July 12, 2007

Its day +161 and I’ve been home from the hospital for 6 days now. What a blessing. I’m eating better and feeling a little stronger. Being at home is a night and day difference from being in the hospital.

My counts are doing great. They continue to get better each lab. On Monday I’ll get another bone marrow biopsy to assess the condition of my marrow. If the marrow is still clear of blast cells, then that will be a great sign. If the leukemia is present that would mean my chances of the upcoming transplant eradicating the leukemia are slim. This is a crucial test and I’m hoping for clear marrow. Only God knows what the outcome will be. Even though I have my preference, I hope I’m trusting God to be in control.

The process and timing of my future treatment is that I’ll check in on August 7th or 8th for a round of conditioning chemo. (Round of chemo – makes it sound like I’m stopping in at happy hour for a quick drink.) The donor is being worked up now with the collection date of August 14-15. I will receive the transplant on August 15th. After the transplant is more hospital time until my counts rise again.

Time, on one hand, inches by each day. However, I can’t believe it has already been 6 days since I came home. We are so blessing to have a home when many families don’t.

My being home has been such a relief for Barbara. We still go to OHSU 2-3 times a week for labs. However, being at the hospital every day was very hard on her. Perhaps my weakened condition added to her stress. Barbara has been a real saint as far as her being my caretaker. She is wonderful.

I again am trying to express my thanks for your prayers and friendship. Words just can’t express my feelings. Please continue to pray for God’s will in my situation.