May 26, 2004
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Page • John's Journal
(2000-2003) • CLL Information •
Contact John • Seattle
Cancer Care Alliance • MD
Anderson
Even when your spirit grows faint within you,
I know the right and perfect way for you.
I'll get you safely through the hidden traps,
My endless love for you endures forever!
I promise I will never abandon you!
Psalm 138:8, 142:3, Deuteronomy 31:6
Verses such as these give me the strength I need when I go through long days
like today. My health is doing great, but all the tests at the clinic kind
of wore me out. The main tests were done in the blood lab. I had five blood
draws, almost one per hour, in order to determine the level of the drug MMF
in my blood. MMF is one of the drugs I take to keep my body from rejecting
my donor cells Today's tests will let the doctors know if I have the appropriate
levels of MMF in my system and if not, necessary adjustments will be made.
They really do have a wonderful group of people working in the blood lab.
They are always so kind and extremely good at what they do. Blood draws for
me, however, are pretty easy since they just hook up to my Hickmen Port. No
needles. It's great!
Had a quick chest x-ray today as well, just to be sure everything is clear
in the lungs.
Enjoyed a fun visit yesterday from
my work buddy, Mark Schelbert. He's a great guy. We teach right across the
hall from each other. If you ever need a good laugh, Mark will deliver. He's
always so up and positive about everything. Mark's also the boys basketball
coach at FHS, so we love to talk hoops. Thanks for the visit Mark.
My mom arrived from Arizona this
afternoon. She's come up to help Michelle take care of me. It's great to have
her here.
My final clinic visit today was with the Nutritionist. She gave me gleaming
reports. I'm achieving all my nutrition goals and even putting a few pounds
back on that I lost back in the hospital. Way to go Michelle! I give her all
the credit for making sure I eat the right foods and the right amounts. I
couldn't do it without her.
So even though today was a tiring day, it was a victorious day. Everything
is going well and I praise God for this day!
©2000-2004 John Shula-All Rights Reserved