06/16/20 – Yesterday I had my 6 month check up with the
transplant team at the John Theurer Cancer Center. I met with my AVN
extraordinaire, Melissa Baker. She was happy to report that all my counts are
just great. She even mentioned that it’s safe to say that when it comes to MDS
we could look at it as a thing of the past. Although we didn’t run
any tests, she said she would bet that if I had a bone marrow biopsy it would
come back clear.
To add to the good news, she said that I will
not need another follow up visit with anyone from transplant for another year.
“You are at the point where your visits here are social visits.” Of course,
that was fantastic to hear.
This did led us to chat about living through this
COVID19 pandemic and the importance of being careful, exercising social
distancing and that I should wear a mask and those around me should wear them
as well. It’s interesting how people who have gone through cancer treatment and
stem cell transplants know full well the why we need to wear masks. I often kid
that I have a PHD in mask wearing. Masks are not for our own protection; they
are for the protection of the people around us.
I had a recent conversation with a friend who
was insistent that he could go anywhere he wanted to and that he didn’t need to
wear a mask. He said he wasn’t afraid of getting COVID19 and that he did not
think the mask helps him in any way. I countered his comment with “you’re not
wearing your mask for you, you’re wearing it for me. How bad would you feel if
I caught the virus from you?” He conceded that it would make him feel terrible.
So, my point… be safe, be mindful of others, social distance and wear a mask.
My guess is the corona virus will be with us for a while before we have a
handle on it.
As far as what’s next for me… I have my annual
scans in October. I am confident that all will continue to be great for me.
I am wishing you all the best as we navigate
through this pandemic. Here is a link to a fabulous new song by NEEDTOBREATHE.
It’s appropriately called “Survival” Enjoy!!!
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one
another, love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous.
1 Peter 3:8
More to come…
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