Day 76

Things look good.  I had a bone marrow biopsy a couple of weeks ago.  While 97% of my total blood production is donor blood, the cancer busting T-cells are only 80% donor.  They would like those to be closer to 100% by day 100.  To help that along, they tapered down the dose a little of the immunosuppressant I'm currently on.  The idea is, as the donor cells have a little more "freedom" without all the oppression (this sounds like a political post) from the anti-rejection drugs, they can do their job and totally take over my blood production.  That also means we have to look more closely for signs of graft vs host, but so far things look good.

I'm gaining my energy and strength back.  My appetite is still not awesome, but with time I'm sure it will get better.  I think it's a combination of meds and stress.  I'm trying to do more "normal" things while still being cautious about overexerting and germ exposure.  I've been told it takes about a year from transplant to feel 100% again.

Next week, I will start my 100-day work up. This includes an MRI, pulmonary function test, labs, eye exam, ENT visit, etc. I have my final appointment with the good doctors at Huntsman November 18.  They're going to transfer my care to a transplant team at George Washington, so I'll continue to follow-up in DC with them an my oncologist.  Cory's coming out to bring us home on November 22.

I've thought a lot lately about all the compensatory blessings we've seen this year.  I want it to be clear that we absolutely recognize how the Lord has blessed our family.  We have never felt abandoned.  At times, I have distanced myself.  But, when I bring myself back, always I see the Lord's hand in every detail of this year.