June 1, 2009 10:25 PM

Not much to talk about today. But, I did receive some information the National Marrow Donor Program. It was the first of 6 issues of a periodical entitled "Living Now - A guide to life after transplant". It's intent is to address various aspects of life after transplant, from 3 months after transplant, to two years, and beyond. It does set the stage for the entire recovery process by stating up front that "Recovery generally takes longer than treatment. If you have been looking forward to 'getting back to normal' soon after transplant, you may be disappointed." I can certainly attest to that. I'm not necessarily disappointed, but it is frustrating that your life is so restricted.

It goes through all the possible side effects of graft vs host disease(GVHD), dietary concerns, how to keep yourself in good health, how to handle your medications, and the mental iisues that go with having contracted such a serious disease as leukemia.

Having been so upbeat from the beginning, it is hard for me to relate to the comments that are made about being down on yourself and expressing feelings of hopelessness and dispair. The same goes for all the side effects that GVHD can generate. According to the periodical, there are 2 types - acute which occurs during the first 100 days and chronic which can occur any time thereafter. Obviously, the time for acute has come and gone and, so far, there have been no signs of the chronic. It's supposedly a 50/50 shot whether or not you suffer any GVHD side effects.

But that's only part of the battle. They start listing all of the side effects from your medications - both physical and mental. Here again, I have seemed to escape these as well.

About the only thing that applies is the advice for protecting your health - the no crowds, the eating suggestions, and keeping out of the sun.

It's a big boost to see that other people seem to have to deal with many issues that I have avoided. I don't wish any harm to anyone, but knowing that I have come through this so well up to this point is a real blessing.

About the only comment that struck a chord with me was that those patients who experience some sort of GVHD have a lower risk of cancer returning than those who do not develop GVHD. No numbers are given, so I have no idea what that means. I think that the doctors expect something to occur during this weaning period. But given the fact that I was taking a lower dose of my drugs for almost 2/3rds of the 100 day period - I would find that unlikely to happen.

In any case, as I said before, my faith has prepared me for any eventuality and I'll deal with whatever happens when it happens.

Let's all remain upbeat...

Bob