Day 100

Yesterday was day 100!  I spent most of the day at VCU, had my 100 day bone marrow biopsy.  Results in two weeks.

Ate my first meal out in 100 days, a late lunch, early dinner in Richmond.  Drank half a beer, a Strangeways Woodbooger (Belgian style dark ale) then had a nice nap in the car on the way home!

Doctors say I'm doing great, blood work all in order.  Now just waiting on the results of the biopsy.

Day +75

Today is day + 75, and I have nothing to report!  Blood work is all in order, and my next Doctors visit is 25 days away.  That is the day of my bone marrow biopsy, with results 2 weeks later.  Please continue to pray for a positive result!

I continue to walk daily, and I even rode my bike a short way today.  Both of these activities is very hard wearing a mask, but friends, neighbors, and of course Caroline continue to give me company and motivation.  

My hair is finally starting to grow back, not that you'd notice!  As long as everything remains good, I'll probably not post again till my biopsy on October 2.  

Jeff

Day + 60

Hard to believe that it's day 60 already, seems like the days are just going by in a blur.  Still under restrictions, but I'm getting out of the house a little more now.  

Medicaly eveything is going as it is supposed to, in fact I'm going to the doctor every two weeks now instead of weekly.  It seems like going every day was so long ago.

My sister Judith just left, she was visiting from California for the past two weeks, it was great to have her for that long.  

Just a quick note today!

Day + 50

I haven't posted for a while because I haven't had much to report, which I suppose is a great thing!  I have been going to the Doctor every Wednesday since I have been home and my labs have been just where they should be.  I have been discharged from VCU and will be seeing my local oncologist from now on.

But today is day +50, and since that means that I'm half way home, I think it's a big day!  So, please join me in celebrating this point in the journey!

My sister, Judith is here from California helping to take care of me.  It is wonderful to have her visiting!

Day +36

Yesterday I went to VCU for a Doctors appointment, labs, and to get the port removed from my chest.

First off, it feels great not to have the external port! I now have full range of motion back again in my left arm and shoulder.  Not having to worry about it and care for it daily, is a big plus!

Labs and doctors appointment went as expected, all is well and proceeding as expected!  I can be released to my local Doctor anytime.  

The next big event will be the bone marrow biopsy at 100 days, already scheduled for early October.  

Day 28. Discharge news

Clinic appointment and a doctors appointment today.

Clinic appointment went as usual, but not the Doctors appointment. 

I am being discharged on FRIDAY!  If my labs are ok on Friday, and there is no reason to think that they wouldn't be, I'm outta here !!  Back home and once a week visits to the clinic in Richmond or my local Oncologist for labs only!

Now I still have my catheter in place, they will try to get it removed by Friday if not I'll make the trip next week for removal.

looking foward to being home!

Day +27

No posts for a few days, because there is not much to report.

 Here is the latest news, catheter is supposed to come out this week, but they can't seem to get the appointment made.  They are talking about going to twice a week clinic visits, instead of the three times a week that I'm on now. 

 Going to the clinic is just a nice break in my day, nothing happens, they draw labs, then tell me I don't need anything and send me on my way.  I'm hopeful that once the catheter is out and I'm on twice a week clinic visits, I'll be allow to go home and just drive down for the twice week visits. Could be within the next 2-3 weeks.

Meanwhile I try to stay busy during my non clinic days, with movies, Netflix, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, etc.  We are walking twice a day, outside in the morning before it gets to hot and in the evening, after dinner, usually inside at a local mall.

Dat +23

No post over the last few days, well, because, not much has happened medical wise.  I spent Wednesday in the clinic just waiting for my weekly appt with the Doctor, he confirmed that I'm doing great, but warned that my immune system is still very young.  He did mention that next week if things keep going along like this, they will probably remove the large catheter in my chest.

Had Thursday off from the clinic because I didn't need any thing Tuesday or Wednesday, back today at 1 pm and if this trend continues, I'll probably be off from the clinic till Monday.   Nice to have the weekend off, would be even better if I could get home for a few days.

Eric and Jeff came for a visit on Wednesday, what a nice time!  

I'll post later if anything of consequence happens today at the clinic.

Day +20

Things are going very well, last 2 days in the clinic have been fluids only, all my labs are either in the normal range or above the minimums for replacement.  My WBC are actually higher then the day I checked in to the hospital! Super stem cells indeed!!

