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

The days post-transplant continue to march on. I had a bit of a reprieve today as the clinic schedule allowed me to sleep in. My IV infusions were in the afternoon. I might have thought I would sleep in but was up at just about the same time as usual. Tomorrow I am back on an early schedule beginning with lab tests at 7am followed by 3 hours of IV electrolytes, a nutrition visit and then my clinical team where I hope to again learn where I am in the midst of their expectations.

I can’t get rid of this fatigue although today I acted like a true honeydo kind of guy and fixed our garbage disposal which somehow had the power cord come loose. Sharon thought this is my best sign yet and I am again becoming a productive member of society.

I will let you know how my scorecard is tomorrow and then next set of labs this coming Thursday will include a bone marrow biopsy to see what is going on inside. Enjoy your week ahead.

Larry and Sharon

The days click by slowly, however they are clicking by. I have often told patients that after a traumatic event or surgery, it hard to see progress one day at a time. So look back on where you’ve been a week ago. I am doing that and can tell you I am much more stable and improved in many subtle ways. I eat 3-meals/day – okay somewhat smaller than I should since I did not have the appetite I used to and am still dealing with nausea for which I take meds twice daily.

One visit to the clinic this morning for my usual bump of electrolytes. I get a bit of a break tomorrow as my appointment is not until mid afternoon. Then Monday up at the crack of dawn for blood testing at 7am followed by a full morning of visits.

For my morning entertainment I watched a Cubs game being played in London. There were many Cubs fans/jerseys in attendance and after their win, they belted out our favorite Go Cubs Go song, written by the musical genius Steve Goodman who died much too young of a diagnosis of Leukemia. Fortunate for me and many others, over the decades great strides have been made in its treatment. Enjoy your weekend.

Larry and Sharon