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plqc,
As you noted, it's too early to say if your mom's ATG treatment has worked. I'm surprised that her doctor would make predictions this soon after the treatment. I don't know whether or not her higher WBC is a sign that the other counts will recover as well, but it's certainly good that she no longer has a white cell count that's so dangerously low, since susceptibility to infection is one of the more risky aspects of SAA.
Many patients have reactions during ATG that fade after the treatment is over. Some side effects (e.g., rashes) are common, although "normal" might not be the right word for it. If your mom's symptoms seem to be disappearing then they may be leftover from the ATG and you won't have to worry about them much longer. Remaining symptoms could instead be from her continuing low counts or even side effects of the transfusions. They sound annoying but not life-threatening, and the doctor may be able to recommend ways to treat them symptomatically while you give the ATG time to work.
I'm sure there are differences in treatment approaches and medical care in general in China compared with what we're used to in the West. Some is cultural, reflecting the history and traditions of medical care, and some results from statistical differences in disease prevalence and treatment experience in different patient populations around the world. Aplastic anemia is 2 to 3 three times more common in Asian countries than in the U.S. and Europe.
I can only imagine how difficult it is for you to be so far from your mother while she's battling aplastic anemia. Will you be able to go to China to see her and help her in person?
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