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

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

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

Morphine is becoming my friend.

The mucositis has been causing quite a bit of pain. But I am learning how to manage it with morphine. I have still been eating and getting up and walking several times per day. Have to push myself sometimes, but generally I am doing good. The doctor said everything is going smooth and all of my counts for organ functions look very good. It's tough, but I am on the road (a long road) to recovery. Endurance and persistance are important so I am keeping up on all the things they suggest I do. I'll be out skiing before I know it!

Eric

The new cells are in me now.

Yesterday, the transplant of the new bone marrow cells finally completed at about 10:00 am. A total of about 9 hours. I was completely exhausted by the time it was finished. It was a tough feeling because I was so tired I couldn't sleep. I have been up all day and night with trips to the bathroom every hour for the past 2 days. However, I have been able to get some sleep in between. They tell me the mucositis should set in in the next couple of days. It is suppose to be rather painful and they will give me morophine. I have had lots of family and friends visit so that is helpful. Just taking one day at a time.

Transplant day.

Today is the big day. Actually, the schedule is that the donor cells will be here about 1:00 am, so technically, tomorrow will be the date of transplant. The cells arrive to the airport at 9:00 pm, then go through processing at SCCA before arriving to my room at the hospital at 1:00 am. I am still feeling pretty good. Looking forward to this evening.

Eric

Last day of Chemo is now done.

Today I finished my last day of Chemo. Still no major side effects. I will have break tomorrow, then the new cells from my donor will be infused on Friday. Everything is moving along smoothy.

Eric