Released from the transplant team.

Friday, Feb 25th I was officially released from the Bone Marrow Transplant Team and referred back to the care of my Oncologist who I will see on Monday. Will also be off the main steroid drug by next Wed. Still on home IV's for one hour per day so it will be at least another week or two before they pull the central line from chest. I feel great, with basically a clean bill of health! (yet still closely monitored).

Doing much better.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. About 2 weeks ago I finally started having signs of improvement from the stomach virus. I am now back to eating normally and getting daily light exercise. Although I still get tired rather easy. I am down to just about 1-hour daily IV support now. The doctors have also started reducing my Prednisone steroid doses and stopped one other anti-rejection drug (MMF). IF things continue to go smoothly, I'll be off Prednisone in 12 days. This will be a big step as it has been the main drug for the past 4 months that suppresses my immune system (plus various other side effects). I am also on track to finally depart from the transplant team within the next week or two. Then, it will back to my regular oncologist and I should only have to go for a check up once every week or two. I imagine they will be pulling my central line out of my chest here pretty soon also. So, just crossing my fingers the next couple of weeks continue to go smooth. Thanks again to everyone for all of your support and help.

Trying to stay Positive.

Trying to stay positive, but it's tough. I have basically been confined to my bed (or the hospital bed) on IV's for the the past 5 weeks. Hoping this stomach virus get's cleared soon so I can have a better month in February.

Still fighting this stomach virus.

I am still fighting this stomach virus that has me down. I am on IV nutrition 20 hrs per day which gives me the nutrients I need. But, I am still quite weak. Several of my GVHD meds needed to be switch to IV because the pill were going right through me. So, it's a bit tricky and complicated to deal with this. Daily trips to the clinic and managing meds, IV's, sleep, etc. at home is a challenge. Toshiko is incredible how she can help me and manage Tyler all at the same time. Julie and Jackie came and help at the clinic both days this weekend and that was a big help (thanks Jackie & Julie!). My parents are coming also to help tomorrow. Thank you, thank you! And, my good friend & nurse, Kelsey at the clinic has taken care of me the past few days. I am so fortunate to have so many people who care for me.

Eric

In and out of the hospital again.

Last Friday I had flu-like symtoms and ended up in that hospital again for 6 days. They first thought is was a stomach virus, then gut GVHD. Finally, after many tests they concluded yesterday it is NOROVIRUS, a stomach virus. So, they are treating for that now. I came home 2 days ago and going to the clinic each day for insfusions, plus on IV hyrdation and nutrient infusions myself at home. I lost 12 pounds and rather weak, but getting better.

Enthusiasm.

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

Inspiration.

The more difficulties one has to encounter, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.