March 30, 2007

Today is day+57 and it has been a great day. I think the sunshine has really lifted my spirits a lot. My energy and physical stamina hasn’t changed much at all from the last update. That has been disappointing to me. I have always been an active guy but most days I can only get downstairs and sit much, (if not all) of the day on the sofa.

My mind is constantly going like I’ve had 2 pots of strong coffee because of the prednisone. So I’m sitting here with a million ideas bouncing around in my head but my body can’t cash the checks. AARRG. My lowest weight was last week at 196 pounds. Today I was at 202 pounds. That means my absorption is getting better and my protein levels should start slowly replenishing. My protein stores are severely depleted, which greatly affects my energy reserves.

From what the bone marrow transplant team keeps telling me I have several weeks to go before I can expect much of an energy increase. They also say I am making “stellar” progress and that I can’t expect any better results than I’ve had so far. During my lab appointment today, when I was being seen by my nurse practitioner, I was told that I need to keep as active as possible so that my muscles will rebuild as much as possible. I need to stay as healthy as possible so that when the next “bump in the road” happens, I won’t be physically taken down as far.

It is hard for me to believe that my progress is great or that there is another bump coming. On one hand, I am trying not to over anticipate God’s graciousness to me, but on the other hand He has been so gracious thus far I keep anticipating His favor to continue. It has been a fine line of not being over expectant, but celebrating His continued grace.

Again I can’t believe how Barbara has given up her control, freedom, schedule, even life to be my caregiver. She is constantly responsive to me and continues to give beyond anything I can imagine. She is a real trooper.

I just found out that on day+60 I can start being around a few people out of the house as long as they are not sick. I need to not get in close contact, but I can hang out with people again, if my energy level allows. That is really going to be great. I can’t go to church or go to Costco on Saturday when there are a lot of people in close proximity. However, Costco on Wednesday morning when it is not crowded is OK. Also, I can go to restaurants as long as the food and restaurant is clean. No buffets, taco trucks, fresh salads or vegetables. My diet is still limited to ensure that any GvHD will not flare up again.

I hope you all have a great weekend. I plan on taking in some of the Final Four games.

Thanks again for your prayers and for sharing in my journey.