Nothing new to report. I feel like I am currently living in the old days of the Internet. I am sure you know when it was referred to as WWW = Wait, Wait, Wait.

That is what I am doing now is waiting for my bone marrow results. The early read is good where prior to the transplant I had no evidence of CLL cells and that is the case today, no evidence of CLL in my bone marrow. There are some subtle results I am awaiting to confirm how I am doing and otherwise the next bone marrow biopsy will be at day +80, around the middle of August.

I am continuing my daily trips to the clinic for my IV infusions of electrolytes, Magnesium and Potassium to be exact. And yes, I am walking back from these appointments. Someday soon I hope to tackle the hill and walk up to the appointments as well.

Hope you are gearing up for a safe and sane 4th of July. Stay cool and out of the bad air as best as you can.

Larry and Sharon

A milestone day today at +28. That bought me a ticket for a bone marrow biopsy that I underwent early this morning. Now will await results. Early answers will come in a day or so with detailed results a week or two later. Because I have had so many bone marrow biopsies over the years, when the early results come in I will have an idea if all my problematic cells are gone, at least for the time being.

Along with the bone marrow biopsy I had my usual blood tests. My scoreboard continues to be good. HCT: 38, Platelets: 145,000, ANC: 1,650. You may be aware that for any kind of transplant be it a solid organ, or a liquid one like mine, the recipient needs to take anti rejection drugs. I am no different and we are trying to adjust the dose of these drugs to keep them in the right therapeutic range without affecting other organ systems. I bring that up because one of my kidney tests, serum Creatinine, has been on the rise lately most likely a function of the anti rejection medication I am taking – Cyclosporine. The team here has decades of experience with this so I will leave it in their good hands to adjust. It is kind of like tuning an old AM radio, you need to get the frequency just right to get a clear signal.

We can sense the Seattle area where we are living is gearing up for the upcoming 4th holiday. Hope you are as well.

Larry and Sharon

4-weeks ago at midnight tonight I received my bone marrow transplant. We were warned of the imminent dangers of this procedure so making it to the 4-week mark seems incredible. To mark the day, tomorrow I will undergo a bone marrow biopsy to see how things are settling in. I will receive some results within 24-hours and I am told the more sophisticated tests results will not be returned for 2-3 weeks.

Today was a bit of a breakout day for me as besides my walk home from the clinic I took a second short walk in the afternoon to the shore of South Lake Union. It was nice to get out although that 45-minute outing resulted in a 1-hour nap. Yes, I am still napping a lot. My day seems like naps peppered with activities, meals and clinic visits.

Although I am not looking forward to the discomfort of tomorrow’s testing, I do look forward to the hopefully positive results that the transplant is taking root.

When we were out at the lakefront today we can tell what a circus is coming to this neighborhood for the July 4th weekend. As I once commented, it seems like Sharon and I are the oldest folks in this neighborhood. The young bring a lot of energy that I hope to feed off of.

Larry and Sharon

Another typical day at the ranch (ha ha). 4-hours in the infusion center. This has really become the centerpiece of my days. The main variations are what time my appointments are scheduled. Today was 2pm. Tomorrow at 9am. The other centerpiece is my ongoing fatigue. I know someplace in leading up to this, or in the documents, this is talked about. But I will tell you when it hits it is overwhelming.

I am enrolled in a clinical trial run by the palliative care department here, you may think hospice when you hear the word palliative, although in this case they are trying to ease any discomfort I may have. Today they suggested to combat my fatigue I get out and walk more. They said it seems counterintuitive and intellectually I understand. I do my daily walk home from the clinic. I need to find a way to add some steps and will work toward that someday soon.

Wherever you are hope you are staying cool and safe from foul air.

Larry and Sharon