Journal 3/13
Main Page • John's Journal • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson
Twenty-six days post transplant...almost a month. Been home
about a week and
a half and am feeling better each day. My counts have improved
to the point
where I don't have to return to the doctor for ten days. I haven't
needed a
transfusion of platelets or whole blood since March 3rd. I am
probably done
with transfusions at this point. I am hoping to have my Hickman
removed next
week.
I still spend a lot of time resting, with a much needed nap
every afternoon.
I'm sleeping and eating well. Even ate at McDonald's once after
my son's
basketball game. Probably not my first choice of places to eat,
but kids
loved it. I am cautious in public places...a lot of germs. I try
to avoid
touching door handles, table surfaces, etc. and I carry hand sanitizing
lotion which I use often. Even though my counts are good, I am
much more
susceptible to infection than a non-transplanted person. I don't
want to get
sick and compromise the speed of my recovery.
I have been doing a little exercise each day. I am riding 15
minutes on my
bike trainer and I do one set of ten push-ups, pull-ups, and dips.
I also do
about twenty-five sit-ups, twenty squats, and toe raisers until
it burns.
I've lost a lot of muscle and want to maintain what I have. It'll
probably
be another month or so before I can start exercising enough to
actually gain
muscle rather than just maintaining it.
Recovery Information:
Current Weight: 162 lbs (173 before transplant)
Energy Level on Scale of 1 to 10: 3, improved over past week
Other? Mouth pain is gone. Appetite normal. Eating very well.
Overview of my blood counts (3/13):
| Hematocrit | 3/7(27%) | Today(28.8%) | Normal(34-55%) |
| Platelets | 3/7(28,000) | Today(70,000) | Normal(150,000) |
| Neutrophils | 3/7(2,190) | Today(4,100) | Normal(7,000) |
| WBC's | 3/7(3,110) | Today(6,100) | Normal(7,500) |
My family and I appreciate everyone's continued prayers and support
as I
recover and Michelle handles most of the responsibilities at home.
I know
she is wanting me to get back to normal as soon as possible.
Have a blessed day. The Lord is good. Update again in a week.
©2000-2003 John Shula-All Rights Reserved