So because my numbers are so good, I've  started negotiating for a weekend at home, it's up to the numbers and the doctor however. I of course, do whatever they say. 

I have had some kind of allergic reaction, which started Sunday, from head to toe.  finally got some prednisone in me yesterday and feel much better.  They are not sure if it was caused by a drug or food reaction, sometimes the body does this in response to the new growth of cells, and in my case because I was an auto transplant, it's rarer by does happen.

The last 2 days I have felt great, my energy level is rising, my appetite has returned (I have lost about 15 pounds over the last 4 weeks) my thirst is starting to come back, and my attitude remains positive.  Today is actually 4 weeks in Richmond, 3 inpatient and one outpatient, I'm hoping for a max of another 2 weeks more then home.    

Dan came today for a visit, Lauren come yesterday, but only had a few hours and I missed her cause I was in the clinic.  Seth is hanging around and is being quite helpful, but he will be heading home tomorrow night or thursday.

Day 18

Not to much going on the medical front the last couple of days, I got a day off from the clinc on Saturday, and only needed fluids today when I went today.  That is good news as far as I am concerned!

The only other thing is I have developed a full body rash, possibly an allergic reaction to something, I saw the doctor today but they have no idea.

Lots of visitors today, it made for a fun day, and the day went super fast!  Brett Taylor, my neighbor Jeff Olszewski, and all the way from Naples Florida, Seth Markowitz!  Seth is going to be around for a few days, to help out.

Not much else going on, till tomorrow!

Day +16

Day three in the clinic.  Yesterday I posted prior to seeing my labs.  So yesterday's labs my WBC and neutrophils had fallin by more than 50 %.  This is normal during the recovery process.  I received sone neupogen yesterday and today the counts are back up big time. In fact they are in the normal range for the first time!

I was very happy to see that, the low WBC's make me feel lousy, no appetite or energy.  I don't feel like being social and just want to sleep..  

today I tried walking on the treadmill at the hotel because it is was so hot outside, I much prefer to walk outside, then on the treadmill. I'll have to make an effort to get up earlier and walk before it gets hot.  Saturday morning we are going to try to get over to the mall and walk with the other old coots.

Weekend is coming and I'll still need to report to the clinic daily unless they tell me otherwise.

That's all for now

Day + 15

Sitting here in the outpatient clinic for the second day, it is very low key.  There are 8 chairs, really more like super recliners.  You come in and they check your vitals, run your labs, then start you on fluids right away.  One of the hardest things for me so far is drinking.  For some reason it's hard to maintain my fluid intake, even water tastes bad.  I'm required to keep track of my fluid intake daily and is pitiful.  I'm glad that they can help me by giving me fluids via IV.

So far all I have received in the clinic is potassium, calcium, and magnesium.  There are two different types of transplants, allo and auto.  Allo uses a donor and auto uses your own stem cells.  The allo's need a lot more care, so they come in early, the auto need less care so we come in in the afternoon.  Yesterday I was here for about 3 hours, and unless I need some blood products, today should be the same.

Had a visit from Jim Martin last night, direct from Florida! He is on his way to Maine.  Came up on the auto train, and came down to see me with Warren.  Hope I get to see him on his way back to Florida.  

Another walk outside this morning, there are two office buildings next to the hotel, and a walk around the perimeter of all the parking lots is about one mile.  Very humid, but I really like being outside! Hoping to start walking in the evenings soon also.

Thats all for now.

Day + 14

Good nights sleep in the hotel last night, no one to wake me at 12 and 4, or keep me up with replenishments!

Took my first walk outside this morning, wanted to get an outside walk in before it got hot.  It was still humid, and was harder then the climate controlled hospital.  But it felt great to have a small measure of freedom.

Joe and Dan came over yesterday and spent several hours with us at the hotel.  

Caroline has to prepare all my food, I'm not allowed to do any food prep or clean up.  I am very slowly tranitioning to a more normal diet, I'll be adding one or two new foods a day, this mornings food was a banana. Even though it has a peel the outside still needs to be washed!

My first outpatient clinic appointment is at 2:30 this afternoon, I'll have to go to the clinic daily, including weekends, for the next 2-3 weeks.  No idea how long I'll be there each day, until they draw and get the labs back to see what I need.  I do know that the clinic closes at 6 each day, so the more you need done the earlier you go in.

