July 15, 2004

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

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts·" Col 3:15


I was walking in my backyard this evening, looking at this cherry tree. I could not believe how full and healthy the tree looked. I remembered this spring when Papa pruned it. All that was left after Papa's pruning was the trunk and the major branches. Now look at the tree. It is full, vibrant, and healthy as ever. I plan to be like that cherry tree. God has used my battle with cancer as an opportunity to prune me. Right now, I may be weak and fatigued from the transplant. In the months ahead, I will grow physically stronger until my health and strength is fully restored. More importantly, however, the trial of my cancer has allowed me to grow significantly stronger in my faith and in my character. For this I am thankful.


Today was my weekly clinic check. I am about 70 days post transplant. All my blood counts and chemistries look good. I do need to increase my calcium a bit. Perhaps I will need to eat more ice cream. The concern continues to be the GVHD (graft verses host disease) in my skin. The skin rash described in earlier journal entries has increased to the point where my doctor feels the need to treat it. We have decided to start off conservatively with a topical steroid ointment, which I will apply to the skin twice daily. The steroid in the ointment will be absorbed through the skin and into my blood stream. The doctor explained that applying the ointment will increase the Prednisone levels in my blood from the current dose of 20mg/day to approximately 30mg/day. The advantage of the ointment is the ability to treat the rash directly on the skin. We are praying the steroid ointment will get the GVHD under control, eliminating the need to increase my oral steroid dose.

The doctors in the clinic are starting to run whenever they see my camera. So today we (Michelle and I) decided to snap a few pictures of the other
staff at SCCA who have been such an important part of the transplant experience. From left to right: One of the friendly pharmacy staff, who dispenses the countless medications I take. The parking attendant who always greets us with a smile. The medical supply room attendant, where we do much of our shopping lately. (Can never have enough hand sanitizer.) The greeters in the lobby, happily offering words of encouragement and candy. I've dug through their candy basket a few times.


I did hear some sad news today. My local oncologist, who has been my local doctor since I was diagnosed back in 1994, has been diagnosed with a form of melanoma (skin cancer). He has been an awesome doctor and I want to be sure to add his complete recovery to my prayer requests. In addition, please pray specifically for:

-Effective and timely treatment of my skin GVHD.
-Complete elimination of the residual leukemia in my body.
-Gwen's battle with cancer.


"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

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