Day 30!

It has been 30 days since my transplant, and that means ... I'm FREE!  A bunch of restrictions get lifted today.  I'm able to leave the house without a mask (though I still have to wear it in hospital settings), and I no longer have to follow my low microbial diet (though I have to avoid raw meat/fish for another month).

I feel like I should be more introspective on the process, but at the moment I'm just grateful for my health and for being able to enjoy some independence.  I'm grateful for the prayers of friends and family and the love of my wife who took care of me.  More than anything, I'm grateful for God's sustaining grace.

I guess it's time to start trying to get back into a work mindset.  I'm excited, but I'm extremely nervous since I've been out for so long.  The plan is to go back on 12/7, pending confirmation from my doctor that that's a good idea.

-b

Post-Transplant Day 16

Today is another momentous day.  I had my last appointment at the Stanford ITA (Infusion Treatment Area)!  My white blood cell count is 4.9 K/uL (the normal range is 4 - 11).  My platelets were also high enough where they're confident I won't need a blood transfusion, so they removed my central venous catheter.  This means no more covering myself in saran wrap before showering, no more flushing the lines every night and changing the dressing every week, and it means I can finally go back to sleeping on my stomach.  :)

I have a follow-up appointment after Day 30 with my Bone Marrow Transplant doctor.  He'll review everything and ultimately see whether I'm fit to go back to work.

In the meantime, I'm still on my strict low microbial diet, and I still can't leave the house without my mask, but praise God for getting me through thus far.  I'm feeling pretty strong, though still tired from time to time.  I'm eager to go back to work, but I'm going to spend the time I have off focusing on recovery.

Thanks for the continued prayers!