[Marlene]

We've all been in that "panic" mode in the early stages of diagnosis. But it's important not to rush into a treatment until you have a definitive diagnosis. SAA is diagnosed once everything else is eliminated. It probably took about one month for John to get a conclusive diagnosis and he did not have the viral and liver issues your wife has. Viral induced SAA can resolve on its own also.

It is also important to deal with a hospital and doctors who are very familiar with SAA. I think you have better outcomes when you're treated by someone with experience in these matters.

Platelets don't last long so it is not unusual to see them drop again. They don't hold like red cell transfusions.

Many here have set up Caringbridge pages as a way to communicate to friends and family. When John got sick, we held off telling people until we were sure of the diagnosis and his treatment plan.