Day +13

Day 13 starts with a bang: being discharged from the hospital this afternoon. 

My white blood cell numbers didn't quite double overnight,  but got high enough to kick me outta here!  Been in the hospital for three weeks now and I'm ready to go.  Of course I'll still need to report to the outpatient clinic here in Richmond, daily For another 2-3 weeks.

needless to say I'm excited to be discharged, and have a small amount of freedom, im look forward to feeling sun again.

Day +11

Some exciting news, my white blood cell counts have started to go up, they have doubled the last 2 days and now stand at .8!  They need to be at least 5 before they would consider letting me go, just for reference they were 8.6 the day I checked in.

AND when the Doctor came in for rounds today he wanted to make sure we had made arrangements to be close to the hospital because unless something out of the ordinary occurs, they will be kicking me outta here some time this week!  Best guess will be Thursday or Friday, with a slight chance at Wednesday!

Other than that, it was a quiet night no replenishments so I was only woken up at 12 am and 4 am.  It felt like a full nights rest!  Today has been quiet, but I feel like I have more energy, whether from a good nights sleep or from the blood transfusion yesterday....either way I'll take it.

Yet another + 10

Still having trouble getting the days right, apparently yesterday was day +9.  It's like the movie Groundhog Day !

Another late night last night, they where down one nurse and didn't start my replenishments till after 9 pm..  I got the usual calcium,magnesium,and potassium Plus playlets 

they drew labs around 5 am and I received a unit of blood starting at 4 this afternoon, they just drew my evening labs (7pm) so it'll be several hours before they all come back.  

I started a new diet today, it's called the gastrointestinal one diet, it still remains very bland but gives me many more choices.  I can only add one or two new items a day however.  Still it is a big improvement over the Mucositis diet.

Rachel came down this afternoon and the three of use had a fun time playing cards, I'm not sure but I think that they ganged up on me!

Going to stay up tonight a bit later, usually I'm toast by 8 pm and start getting ready to sack out. But the fireworks is at the race track tonight, and my window faces that direction, hopefully I'll be able to see them.

that's all for now.

more tomorrow!

Day +10

Had a very uneventful day yesterday till about 6 pm.  My normal temperature is in the 97's so   Around 6 pm I started to Get a fever with my temperature hitting 100.3 around 3-4 am.

now the protocol for fever in the BMT clinic is they do nothing but monitor you, untill it gets above 100.5 at which point they will start to give you antibiotics and run lab cultures to see what's going on.  

Another possibility was that the fever could be caused by the engraphment (stem cells doing their thing!) process, and is actually a good sign that things are moving along in the correct direction.  This is what I'm going with, my temperature has been slowly receding since it topped out at 100.3.

Of course last night they came in every hour to take my temperature.....a hospital is no place to get any rest.  Unless you sleep all day, then no one bothers you!

I woke up this morning to find that Tracey and Ed Deegan had come down for visit, it was great to see them.  They got here at 8 am! Must have left Manassas at 5 am.  Thanks for the effort!

Joseph is on his way down for a visit this afternoon, looking forward to seeing him.

Day +8

July 1

Last night turned into a fun night, the afternoon labs showed that my platelets dropped by 60% and my hemoglobin fell by 40%.  Just as they have predicted they would!  So starting around 9 pm I received a blood transfusion, platelets, 4 bags of potassium, 2 bags of calcium, and my Neupogen.  

All this took until about 1 am, so not much sleep was had till after 1:30,  and then of course back up at 4am for vitals.  Slept in till about 8 am, but need more.  An afternoon nap is on my list for today.

As much as this isn't fun, it means that things are continuing to move along in the right direction, in the appropriate time frame.

They asked me yesterday if my hair has started to fall out, and to be honest it's tough to tell sometimes, but this morning in the shower it was quite evident, my facial hair was coming out in clumps!  The little bit on top is holding strong right now.

Still on the Mucositis diet, and the novelty has pretty much worn off, I'm glad the my stomach doesn't hurt any more, but I sure wouldn't mind some other food.

Day + 6

Today is day + 6 and that also marks my two week anniversary in the hospital.  Oh, how time flys when your having fun!  Trying to take it one day at a time.  I figure that I have about 7-10 days to go.  

Not much else going on, nothing new to report, just trying to occupy my days.  

