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1-03-05 Journal




As I celebrated Christmas and the New Year I gave the Lord thanks for many things, including the 'Hope for a Future', he talks about in Jeremiah 29:11 (see above). I have been through a lot this past year, but it has all been worth it to have the hope of a healthy future.

I recently had my six-month follow up appointment at SCCA. They ran numerous tests to evaluate my overall physical health. Take a look at the pictures below to see some of the many tests that were done.







The final results of all the testing indicate everything is on track:

My CD-33 Cells (Produce RBC, WBC, and Platelets) - 99% Donor

My CD-3 Cells (Produce germ fighting cells) ­ 89% Donor

FISH Test (Tests for chromosome abnormalities such as leukemia) ­ <1%. (Remember this number was 53% prior to transplant)

Even though I have small traces of Leukemia left, my doctor feels complete elimination of disease and 100% donor numbers won't be achieved until I am completely off of all my immunosuppressant drugs, such as Prednisone. Unfortunately, I'll still be on these drugs for a while to keep my GVH (Graft Versus Host) disease under control. However, every effort is being made to reduce my dosages of these drugs. For example, I am currently on an alternating dose of 50mg and 20mg of Prednisone per day. We are slowly tapering my low day dose by 5mg every two weeks. Once I am at 50mg and 0mg we'll try bringing down the 50mg day by 5mg per day. So far I am tolerating the taper very well with no signs of skin GVH.

There are some side effects of the Prednisone such as a weakened immune system (have to be very cautious about germs), water retention (puffing up my face), muscle atrophy, and extreme fluctuations in my emotions. In addition, some of the other drugs I am on, such as Bactrim are affecting my Hematocrit levels, making me a little anemic. Fortunately, I only notice the physical effects of the low Hematocrit when I am exercising. My normal daily activities are not affected much. Overall, however, my health and energy levels are good. For this I am very grateful. My local oncologist stated at my last visit, "You are doing as good as you could expect at this point in your recovery!"

I do appreciate the wonderful, caring people up at SCCA. A high point of my follow up visit was the chance to see some of the people who took care of me during transplant. They will always hold a special place in my heart.

However, the most wonderful gift I received for Christmas this year sharing it with my family. Traditions such as cutting the tree, decorating the house, and attending Christmas Eve service as a family had extra special meaning as I realized how incredibly blessed I am to be here. Thank you Lord.

I am so grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities to get together with many of the special people in my life this Christmas. I wish I had pictures of all my visits, however, here are a few.

I'd like to close today's journal by wishing all of you the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of His love in the New Year. Don't just survive in 2005, but rather "Thrive in 2005!"


"It's not just the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years."
Abe Lincoln

PRAYER REQUESTS:

-Thanksgiving for the great results of my six-month follow up visit at SCCA.

-Successful taper of my Prednisone without GVH flare up and an improved Hematocrit.

-My son CJ's broken L5 vertabrae (low back bone). He is three months out in his six-month recovery. The inability to participate in most physical activities and sports has been a real challenge for him. He will be re-evaluated on January 7th to determine how the healing is progressing.

-Karen G's continued recovery from transplant.

-Britt and his daughter's cancer battles. Britt battles brain cancer and his daughter is fighting Leukemia.

-Melinda(mother of two), who is battling Leukemia. Pray for healing and finances. She is a single mother and daughter of a local pastor.

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