May 1, 2007

It is day+89 today. Twelve days until I can celebrate day+100. Yesterday I had my first bone marrow biopsy since the transplant. That wasn’t fun this time. The doctor had a problem with a blood clot forming at the first location so he had to bore a second hole after trying a few times unsuccessfully to aspirate a sample. OUCH!! Oh well, can’t win them all.

What we want to see from this biopsy is over 95% of the donor T cells and less than 5% of mine. These numbers mean that the transplant is progressing at the best possible rate. We also want to see no signs of leukemia in the marrow. Another test called a PCR test is being performed. The PCR test shows a cancer cell marker in the blood at levels far below any other test. We could see that there is still some of the marker of leukemia left. In fact, it could take up to a year to have the marker completely go away. All of the test results will hopefully be back in two weeks.

My strength is still an issue. The prednisone is keeping my muscles pretty weak. If I get up and do something requiring too much energy one day, I will have to just sit and/or lie around for the next couple of days to feel better. Its one step forward and two steps back as they say. But you know, I can’t complain. I am getting a little bit stronger than 3-4 weeks ago.

I just need to remember that it’s not about me. Everyone has issues. Mine aren’t worse, just different. I also need to remember who is in control anyway as it says in 1 Peter 2:21-25 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Thanks again for your prayers. I would appreciate prayers for good test results, if that’s God’s will.