88 days out

Well I'm almost to the 100 day mark, which just happens to be feb 5th, super bowl Sunday. So i get to celebrate two things, my 100 days and hopefully my giants winning a repeat from the pats.

Aside from that, things have been status quo. I'm almost off this steroid (prednisone) which they've had me on for about a month. If you've never taken this steroid before, it can make you very twitchy or shaky and it can give your body the impression that you're stronger and have more energy than you actually have.

The other good news is that I had my last spinal tap last weds. It was a good birthday present by the doctors. They're very thoughtful...ha!

Well, I should be back to work sometime in the next few weeks which is exciting and scary all at the same time. I really want to go back as if I didn't miss a beat, but I need to set my expectations that i probably have. At least I got a good story to share...with my colleagues and my clients.

The last bit of good news is that Mish and I are back in our apt. In was great staying with her folks, but it's nice to have our own space again.

Hope you are all well.

Z

About day 75 out

So I'm close to finishing my 100 days post bone marrow transplant. Michele and I get to move back home next week. I'm very excited. It's been great having Rob and Donna (my in laws) along with Mish take care of me. But I really need to progress in this situation. I know I'm not done with this journey, but I need to start jumping some hurdles.

From a health standpoint, I have my last spinal tap on weds (which just so happens to be my birthday). I'm not sure when I get this chest catheter taken out, but I was told by my doctor I can snowboard with it attached. So my goal of snowboarding by march is not out the window. I've been working out everyday and am beginnng to get stronger and my appetite is back.

So what can I tell you? This hasn't been an easy journey. Lonely at times. But it's been a humbling journey nonetheless. I just started driving this week. Wow, have I missed that. Hell, I had my first coffee in 3 months on Thursday.

The things I've taken for granted over the years has really fallen into focus.

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.