May 11, 2004

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

For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Today is Day 6 after transplant. My first clinic yesterday showed everything to be right on track. Praise the Lord. My blood counts are dropping (hematocrit-32, wbc-2.94, platelets-42), which is expected. The chemotherapy, radiation, and transplant all contribute to the decrease in my cell count. Most likely, I will need to have an infusion of some blood products to maintain my counts until my new marrow begins to take over. This could take several weeks, even months. Despite some nausea and diarrhea, which is related to all the treatments and the meds, I feel very good. My energy level is up and I am eating and sleeping well. Sadly, I learned today that I have to lay off one of my favorite drinks-SOBE's. I guess they contain too many herbal additives that may interfere with the medications I am taking. Also, the high sugar content has a negative effect on diarrhea. Looks like my boys will be enjoying those for me.

I started taking another new pill today, Magnesium.  My Magnesium is dropping as a result of the anti-rejection drug, Cyclosporine, that I take. Magnesium is essential for normal functioning of nerves, muscles and cells.



I am doing my best to maintain my fitness. Staying fit helps with me with the physical and mental side of recovery. I walk and exercise as much as
my energy level will allow. Sunny days like today are great for walking. I am discovering a lot of cool places in downtown Seattle. I think I will be an excellent tour guide once I am done here. I am grateful for being in a location which offers so many fun places to walk to. Today my mother-in-law, Pat, and I walked all the way down to the waterfront and back, with a few detours through cool buildings along the way.

Best food I've found here in Seattle so far? Well, I'm nervous to eat out. However, the small cafeteria at the SCCA makes delicious gourmet dishes and they are reasonably priced and safe for transplant patients. You know that all the proper food preparation precautions are being taken so it is much easier to enjoy the meal.

If you are praying for me I ask that you specifically pray for me to stay free from infections, find relief from the nausea and diarrhea (or at least cope with it effectively as it runs its course), and for the engraftment of my new marrow cells to be completely successful and without complications. I also request prayers for my family. Prayers that Michelle and the boys are kept safe and are comforted by the knowledge that God is in control and he'll get us through this.

I've got a full day of testing tomorrow and it starts early, so I'm off to bed.

 

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