Main Page • John's Journal (2000-2003) • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson

3-10-05

“…but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4

 

It's hard to believe that it has been ten months since my transplant. The time has passed so fast. Before I know it I will be celebrating my one-year transplant anniversary. Speaking of celebrating my anniversary, on June 6th , which is one-year, one-month, one-day from my transplant, I have decided to do a 100-mile bike ride to fight Leukemia, Lymphoma, and other blood related cancers. I have joined Team in Training, an organization affiliated with the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, dedicated to finding a cure and to improving the life for patients and their family members. The ride will be a challenging goal for me, but I am up for it. By doing the ride I will not only be pushing myself to get stronger physically, I will be helping in the fight to find a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Participation in this event will be a way for me to give back, in a small way, for all that has been done for me. I have a very strong motivation to make it up every difficult hill and to pedal every long mile. I want this terrible disease to be history. If you would like to support me in the fight to find a cure you can click on the link below to make a donation online.

 

My recovery continues to go well. The skin GVH continues to be stable. I haven't had a flare up in a couple of months. Dr. Blau is having me taper my Prednisone dose. I was taking 50mg on one day and 30mg the next. I am now taking 50mg on one day and 0mg the next. If the GVH continues to stay under control we will begin reducing the 50mg day by 5mg every two days. The goal is to get off of most of my immunosuppression medications before I return to work next fall.

 

I had a little scare last week as my hematocrit and platelet counts took a significant drop. However, I had a follow up test today and my hematocrit and platelet numbers came back up on their own. I do not have normal levels yet, but they are getting there. The important thing is that the counts don't stay low or fall further. My hematocrit as of today was 35.7% and my platelets were 145,000.

 

 

My local cancer center recently opened up a brand new facility. The place is amazing. The clinic is beautiful and very spacious. However, the most impressive part of all is the state of the art equipment they have. Now patients in the area will be able to get most of their cancer treatment and testing done right here locally. What a huge blessing. Time is so precious to a cancer patient. Eliminating the need to travel long distances for treatment is wonderful. Thank you to everyone who made this facility possible, especially those who gave generous gifts towards the construction of the clinic. You have made a major impact on the treatment and care of cancer patients in our community.

 

I had a special opportunity to speak to our church congregation recently. It was humbling to speak in front of such a large group, but I felt the Lord wanted to use all I have been through to make a difference. The talk went very well. I basically told my cancer story and how putting my trust in Him has been the key to getting through this. One of the things I asked in my talk was for people to examine their lives and to see if they were living as though today were their last. As we all know, none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow. As a cancer patient this is a stark reality. So if this were our last day, how would we live it? Would we show those around us how much we love them through our words and our actions? Would we forgive those that we need to forgive, despite our personal pride? Would our faith in God be where it needs to be? I know many of us, myself included, don't always live each day for the precious gift that it is. Instead we get so wrapped up in the various stresses of life and forget to live life to the potential God intended. I find that saying a little prayer each morning as I get up, asking God to use me and glorify Him, really makes a difference. It doesn't mean I always have a wonderfully happy day, but it does give me the peace and joy to make the best of whatever circumstance I face…good or bad!

 

I'll close today in praying that each of you who read my journal today will be able to live lives full of joy, regardless of what you're going through, and that you will appreciate the wonderful gift you have in each day!

 

Prayer Requests:

 

•My Graft Versus Host disease remains stable so I may continue a successful taper off of Prednisone and other immunosuppression drugs. Increase in muscle strength and endurance as I train my body for the 100-mile bike ride in June. Finally, the complete elimination of all the leukemia cells left in my body.

•Thanksgiving that my son CJ's back is healing and that he has been able to begin a slow return to sports after his 6 month lay off. Allow his back to remain pain free.

•Pray for the following cancer patient friends of mine as they battle their disease: Jane's Lymphoma (just diagnosed a week ago), Janet's Leukemia, and for Joane who just got her new cells transplanted yesterday. Pray that they may all be healed and return to enjoying healthy lives.

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