August 26, 2009 10:15 PM

"Remarkably normal!"

Those were the doctor's words this morning when he first looked at my counts. If he knew more about me, he wouldn't be so prone to calling me "normal". The bulk of the short meeting with the doctor was spent on idle chit-chat. However, my monthly immuno-suppressant weaning continued(as I thought it might) when the doctor told me to stop taking the pro-graf. So I am now down to 1 immuno-suppressant which should be halved in October and then discontined in November. The beat goes on!!! Unfortunately, the drug that I am still taking is the one that contributes to raising your cholesterol level so I have to remain on Lipitor for the next 2 months anyway. With my low dosage of Lipitor, it's currently 174 - so I am doing OK.

The doctor always does a check of my mouth looking for evidence of graft vs host disease(finding none) and asks me a few questions regarding possible other symptoms of the disease. When I always answer no to each question, he is quick to say that I have to be ever vigilant about looking for such things. So far, so good - nothing has ever surfaced. But, of course, he always states that we are not out of the woods yet - and, in truth, he is right.

Frequently, when we visit the clinic, I run into a fellow who had his transplant 12 days before me - and today was no exception. When I asked how he was doing, he responded that he was frequently tired, has had some eye problems, and his legs were weak and he had to go for frequent walks. I must admit that I have not gone for a lot of walks, but I have been doing all kinds of projects around the house that are probably much more strenuous than any walking might be. I am not tired, have suffered no eye issues, and my legs don't bother me. Needless to say, I have been extremely fortunate to be further along in my recovery than he appears to be.

As I mentioned the other day, with my new found desire to eat, I thought that I might have gained a few pounds - and I was right. Three to be exact! But, more importantly, my blood pressure still remains low - 132 over 66! So good health seems to be at hand.

A lot of good stuff today - I am so grateful to you all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. This run has been both "amazing" and "remarkable" to use the doctor's words.

I'll gladly take it...

Bob