November 21, 2006

Well it doesn’t seem like it but today is the 194th day of dealing with my leukemia since the blast crisis began last May. In a lot of ways it has been life changing. I have not been able to work routinely, my physical and mental health has gone up and down with the varying treatments and my dependency on God’s grace, joy and strength has been deepened immensely.

Thank you so much for going on the journey with me. Your prayers, supportive comments, visits and/or cards have really lifted me.

Since my chemotherapy 3 weeks ago, my blood counts are coming back up and the leukemia is seemingly in remission. The leukemia being in remission is crucial to getting the stem cell transplant. Yesterday I had another bone marrow biopsy that will confirm remission and keep the clock ticking for my transplant.

If everything continues to go well, I will be checking into OHSU on December 2nd to prepare with chemotherapy and full body irradiation for the stem cell transplant. I will receive the donor stem cells on December 8th. These dates have been confirmed and were scheduled because December 7th is the first date available at the stem cell collection facility where the donor lives (I think he is in Great Brittan somewhere).

It is interesting that a courier will be waiting at the collection facility to hand carry the stem cells in a small cooler by taxi, on various airplanes and by another taxi in Portland. He will deliver the cooler directly into the doctor’s hands at OHSU. Flights, backup flights and alternate routes have been setup before hand in ensure that the stem cells make the trip in a timely fashion. There is a 24 hour time limit from when the stem cells leave the donor until they must be transfused into me.

Every doctor visit Barbara and I find out more about what to expect and what the transplant process will require me will go through. The first 100 days (or more) after the transplant are critical. I will be in the hospital at least 28 days and probably more. After I’m out of the hospital I will be going to OHSU from 3-6 days a week for the next few months to receive anti-rejection and other medications. Each transplant recipient reacts differently to the transplant process and there are only some wide guidelines for recovery because of such varied reactions.

I know that you are very busy and this is a busy time of the year. However, I am hoping you will continue to pray for me. God has been very close to me during this journey and I’m confident your prayers have contributed to His closeness. Thank you again.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving this year and that the relationships with your family and friends are the best ever.