Day +4

Sorry about no post yesterday. Had a rough night Friday night and didn't feel up to it.  I have what they call Mucositis. Mucositis is caused by low white blood count. Now I have to be on a special diet which is very restrictive. Basically oatmeal,cream of wheat, broth, rice and noodles. It's worth it if the pain in my stomach goes away. 

Eric and Kim came for a visit yesterday and it was great seeing them. It makes the day extra special when I get visitors. Today the pain has lessened some what and we had a nice visit from Warren and Vanessa. 

My white blood count is almost zero, my red blood cells will soon follow.  I have been here 13 days already hopefully only 10 more to go. 

Day +2

Day +2 was very uneventfully, Caroline was back in NoVa working and I had to entertain myself today.  Spent the day mostly reading and sitting quietly.  The nausea subsided somewhat and I began to feel human again, even though some of the other side effects are still lingering.

As my red and white blood cells are starting to decline, my biggest problem is going to be lack of energy and fatigue.  It takes about two weeks for the returned stem cells to work their magic.  So I have at minium about 14 more days at the hospital, provided all goes well.

The nurse just brought in my latest labs and everything is proceeding just as they expected.  Things are starting to drop like they should.

More on Saturday

Day +1

Jeff has asked me to write the blog for today.  He is feeling pretty crummy today. Spent all day in the room trying his best to take naps. So, no crossword, Netflix or much reading was done.  They gave him a medication IV immune globulin which is to help him keep from getting an infection.  They said he was low in the IG (immune globulin). Of course, there is a side effect which he didn't know.  Severe chills.  I called the nurse and they were able to slow down the drip which should help. The chills lasted for more than 30 minutes but have now subsided.

Jeff is sorry that he hasn't answered texts or phone calls or emails.  He has been in bed most of the day sleeping and hasn't really felt like talking  

6 days of chemo has finally caught up to him, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Hopefully we can get past this stage and continue recovery.

see ya tomorrow

send good thoughts

caroline

Day 0 the big day

Just a quick post before things get started, transplant is scheduled for around 1 pm.  Don't know how long it's going to take yet, it depends on how the lab has preserved the stem cells.  Each bag of cells will take 20-30 minutes to infuse.

Of course because this is the big day, it is also coinciding with me feeling the worst I have felt. Lots of side effects from the chemotherapy are starting to kick in, extreme fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, etc etc you get the idea.

more later!

Day -1. Rest day

Today was my rest day after chemotherapy, so it was a quiet day.  For the most part, had several visitors one expected and one not.  My son Joseph came down to spend the day and as a bonus he is spending the night in Richmond and I'll get to see him in the morning also!  How nice!

Also Buddy Pittman strolled in quite unexpected, he stayed for a few hours and it was great to see him.  

Caroline is driving back down tonight for the big day on Wednesday.  Yes Wednesday is stem cell return day.  Welcome home!

On the other hand my labs have started to fall, so tonight I get potassium and calcium replenishment.  They are just starting now and it's going to take till midnight to get it all infused.  There goes another nights sleep, I've got to start fitting in some more naps!

That's about all for now, looking forward to the big day tomorrow. 

Day - 2 Last day of chemotherapy

Today was the last of 6 days of chemotherapy leading into my transplant.  Happy that that part of it is over and I can move on to the next phase.

tomorrow is my rest day, where they give 24 hours for all the drugs to get out of your system before the transplant. But according to the doctors and nurses this is period that the side effects gradually start kicking in, coinciding with my labs starting to tank.  

Caroline had to work in the office today, I miss her.

I have had a very sleepy day, lots of well needed naps whenever I could squeeze them in, just sitting in the recliner and reading, napping, and hanging out.

on my rest day I'm going to get a visit from Joe then after get back to downloading more Beatles albums, and watching house of cards, Orange is the new black, and true detective.

not much else to report today.

Day -3 Fifth day of Chemotherapy

Happy Fathers Day to all!

Last day of two chemotherapy treatments per day, tomorrow is only one and the last!  Starting to feel some effects of the treatment but I'm still holding up good.  My labs are holding steady which is good because I haven't needed any supplements yet, like potassium, magnesium, calcium, or phosphorus, etc, etc.  

i have gained a bunch of water weight, so they have been treating me with a strong diuretic (furosemide) twice a day to combat that gain.  IV fluids all day plus drinking, they certainly can't be surprised.

