Friday, February 21, 2014

Day +86

2/21/14 – I received that results of my scans today and all is clear. YES!!! Also, all my counts were good. Based I these good results I no longer need to take Fluconozole. In addition we are able to reduce the doses I take of Prograf and Ursodiol. Everything is defiantly moving in the right direction for me.

Another piece of good news was that my check-up appointments will go from weekly to every other week. This is a huge blessing being we are having such a terrible winter. The clearing of the driveway and driving in the bad weather has certainly been a challenge. Unfortunately because I am not allowed to be out in the cool for extended periods of time and I am not supposed to be exerting myself, the snow clean-up has fallen on my wonderful wife. There have been neighbors and friends who have helped, which we are very thankful for.

Going forward the biggest concern my doctors have seems to be about me staying clear of sick people. Sure it is now OK for me to start to venture out when the situations are controlled but with it still being flu season I still have to be very careful.

My next appointment at the Cancer Center is Thursday, March 6th.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17

More to come…


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Day +77

2/12/14 – I had my weekly check-up yesterday and my counts continue to be very promising. The only thing that has caused me some minor discomfort is that I have developed phlebitis in my left arm. I guess you can only use a vein so many times for drawing blood, infusions, CT Scans, etc… before it gets mad and starts to scream at you. I have been putting on hot compresses and started taking an antibiotic called Kaphlex to treat this. This gets added to all my daily medications which includes: Prograf, Penicillin V Potassium, Fluconazole, Valtrex, Bactrim, Folic Acid, Ursodiol, Magnesium plus Protein, Compazine (taken as needed), and Crestor. Thanks to my wife Sue who makes sure I take the right meds at the right times.

Yesterday I also was given the second half of my IVIG infusion. I seem to have handled this well again. Sitting in the infusion room I realized just how lucky I am. So many people have bad reactions to infusions.

With me being more than three quarters to the magic day 100, I am very much looking forward to getting my life back on track. Saying this, I do have some big things coming up before that. I have my first set of scans since the stem cell transplant. This is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19th. We also are planning to start adjusting the doses of medication I am given to see if it brings on any signs of Graft to Host Disease. It is my understanding that we want to see a little bit of it but we certainly do not want me to get a bad case of it.

I am just so blessed with how well things have gone for me so far and I am so very thankful for all the support I have received from my family and friends. Especially a huge THANK YOU to my wife Sue, who has been there every moment of this journey with me.

I would like to wish a Very Happy Valentine’s Day to my wonderful wife.

My next appointment at the Cancer Center is Tuesday, February 18th.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 107:1

More to come…


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Day +70

2/5/14 – Yesterday I had my weekly check-up and my counts continue to look good. Also, there are no longer any signs of me having CMV, so I no longer need to take medication for that, which is GREAT News!

In addition I was given the first half of my IVIG infusion. I seem to have handled that very well. I will get the remaining dose at my next appointment on Tuesday, February 11th.

With Day 100 just a month away, I am beginning to get excited about getting things back to “normal”. At least as normal as a MCL survivor with a stem cell transplant can be. 
In truth, maybe I am being challenged to be set apart and not normal. I guess it is some to think about.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2

More to come…