2 Year Post-Transplant

I wanted to update my blog as I just reached another milestone. This April I am now 2 years from my stem cell transplant on 2 April 2009. It has been a rewarding two years. Nanette and I are almost back to normal in our daily activities. We call it the “new normal”. Dr. Matous said we could lift all of our restrictions beginning 1 July 2011. Some of the restrictions still in place are: 1. No drinking the water at home (well water). I still have to drink distilled water and make my own ice cubes. 2. No wood burning stove. 3. No buffets and salads away from home. 4. Stay away from sick people. 5. No dogs and other animals. There are many more but you get the idea.

I am seeing the doctor every two months. Each visit they drain off a pint of my blood and throw it away. No one wants the blood of someone that has had a blood cancer. My iron level is high from multiple transfusions so taking blood from me reduces the iron level slowly. I may have to do this for another year or so. I had a full body PET/CT scan which was negative for cancer. It shows I have gallstones but we keep hearing that and it is the least of my problems. Dr. Matous stopped my tacrolimis about 2 months ago. It was an immunosuppressant that kept my immune system from rejecting the new stem cells that turned into bone marrow cells. So far I have had no adverse effects. I have to watch for mouth sores, skin issues and other nasty things that might signal graft versus host disease. It would mean my body is fighting the bone marrow. So far no problems, so maybe my body is getting used to the different cells and they are getting along nicely.

Dr. Matous is also stopping me from taking acyclovir. It is a drug that keeps me from getting viruses. Nanette and I are on a cruise right now; when we return home I will discontinue the acyclovir. At that time I will be completely off any medications related to the transplant. I will then be taking only vitamins and minerals like a normal person.

Nanette and I have been playing for the last year making up for lost time while I was sick. We have traveled, and I am sitting on a cruise ship in Guymas, Mexico as I write this blog. Nanette is working 2 days a week until summer and then reduces to 1 day a week. I am enjoying retirement and not sure if I want to return to work again. Right now I am in no hurry to rush back to work.

I want to thank everyone for their help and prayers for me through my illness. It has been tough, but I have a great supporting cast and caregiver. Now I am trying to give back since I am getting a second chance. I want to help those that have to go through cancer/chemo since I have been down that road. Take care and thanks for your support and help.