Turning On A dime

It's been two weeks since my last post and as the headline indicates things can change fast and they did. About a minute after I posted the last entry things began to change. While it was a short period, about 2-weeks, my last CT scan showed a very small leasion on my lung. It was very undefined and very small, but my team felt like they should biopsy it to confirm their suspicion that it was a small fungal growth. Fungus is a common side effect of transplant, so while they don't like to see it, it's also not unexpected. So, between the proceedure and a mit-full of new medications, I had a harder couple of weeks than the previous ones. 

However, I'm back to where I was when I made the last entry on April 8th. I feel better each day and have been able to be outside to enjoy this latest touch of spring. To tell the truth, the weather is as potent a healer as my medications after a winter like we've had. My last clinic on Monday had my oncology team smiling as my blood numbers are still improving to "normal" and I'm disease free, which is huge given the tenacity of my particular style of cancer. For that, I'm gratful and thankful and that gives me the kind of energy and renewed courage to deal with these day-to-day stumbles that are simply part of healing.

So, two weeks has taken me through the gamit of emotions and physical change only to deliver me back to the spot I stood before- that's the path of healing and that's good and I'm fine, renewed and looking forward to a healthier tomorrow.

Thank you all for the continued support and love- there is no substitute to these healing powers.

Arnie    

Grinding It Out II

I just re-read my last post and found it quite accurate to my mood and condition at the time. While many of the nagging abrasions that dominated the entry are still with me, I've regained some of the long view required to do this thing with at least some grace. While I hated my last entry personally it was also cathartic in many ways. I believe I simply needed to whine.

My recent visit to clinic was yesterday and I realized that just 3-weeks ago I couldn't get around to my tests without a wheelchair and someone to drive me to UCH. A day at clinic would exhaust me to the point that I'd sleep on the way home and climb into bed when I did get home. Now, I'm driving myself, walking to my tests and reading as I wait to be seen by my team, a huge change in just 3-weeks. The nurses and administrators who see me each week all comment on how good I look and how well I seem to be doing. That's how fast things change.

Here's an update from the medical front. I have a full blood panel done each week because this disease is all about my blood and the creep toward normal ranges across the spectrum of tests. This week my number were outstandingly boring which brought a huge smile to the my oncology team. Given my limited understanding of the 45 lines of blood analysis, I'll take their enthusiastic response to mean an improving and more stable situation.

So, what should one take from this? My sister's platelets are engrafted and doing their job remaking my blood system. The problems that I have are treatable and expected. While I'm far from 100%, I'm feeling great and getting stronger as the days grind on. I'm looking forward to a spring and summer of healing and increasing activity and I am forever grateful for your love, concern and unflagging support, it makes a huge difference every day. 

Thank you all,

Arnie