Day +57

1/23/14 – I had my normal visit on Tuesday, January 21 and all my counts were looking good except that my immune system was a little low. We have these things called “GA” levels and apparently mine are lower than they should be. To address this on my next appointment on Tuesday, January 28^th I will receive an IVIG infusion. I had this once before back in 2010. It is a blood infusion that gives a boost to the immune system. Here are some details about an IVIG:

• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a blood product administered intravenously. It contains the pooled IgG (immunoglobulin (antibody) G) extracted from the plasma of over one thousand blood donors. IVIG's effects last between 2 weeks and 3 months. It is mainly used as treatment in three major categories:
• Immune deficiencies such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia (primary immune deficiencies), and acquired compromised immunity conditions (secondary immune deficiencies) featuring low antibody levels.
• Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
• Acute infections.

Last time I had this I only needed to be infused once to get things back to normal. I guess time will tell if that will be all I need this time.

Even with the need for the IVIG, I am feeling good.

My next appointment at the Cancer Center is Tuesday, January 28^st.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Day +50

1/16/14 – Could it be that 50 days have a passed since my stem cell transplant? It sure has.

Here I sit, feeling pretty well, my counts are doing great, my creatinine level is moving in the right direction (last check it was 1.5) and the counts for virus known as CMV is also improving. On top of that I have had no evidence of any graft versus host disease.  At this point I must say things are looking pretty good for me. In speaking with my doctors and nurses, the main concern I face is germs, bacteria and sick people in general. Based on this I still need to be very careful. I have come so far that it would make no sense to risk venturing out and exposing me to these things that could bring me harm.

There is the 100 day mark, which is often referred to as being a huge milestone for stem cell transplant patients, where I can start pulling back on some of my self-imposed limitations. In speaking to my doctors they feel that at that time we could start to consider when I can begin resuming some of my life… like working, going to church, eating out at restaurants, hanging out with friends… but I do not want to get ahead of myself being I still have 50 days to go and who knows what I may encounter between now and then?

I won’t lie to you; I am getting a little antsy and would love to get back to life as usual… if there really is such a thing. I know that I must be patient at this time so in the meantime I will read, play my guitar, watch movies, blog, communicate with friends and, most importantly, avoid getting sick over the next 50 days.

My next appointment at the Cancer Center is Tuesday, January 21^st.

so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

Colossians 1:10-12

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Day +41

1/7/14 – Good news…  my Creatinine level came down a little. It is now 1.7. I did get IV fluids yesterday but I was able to avoid getting a PICC line for now.

At yesterday’s appointment I also learned that I have tested positive for a virus known as CMV. Here is a little info on CMV:

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the herpesviruses. This group of viruses includes the herpes simplex viruses, varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles), and Epstein-Barr virus (which causes infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono). CMV is a common infection that is usually harmless. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life. Among every 100 adults in the United States, 50–80 are infected with CMV by the time they are 40 years old. Most healthy children and adults infected with CMV have no symptoms and may not even know that they have been infected. Others may develop a mild illness when they get infected and have the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen glands. But since these are also symptoms of other illnesses, most people don't realize that they have been infected with CMV.

 I have been put on an antibiotic to address this virus.

Another piece of interesting information I learned yesterday is that as of the last test my system is now 53% of the donor’s. This is a sign that my immune system is headed in the right direction.

 My next appointment at the Cancer Center is Thursday, January 9^th.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Day +38

1/4/14 – It appears that controlling my Creatinine level will take more than me drinking massive quantities of water. The results from yesterday’s check-up have my counts going in the wrong direction. My meds have been adjusted and hopefully that will help puts thing in the right direction but I was told that if that doesn't work I will need to start getting IV fluids at home. This would mean that I would need a PICC line installed. Getting a PICC line has always been something that was a possibility in the case that I needed to address any challenges that may come my way in the course of my post stem cell transplant. I am certainly willing to do whatever my medical professionals prescribe.

So you may be wondering exactly what is Creatinine and why it is an issue?

Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine phosphate in muscle, and is usually produced at a fairly constant rate by the body (depending on muscle mass). It is measured in mg/dl. The normal range falls within 0.3 to 1.5 mg/dl. My latest test returned a Creatinine level of 2.0. This level is significant because it is an important indicator of renal health/kidney function.

