GVH

So in my last post which was about 2 weeks ago, there've been some changes. First my appetite went down significantly and I was suffering from fatigue along with diarrhea and nausea. It was definitely a bummer having gone back a few steps, but GVH isn't all a bad thing. It will go away and it increases my chances of cancer NOT recurring. Aside from that my hair is growing back and I have a mustache that Tom Selleck would be proud of.

CNS

Here's a belated post:

This past Monday I learned that I no longer have CNS (which is where the leukemia had moved to my central nervous system and had moved to the brain). I just have to have 5 more spinal taps. One every two weeks. That should bring me to February. The great news is that it looks like I'm completely cancer free. I don't want to jinx anything or sound like I'm talking about a perfect game in the top of the ninth, but all signs are pointing in the right direction. The best news is that the Giants beat the Cowboys this morning. I think Christmas come early.

The next thing I need is to get this catheter removed from my chest. But one thing at a time.

I survived leukemia

From my previous posts I had mentioned that I was having a bone marrow biopsy. This test was to determine whether I still had leukemia in my body or if Sam's cells had attacked them and run them off. Well it was the latter. I got the news this morning alongside my wife and dad. I've never cried like this before. What a monumental day! Dec 2nd! I also heard a really good quote from the nurse which is a truth, "cancer isn't a death sentence, it's a character builder". I couldn't agree more!

Thank you to everyone who has been reading this blog, my friends, family, my wife and most of all my brother. I did not do this alone. And I'd also like to thank my doctors and nurses. They're the ones who beat the cancer, I just survived it.

I will continue to update this blog with my progress towards my goals. As well as the status of my health. I actually have another spinal tap on Monday, so maybe I'll get some more amazing news next week.

My MRI was negative

What a huge relief. This doesn't mean that the cancer is gone, but at least it's undetectable to the MRI machine. Additionally, I had my bone marrow biopsy yesterday. That hurt a bit more than I remember. I'm glad it's not a daily routine and instead a monthly routine.

I should get the bone marrow biopsy initial results tomorrow.

This coming week

So I got a big week starting tomorrow. I get to start Monday with an MRI to see how much CNS (central nervous system cancer) is still present in my brain so we can determine how many more lumbar punctures I need to receive. Btw, these lumbar punctures are not comfortable, so I'm hoping it's just one, but whatever it takes, right? Then on Wednesday I get my first bone marrow biopsy since the transplant. There's another procedure that's not that comfortable. This is going to determine whether or not the leukemia is still present or if Sam's cells have taken it out. I have confidence in my brothers cells.

In any event, I should get results on these procedures within the week. Knock on wood.

Happy thanksgiving!

I'm obviously out of the hospital well ahead of schedule and I made my goal of having thanksgiving at home with my family.

Thank you all for all the support during the past few months. You have no idea how much it has helped.

I'll keep you posted on my progress, I just wanted to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving!

Now I'm going to eat my weight in turkey.

Z

Wow do I feel better today

My tailbone had been hurting me so badly the past couple of days from my last lumbar puncture (spinal tap). It from the chemo running up and down my spine. When I went to the doctors yesterday they prescribed me some pain killers and I feel so much better today. Did some push ups, curls, tricep extensions. My mother in law finally put the kibosh on me doing anymore exercising for the day. But I snuck some more in...shhhhh.

So I was supposed to get another lumbar puncture next week, but my doctor wants to give my body a bit of a rest after all stress the last one put me through. However, next week I'll get another MRI to check out my brain as well as get my first bone marrow biopsy to see if the transplant got rid of the leukemia. It had better be gone. I have a feeling it will. And then we can just focus on getting rid of the CNS and I will be better than ever.

On top of this I calculated my weight from yesterday bc it was taken in kilograms (has the US finally converted to the metric system). I have officially lost 30 lbs. I weigh about 155 lbs. A bit less than I want to be but, gives me a clean canvas to build my body the way I want to. This is going to be one of those transformations which I won't take for granted.

I'm also looking forward to going back to the hospital when I'm healthy and talking about my experience with people who are going through this transplant process. I owe so much and it comes down to giving back. And I intend on doing that in spades.

If anyone out there is going through a similar experience or has a friend or family member that just wants to talk about this, I'm all ears. Nobody should go this blindly and if I can provide some insight, I'd be happy to help.