October 7, 2009 11:15 PM

Perfect!

That's the doctor's word to describe my counts. So I am right on schedule. Because of that, the dosage of my one remaining immuno-suppresant was halved and will be discontinued at the end of the month. Since the drug is also the cause of the elevation in my cholesterol, the Lipitor that I have been taking will be terminated as well. That will cut my medications down to three simple pills and remove $100 a month in prescriptions from my regimen. Allelulia!

But even though things are going so well, the doctor warned that graft vs host disease can still crop up in the months to come. However, the real major hurdle occurs from year 1 to year 2. That's the time that the disease can rear it's ugly head again. Admittedly, every day that goes by without any problems is a good day and gets me closer to the overall goal, but I've still got a long way to go.

What does it translate into in the here and now? Well, not much. The doctor says that limiting crowds, etc. is still my lot in life - especially with flu season on the horizon and my being unable to benefit from any flu shots. It looks like February is still the next goal. Rats!

I think that I mentioned that I wrote a second letter to my donor - but I have yet to hear from him. I'm guessing that he chooses to remain forever anonymous - which is his right!

I do want to mention that we particularly follow my hemoglobin count. The reason being that it was the flag that started this whole process going. At that time, a year ago, it was 6 and change. Since the transplant, it has been slowly creeping up and today it was 11.6 - still not quite normal, but the highest it's ever been in the past year. The depressed value was the sole cause of my breathing issues. Obviously, those issues do not exist today. In truth, though, whose to say when the last time was that my hemoglobin was this high. A year and a half ago? Two years ago? I don't know. But I can truthfully say that I'm feeling better than I have in a long time!

As was stated at the doctor's office, a bone marrow transplant is not the ideal way to partake of the fountain of youth - but it's worked for me!


So, it's been a good day and it gives every indication of leading to many more...

Bob