Rachel just left she was here most of the afternoon hanging out with Caroline and I.  Dan is on the way for a quick visit after work.

Movie for today was Gone Girl, good so far but with all the nurses and doctors coming in and out we haven't finished yet.  Probably finish tonight chemotherapy.

Thats all for now more tomorrow!

Cheers.

Day -4 fourth day of chemotherapy

Been a very busy day, not much sleep last night which is starting to wear on me.  Still, only minor side effects from the chemotherapy so far which I am very glad about.  

How ever the day went very quickly because I had lots of company.  Caroline came back around 10 am left at 1 pm to grab a bite (at the Capital ale house, yes I'm jealous) Russell showed up around 2 pm and stayed for a few hours, then Warren and Vanessa came for a visit around 4 ish and stayed for a few hours.  

It it was great seeing them and it really made the time go by fast and I was very happy to see them! 

Chemo again starting at 10 pm tonight, going to hit the bed early and try to catch an hour of sleep before they start.

yes it appears in the title that I have missed a day, but actually my math was off and I'm actually on day -4!  Yea!

house keeping note: valet parking closed on the weekends. Signs for parking garage are apparently small!

Day-6 3rd day of chemo

Last nights chemo was challenging, it started at 10 pm and ended about 12:30, not much sleep till 1 am when I got about 4 solid hours. Came in at 5 for vitals and that was the end of sleep.  Three more night time chemos to go!  Finished up this morning chemo around 12:30 and managed to get about a 30 minute nap be getting woken.  Oh well.

Still not bad side effects from the drugs, let’s hope it continues that way.  Appetite is still good, at least for now.  Walking helps the recovery, and I have been walking the halls 3 times a day for about 20 minutes today I decided to increase it to 30, I got plenty of time!

My youngest, Dan is coming for a visit tonight after work, i am looking forward to that very much.

i have gotten a bunch of requests for the following information so here it is:

Massey Cancer center is located at 1300 East Marshall street, Richmond VA.  I think that it is also called the north hospital.  Conviently located directly off I-95 exit 74C.  Not far from many of Richmonds finest craft brewery’s!

Valet parking is available at the front door or the visitors parking garage is located off 11th street, follow the signs. I am located on the 10 th floor room 39.  No set visiting hours for this floor, so you can come and go most any time.

I will be here for at least another 20 or so days, and that’s the best senerio, so that puts me in the hospital till at minium July 8th or 9th.

thats all for now, Caroline returning on Saturday!

Day-7 second day of chemo

Today was very similar to yesterday, with the exception that my chemo schedule is twice a day for the next 4 days.  The schedule is 2 drugs which take an hour each at 10 am and at 11 am.  Then the 2 drugs are repeated again 12 hours later, at 10 pm and 11 pm.  Between the chemo and how the dexamethasone wires me up, looks like another sleepless night in the hospital!  Today’s cocktail is: ARA- C and Etoposide.

so far so good, no bad side effects yet.

Caroline came today again around lunch time, and just left.  Driving back to NoVa for a few nights and I’ll see her first thing Saturday,  she is a pillar of strength for me.  I’ll miss her, but she needs to take care of herself.  A few nights of being at home, sleeping in your own bed, loving on those beagles is just what the doctor ordered!

Dowloaded and and listened to the fourth Beatles album today, “Beatles for sale” this early stuff is very interesting.  Started watching House of Cards season 3, and loving it.also checking out White Collar, and Banshee.

Currently reading a book recommend and delivered by Cuz Jess called Empire of the moon, and story about the rise and fall of the Camanches. This is a very powerful story and well worth the read.  Any other book or movie or TV  series recommendations welcome!

Day -9

Finally settled in the room around noon, they have pushed chemo off till Wednesday.  They suspect that I have an infection and are being cautious till the labs come back. So I'm now on IV antibiotics. 

Not a lot of activity on the floor even though all the rooms are full.  Can't leave the floor, but can walk up and down the halls, one complete lap takes about 2.5 minutes to complete.  Looks like I'll have plenty of time to get caught up on all my reading and movies.  

This is my new friend, I will be attached to the IV machine 24/7 till I am discharged. Everyone here at the hospital is super nice and accommodating, all though they would't let me go out to lunch!  So all in all it has been a very low key day, not much happening, hope to start the chemo on Wednesday.  

I spun off 460 ml of stem cells, the goal for today was 500. 

