August 21, 2007

Today is August 21, 2007. I’ve been here in OHSU since August 2nd. The first week was a week of waiting, instead of getting chemo as previously planned. Looking back I’m glad they waited a week because I was really weak and needed the time to rebuild.

I started chemo the second week after all of the oncology doctors met to decide how I should be treated. I was planning on a leukocyte transplant from the same donor as the first transplant. However, the reason for the second transplant is to add to the donor immune system. This would result in an elevated dose of Graft verses Host Disease (GvHD) and also elevate the Graft verses Leukemia Effect. Doctors monitor the GvHD which is an indicator of how much Graft verses Leukemia Effect is present.

When I came here on the 2nd the doctors performed a scope and biopsies of my stomach. The biopsies showed I had a good case of GvHD. By giving me the second transplant there is a concern that I will have too much GvHD and that could be life threatening. The donor is on call if I need the transplant, but as for now I don’t need it.

I have been receiving TPN, a type of IV nutrition. It really helps. I’ve been able to walk 2 laps through the 5C wing. That is a huge improvement over where I was. I feel a lot stronger and my outlook has improved a great deal too.

I will probably be here another two weeks, until my blood counts rise after the chemo. I could go home earlier but Barbara would have to bring me here every day or two during rush hour. There is also the possibility of infections.

Thanks for your prayers.