62 Months: Breaking Out

Yesterday I got the happy news that my white blood cell count went up to 1.8. At 1.0 you're good to go home.

My right knee, however, wasn't quite ready to let me leave. A neurologist came in and ordered a series of MRIs to figure out why my leg isn't working right. And it hurts like hell.

The food here is great. I'd say restaurant quality. The nursing staff is so absolutely compassionate, caring, gentle and attentive. So having to spend an extra day or two isn't a major problem.

I've missed my family so much. I always love that first few minutes after arrival. I can't wait for some hugs.

Now comes the next part: recuperation and recovery. I'll be under house arrest for a while. When I attended the informed consent class, I was told recovery will take 6 months to a year. We'll have to see about that.

Time to get on with living, right?

62 months: It begins, again

Well I have received my allogeneic stem cell transplant. My best shot at a longer survival rate! I'm feeling good in a lot of ways. My pain is very much under control...I didn't realize how lousy I was until they fixed it! 

Now the waiting game begins. I haven't felt this good in months. I don't have any blood work printouts to follow, but I'm going to have no immune system for a while. But I'll be better soon. They'll look to see if they overcame the chromosome 17 deletion, which would be huge! Longer life span still!

Best shot at a longer survival rate. Beautiful words.