine any hint of GVHD might alter what one could eat.

By: Maddog23

Maddog23 — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:27:50 +0000

Chaya: Thanks for posting. I check everyday and wish the best for you and Harvey.

By: cindy and john dangelo

cindy and john dangelo — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:35:03 +0000

We hope this bump in the road passes quickly! Thank you for the information on probiotics. As always your postings and generousity is appreciated.

By: Beth and John

Beth and John — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:27:10 +0000

Dear Chaya,

I will pray the fevers pass. Other things are going well. I so admire both of you and hope you can go home soon. I know you miss EGCG and your home, Beth