June 24, 2007

Well, its day+147. That number will get confusing in 5-6 weeks. Right now it is the number of days after my stem cell transplant. In 5-6 weeks I’ll have another transplant so I don’t know if the “+” days follow the first or second transplant.

Here is a snapshot of me in my hospital bed. It isn’t flattering, but there isn’t much to work with.

The treatment plan is to get me home for a short while. Then I’ll come back in for conditional chemo. After the conditioning chemo I’ll get another transplant from the same donor. This transplant will contain fewer T cells and mostly leukocytes, the most aggressive white blood cells.

The leukocytes will add extra strength in the Donor verses Leukemia Effect (DvLE). They should eradicate any remaining leukemia cells in my marrow. The down side of added leukocytes is that they also intensify the Donor verses Host Disease (DvHD). However, I’ve had 147 days to change from my immune system to the donor’s system so GvHD is not as much of an issue. As you can imagine, this whole process is a delicate balancing act.

I’m still at a 40% chance of being cancer free in 3-5 years. After five years I would be considered to be in complete remission. Apparently getting two transplants is not that uncommon, so the odds come from actual cases, not best guess.

I’m finally feeling better after the chemo. God has spared me from mouth sores and many other side effects I could be experiencing. That is such a blessing. My white cell counts have not raised from the bottom (<100). The doctors assume that the white counts will be where I can go home at day 21-24 after chemo which is July 2-5. I’m hoping I get out early. I just love fireworks and seeing all of the stuff blowing up around our house.

I can’t tell you all how much I appreciate your prayers. Thank you from the depths of my being. Please continue to pray for God’s will. It will be interesting to see what His will is for me. So far, the journey has been hard and long. I look forward to relief from all of this medical stuff.