But the better news is that the 460 ml contained 4.6 million stem cells!!! The process that I thought would take the rest of the week is done!  Apparently I am super stem cell man!  

Since  I finished sooner then expected they have no beds, so I get to go home for the rest of this week. Back on Monday for admission and chemotherapy. 

Day one

first day of harvesting, 6 hours each day for the next 4 days.  Those stem cells can't wait to be collected!


I can't post pictures here for some reason. But I can to the word press blog.

https://wordpress.com/post/92872182/23

monday 6/8

First patient in the clinic this morning, the more stuff you have to get done (or potentially get) the earlier your appt is. had my labs drawn then had 2 hours to wait for the results.  The stem cells are being elusive, back tonight for an injection of mozobil to encourage stem cells to leave the bone marrow.

Apheresis starts on Tuesday!

Port a cath in

Today the portacath was implanted into my cheast.  This is in addition to the port that I already had.  The catheter will allow greater volume and larger cells.  I need this for the apheresis which will start on Monday or Tuesday depending on how my body produces stem cells.

First neupogen shot today to increase stem cell production .  As Eric says " a fine day to start stem cell mobilization"

Today has been a long day, left home at 6 am for an 8 am appointment at VCU, had appointments at 8, 9, and 10.  With the 10 am being the catheter.  We waited for almost 4 hours before the procedure started!  Finally left the hospital around 3:30.

tonight we are staying in Richmond and meeting Dan (my youngest child) for dinner at 7. Back home Saturday night, then return to Richmond Sunday or Monday for the duration.

A glitch

 Had a little hiccup today with the insurance company , so I had a bit of anxiety this afternoon.  but all is well now and we are a go for transplant.

We start mobilization of the stem cells tomorrow!

Wednesday, 6/3

Worked this morning, the last day till my journey is over.  The great folks at Giant in Stafford gave me gift cards to iTunes and Amazon!  plenty of books, music, and movies are headed my way!  A big thanks you to all of you!

The Hospital called and told me that the test for the Rhinovirus done Tuesday has come back negative, this means that we are proceeding as planned.

Off on Thursday to tie up some loose ends, then Friday morning we get this show started!

Tuesday- Final Consultation

Down at VCU for the final consultation prior to the SCT.  All the tests came back fine, with only one exception, I have a Rhinovirus (common cold) this will prevent me from starting my Chemotherapy but not prevent me from starting the process.  The Cold should be cleared up by the time chemotherapy starts.

So here is the time line:

Friday I get the larger port installed

Saturday, Sunday and Monday I get Neupogen (increase stem cell production) shots.

Monday they test the amount of Stem cells, and if enough, began the harvesting process.  If not, I will recieve a shot called Mozibil to help my body release stem cells.  This process will continue till enough stem cells have been harvested.

Then onto Chemotherapy.

Monday 6/1

Had to stay close to the house today, doing a 24 hour urine study, and for some reason they refused to let me in Ihop with it! Go figure.

So today I finished the guest bedroom, mowed the lawn before the big storm, and made a bunch of phone calls.

Tomorrow is my final consultation at VCU and I have appointments scheduled from 9 am through 1 pm.  This will be the Yea or Nay day for the SCT.

So all of you know that I have cancer, and I commonly call it leukemia.  Actually what I have is Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinema. Quite a mouthful I know, in fact it took me weeks to actually say the words correctly.  It is a rare cancer, which means not many treatments exist or have been tested, luckily they treat it like Myloma and lymphoma of which it exhibits some charateristics of both.

Here is a like to a web site that does a good job of explaining it.

http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003148-pdf.pdf

And of course Wikipedia:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldenström_macroglobulinemia

1 weel to go....

Just one week to go, and I'm starting to feel some anxiety.  Fear that the procedure will happen, and, fear that it won't due to some unknown complication.

Have I made the right choice in pursuing the transplant?  I'm slowly starting to feel stronger, but I want that cancer out of my body!

Still many things that need to come toegther before next week, I will be working on those today.  

Starting a blog to journal my journey through the stem cell transplant.  I will try to post daily,  at least when the "action" starts.

Less than 2 weeks to go, and still trying to get things done at home, almost set. lining up lawn mowing, dog walkers, insurance, hotel, etc.

Remaining results from my pre-transplant risk testing are due back today, next appt. at VCU is scheduled for June 2.