Monday, October 25, 2010

Complete Remission!

The results of the bone marrow test came back today and showed "no evidence of previously diagnosed Leukemia". This is the best news. This proves the transplant was successful. It was pretty emotional for me because for 10 months there has always be some very small % show when they did that test. There will be 3 more bone marrow test over the next 60 days to check and make sure it is still working. I still have lot of recovery and other issues to work out over the next 2 months. I tested positive for Graft vs. Host Desease (GVHD). It's mainly rashes on my hands and arms. My hands are swollen and with lots of bumps making it difficult and painful to do simple tasks like opening a bottle of water. They started me on Steroids to clear this up. They said some GVHD is good because it helps fight off any possible residual desease.

Thank you very much to everyone. I am overwhelmed with the amount of support from so many family and friends. I feel incredible loved by so many.

Eric

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Bone marrow test tomorrow.

Well, it's already been 27 days since the donor cells were transplanted into me. So, tomorrow I will have the first of 4 bone marrow aspirations to test and see how well the engraftment is working and also to check if there are any remaining residual deseased cells. The doctors today said all of my blood test show all of my organs are working strong and normally and my blood counts are very good. They said I am doing quite well. I do have some mild skin rashes on my arms that could be some mild GVHD (graft vs host desease). It is expected that I will get some GVHD at some point, and this is good because it helps fight off any possible remaining bad cells.
I am still rather weak and tired most of the time. For example; I get up and walk for 15 minutes, then need to take a nap for an hour. But I am feeling better each day. I am on IV fluids at home all day that I administer myself with a pump they gave me.

Eric

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Happy Birthday!

Today is my birthday. I am feeling better each day. I had a nice day. After my appointments at the clinic, I had several visitors. It was great to see and talk with everyone. I couldn't do this without all of the loving support I have from so many family and friends. My parents have been especially great - basically waiting on me hand and foot all day. I am still feeling quite weak and moving slow, but my blood count are all moving up quite well every day and this makes me feel better each day. Next, I have appointments for tests and procedures every day this week starting tomorrow. Things are going good.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Out of the hospital now.

Yesterday I was discharged from the hospital. My counts are steadily rising and the doctors said everything else looks fine. So, they decided to discharge me early since there is less change for receiving an infection at home than at the hospital. This is all good news, yet is it quite a challenge because I still feel very week. I am walking quite slow and eating a bit more now. I had clinic visits today and will have more every day for a while. The support I am getting from all of my family is just amazing. I am fortunate.

Eric

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Got Cells?

Today the blood test finally showed my new white blood cells are starting to engraft! WBC today is 0.110 with Neutrophil count of 0.060. These should now start a steady incline which usually replicate fast. The best thing is I will feel better each as these counts continue to climb. The Neutrophil count needs to increase to safe level of 0.500 and I should then be OK to home (possibly next week). I am still rather weak so am working on eating and walking more.

Eric

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

I am hanging in there.

This is very tough, but everything is going well. The Doctors say everything looks good and going as planned. Still lots of pain with the mucositis. I am still eating and walking each day. I should start feeling better as soon as the WBC's start coming in which should be within the next 7 days or so.

Eric