Transplant + 106

You saw right, a three digit number!  We reached the 100 day mark on December 27, a milestone indeed. A time to celebrate God's good gifts to us.  In September Day 100 looked miles away on the other side of mountain ranges and deep valleys, and we had to walk the trip.  Was the trip and the view of Day 100 what we expected?  That is a tough question.  Phase 1 went better than anyone could have predicted.  Phase 2 getting to Day 100 has in some aspects gone the same way.  Who would have predicted no Graft versus Host Disease.  Nobody did!  What tremendous blessings for which we give thanks daily! I have not caught a cold or any other type of ailment common to man this fall and early winter, another amazing gift! The only part that has gone tougher than expected was the speed of my blood counts returning to normal.  So we are thankful. The Lord has provided for us every day again what we have needed. Great is His faithfulness.

Over the holiday season we were able to enjoy time with our children and grandchildren, an afternoon with a lot of Barb's family and we hope on Saturday to enjoy the annual Vander Deen reunion.  We have had a few guests come to our house too, and have enjoyed immensely these opportunities.  I have been able to attend all but one service in the month of December at church, albeit from our protected spot in the back corner.  Looking forward to the day when my numbers allow for fuller participation in church and family life.

Today we were off to the Cancer Clinic for my two week appointment.  After a few visits of flat numbers it was wonderful to hear of a modest improvement in my numbers.  My WBC went to 1.9 from 1.7,neutrophils from 1.2 to 1.5,  my platelets to 43 from 34, and hemoglobin up to 84.  I was in a study on blood transfusions that would call for a transfusion if under 90 count for hemoglobin.  That study ended at Day 100 so now the old threshold is in place of 70, so no blood today.

With the growth hormone shots to encourage red cell production we are hopeful that the hemoglobin numbers will hold and slowly improve.  My platelets have not been this high since admittance into the hospital in September when they were 53.  Normal is 150-400 so a way to go yet, my understanding is that most people are in the 200-250 range.  My white count has not been this high since November.  A slow improvement this time, but an improvement for which we are thankful.

I think the doctor is more concerned today about my kidneys.  Creatinine numbers improved slightly from 2 weeks ago but are very high.  He said my kidneys are only functioning at 1/3.  The plan is to continue weaning from the anti rejection drugs which he believes will improve function.  That and a whole lot of water.

So now we are in Phase 3.  We have leftover Phase 2 work to do, such as blood count.  Phase 3 is Day 100 to 1 year anniversary.  During this time we need to wean off anti rejection drugs and most medications that I am now on.  With those drugs disappearing the chance of GVHD increases so dealing with that and managing affects is a big part of this year.  Gaining strength and stamina back.  So we add a day at a time to my count, the same way we are all called to live, day by day.

Prayer requests
1.  Thanks for having reached Day 100 and for doing so well getting there.
2.  Thanks for no GVHD or infections or cold and flu.
3.  Thanks for increase in blood counts.
4.  For continued increase of blood counts and improved kidney function.
5.  Grace for each day.