February 25, 2026

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Marlon was just seen again at sick kids.  His mouth has only been getting worse for the past while.  They keep trying the same drugs and it isn't helping.  Eating and drinking is so uncomfortable and painful that at times he just doesn't.  If he does eat, he takes a heavy duty painkiller.

The primary doctor has decided he has chronic GVHD of the mouth.

What this means to him right now is that he is back on steroids.

I am relieved to have a diagnosis and a plan of action.

It is very frustrating to know that something is wrong but not know what to do about it.  I have been stepping up the probiotics to help address the candida but now can understand why it wasn't helping.

The new course of treatment will take about 6-8 weeks but the hope is that after this it will not come back.  The good part is that his organs and joints do not seem to be affected as can sometimes be the case. 

On the 18th Marlon had his 16th birthday.  School buses were cancelled that day because of snow and freezing rain.  He walked to school as usual but I picked him up to take him for an appointment with an infectious disease doctor at McMaster.  He was pretty upset to have an appointment on his birthday. They called just as we were about to start driving down and made arrangements to have a virtual appointment instead of in person.

He had his phone appointment and was able to go write his G1 test right after.


Last year's flowers poking through the snow.  Spring is on its way. While we definitely had a full throttle winter this year, I have grown to appreciate the season.  The dogs, the beauty of the area, and a walking friend have helped with that.

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