6 Months: Ruxolitinib

Before: Ruxolitinib for cGVHD (Click to see before photos)

The following photos are 6 months after taking Ruxolitinib (Jakavi) for chronic graft versus host disease of the skin, joints and muscles.

Although my skin may not look much different to the eye, the feeling of relief I have received from this drug is amazing. The most significant change happened within the first few weeks then no further improvement for a while.

I have been practicing yoga everyday for the last few months, something I could never even imagine doing before. My skin isn’t as tight and restricting so I’m able to do a variety of poses. My flexibility has improved dramatically. I am able to touch my toes and point them. The pigmentation is almost unchanged but at this point I’ll take whatever I can get. My skin is less red, itchy, shiny and sore.  What my nurse practitioner previously described as “alligator skin” now feels more human like.

One thing I have learned about GVHD of the skin, the sun is now my worst enemy. Long sleeves, cute hats and SPF are a must. With the warmer weather (hopefully) coming soon, I hope to continue to see improvement .