So far so good. The medical team tells me i am reacting and responding as predicted. What that means, and this is probably too much information, is that as a result of the chemo I have had in preparation, my blood counts are falling and creating fertile ground for the new cells to take root. That will put me at higher risk of infection.

All of this does have its set of physical manifestations. My GI tract is affected with bouts of nausea and poop changes. I am told to strap in because these are bound to get worse over the next week. Eating may become a challenge. Not that hospital food is gourmet.

Sleeping in a strange, hospital bed has its own set of challenges. I was so uncomfortable the first night that I asked for, and received an egg crate topper. That seemed to help last night. Today Sharon is going to bring me one of my favorite pillows and I hope that helps as well.

Tomorrow it is planned to begin the last 2-days of chemo to assist the new cells into liking their new home. After that, I will be in recovery mode waiting for the these to “engraft’ meaning get comfortable and be fruitful and multiply.

Take care

Larry and Sharon

Yesterday was a long day, for David my donor and for Sharon and I awaiting the cells. We figured out which flight from Chicago to Seattle the cells were on. Of course the plane was a bit late in arriving.

I was admitted to the transplant floor at the U WA hospital at 8pm. We got checked in and the wait began. The cells arrived in our room just after Midnight, meaning that June 1, today, is my rebirthday. The cells came in a large volume bag.

The transfusion began at 12:30am and lasted 4-hours. After that I was watched like a hawk so not much sleep last night. I hope for better rest this evening.

The “team” saw me on rounds this morning and let me know the plan. They said I will likely have continued side effects from the pre-treatment chemo and on June 4 they will blast me again. The purpose of that became a bit clearer and this is supposed to nudge the new cells into being more comfortable within me, hoping to avoid Graft vs Host Disease. All in all, I will be here for 21 days +/-.

Jennifer looked up the signs of the Zodiac and let me know that for my re-birthday I am a Gemini, meaning I have a twin. Seems perfect now that David and I have become commingled in a good way.

More to come in the days ahead.

Sharon and I have had so very much support here. It feels just wonderful.

Larry and Sharon

The day has arrived, otherwise known as Day Zero. After all the chemo and radiation I have had a down energy day today. I figured it was bound to catch up with me, and I was warned today by our team nurse that in a couple of days after the last blast of chemo it is bound to get worse.

Not to dwell on the darkside of this process, today is a day to celebrate the good. My brother Dave successfully produced his donor cells. Here he is with his “cellphie” G-d bless him.

As I am writing these precious cells are on their way, due to arrive in the Seattle metro area about 8:30pm PDT.

At 8pm this evening, I will be admitted to the hospital for my prep to receive these cells. The plan is for me to be hospitalized for 3-weeks +/-.

Sharon and I are so grateful for the texts, emails, and calls we have received today. I plan to report tomorrow on how the evening’s activities progressed and am so thankful to have reached this day.

Larry and Sharon

Today I spent many hours in the clinic. Blood tests, 4-hours of IV hydration as well as an IV antifungal drug, followed by the main event of the day.Total Body Irradiation.

I was in the radiation chamber for one hour. The best analogy I can share with you of the experience is that I felt like I was a rotisserie chicken. They started by placing all kinds of radiation monitors around my person, to make sure the right doses where delivered to the right places.

They turned me onto my left side and from across the room came a buzzing sound and a light. I thought it was an Austin Powers movie with a laser beam. The radiation treatment started at my front side beginning with my head and slowly worked its way down to my toes. Then they turned me around, actually they turned the stretcher bed around, and the same buzz and beam went head to toe on my backside.

When it was over, I asked if I was glowing. The answer back was that they know the patient is done when they begin to turn green like the Hulk.

So I am prepped and ready. My brother is now in the batter’s box and I will be waiting in the ondeck circle. We have not had the exact timing confirmed although were told that tomorrow I will be admitted to the hospital at 8pm. That tells us that the infusion of the new cells will most likely occur between 10pm and midnight. If that happens, my new birthday will be on May 31. Mark your calendars for a party one year from tomorrow.

Larry and Sharon

Inching closer to the big day. Today I spent 7-hours in the infusion suite receiving anti nausea medication, an antibiotic that kills fungi, and two flavors of chemo. A bit heavier today. To make sure my system is hydrated and my kidneys are not on overload, these items were followed by a liter of IV saline fluid. As I have said during the last 3-days, so far so good.

Spending that much time requires some activity. For me mostly video. I started watching the French Open, and found an episode of M*A*S*H. Sharon joined me for my project of watching all the Marvel movies along the Marvel timeline. Today started with “Captain America – The First Avenger.” This was not the first Marvel movie, that would be Iron Man. But this movie took place during WWII so first by historical time. It is very good indeed.

Today I want to recognize Louis Gonzalez. Louis and Deborah have been our friends for decades. The very quick backstory is in 2007 at the CA Int’l Marathon I was bound and determined to run a sub 4-hour marathon. That was a goal of mine since my first Chicago marathon in 2001. Louis agreed to run the final 6-miles with me as my pacer so I would not slow down. It worked. I finished in 3hr 57min. I could not have done that without him. At the time, I was not yet diagnosed with CLL, although after I was, Louis and Deborah were constant supporters.

Fast forward to today, and for several years Louis and Deborah have bicycled around Lake Tahoe as a part of America’s Most Beautiful Ride to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Deborah;s father had suffered from a blood cancer so the cause is close to all of our hearts.

Louis is raising money as a part of his team. Click here for the link if you would like to donate and support the cause:

Thank you again for your caring and support.

Larry and Sharon