[Ruth Cuadra]

Hi, Sherry.

Thanks for your response to my post about my 15th BMT anniversary this week. As a kid was I teased about being a "Baby Ruth" (candy bar), but I don't think I've ever been compared to "Babe Ruth"! Wow!

One of the issues that I've been dealing with in the last year or so is a return of my oral GVHD. I had lesions on my tongue like the ones you described but I have never had herpes and haven't been on acyclovir except at the very beginning post-transplant. I was examined by a specialist in oral GVHD at City of Hope and underwent a tongue biopsy to be sure it wasn't some early form of oral cancer. Luckily(!), it was just GVHD. Annnoying and occasional painful, it has been kept under control with Clobetasol gel applied at least once a day and more often as needed.

It was a surprise to be dealing with GVHD again after 10+ years, but when the sores appeared, I recognized them immediately as I've always had a low-grade chronic form of oral GVHD. It also confirmed what I have come to believe and what I've heard from doctors at City of Hope, NIH, and in conversations with other specialists at AA&MDSIF Patient Conferences: GVHD never really goes away. The potential for a flareup is probably always there but the symptoms do tend to lessen as time goes by.

You should, of course, follow up with your doctor. In the meantime, I'm glad the Magic Mouthwash helps you.

Regards,
Ruth