Other than my Creatinine levels I am feeling well

My next appointment at the Cancer Center is Monday, January 6^th.

The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:14

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year

12/31/13 – I was recently posed a question in a book I was reading.

“What do you think is bigger, your disease or God?”

Of course, God is infinite; there is nothing that comes close to God.

The author followed up saying; if you believe in God… and you believe that all things are possible with God… than at anytime God can heal you. 

I processed that for a short while and I couldn't agree with it more.

I think that is such a grand thought and I wanted to leave it with you as we approach the New Year.  

I also wanted to thank everyone for all their support and wish you a Very Happy, Healthy New Year to you and your families.

Below is a YouTube link to a song called “What Faith Can Do.” Give it a listen, I think it truly fits well with our grand thought of the day. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NreUhPk9s9Y

What Faith Can Do

Everybody falls sometimes

Gotta find the strength to rise

From the ashes and make a new beginning

Anyone can feel the ache

You think it’s more than you can take

But you are stronger, stronger than you know

Don’t you give up now

The sun will soon be shining

You gotta face the clouds

To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn't ever end

Even when the sky is falling

I've seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard

Impossible is not a word

It’s just a reason for someone not to try

Everybody’s scared to death

When they decide to take that step

Out on the water

It’ll be alright

Life is so much more

Than what your eyes are seeing

You will find your way

If you keep believing

I've seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn't ever end

Even when the sky is falling

I've seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds

You do have a chance

 (That’s what faith can do)

When the world says you can’t

It’ll tell you that you can!

I've seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn't ever end

Even when the sky is falling

I've seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

That's what faith can do!

Even if you fall sometimes

You will have the strength to rise

  

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Day +33

12/30/13 – Can you believe that I am 1/3 of the way to the 100 day milestone? You may be thinking... so what's the big deal about “Day 100?” Day 100 is a milestone that many stem cell transplant recipients circle boldly on their calendars as the turning point in their recovery. That’s when the greatest risk for critical side effects is past and when the stem cells have en-grafted and begun making new blood cells. It is also important because it is a time when my doctors can begin to run test to see where I stand with my MCL. The 100 day mark is by no means the end all, be all… I will be continued to be checked and treated for years to come. More specifically, by the end of the first year, my immune system should return to normal and my body should begin to produce blood cells normally again. About 1–2 years after my stem cell transplant, I will likely need to be immunized with vaccines that are commonly given in childhood (such as polio and measles vaccines).

Another “important” aspect of hitting the 100 day milestone is that it could mean that I will be allowed to venture out, see people, go to church, and possibly even get to eat at restaurants.

But, I guess I shouldn’t get too far ahead of myself. So, you may be wondering how I am doing now? My last two appointments showed that my counts are still on track and even have climbed into normal ranges. The one area that was not so great was my Creatinine level which is running high. This typically means that I am not getting enough fluids which can have an adverse effect on my kidneys. I had to receive fluids by IV at my last appointment. My take away from this is that I need to drink more liquids. I was told to try and drink 3 liters of water per day. I think I have been doing this and I am looking forward to see my results at my next appointment.

With just typical things, my energy seems a little lower than usual and I am still struggling with my appetite and a slight case of nausea. I definitely eat for fuel versus enjoyment. Since the transplant I have lost about 25 pounds. The good news is this seems to be stabilizing and I have been at the same weight for the last few days. I am sure I’ll get passed this soon. After all, food is way too good to miss out on for too long.

Overall, I feel great and I am excited about my awesome progress.

My next appointment at the Cancer Center is Tuesday, December 31^th.

Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.

Genesis 9:3

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas

12/24/13 – I had two more checkups since my last update and my counts continue to be on track. So much so I earned a “Rich, you are the man!” and "You are perfect” from the nurse practitioners. I have truly been blessed with a good stem cell transplant experience so far. Here I am at Day +27 and all is good. What better Christmas present could I have been given?

Allow me to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas to you and your families.

My next appointment at the Cancer Center is Thursday, December 26^th.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:9-14

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/