Transplant 2 Day 11

I had a good night's rest and this morning, I needed platelets.  After receiving blood yesterday, I had a nice jump in hemoglobin (79) so I didn't need it today.  We're at Day 11, post-transplant.  For most autologous transplants (when a patient gets their own clean cells back), they expect to see some signs of engraftment by now.  For most allogenic transplants (like mine, cells from a donor), it takes longer.  In my first transplant, it was Day 17 before we saw the first signs of engraftment.  Since we used marrow instead of blood collection of stem cells, they expect that it will be a few days longer.  So really, I don't know what to expect or when to expect it.  We're in waiting mode where everything rides on engraftment and so we pray fervently for that daily.  

My brother, Clarence, called and we had a nice conversation this morning.  He told me that someone we have been praying for has passed away.  We are thankful for being able to rest in God's promises and pray that the Lord will be near to this family in a special way.  

My appetite has improved some in the last couple days.  Anti-nausea in the mornings probably helps with this.  Generally, I am feeling pretty decent.  The Lord is protecting me quite well.  I went for a walk again this afternoon with Barb, Karen, and Andrea before they went to a wedding shower for our nieces.  It was good, though it feels weird to walk down the hallway all gowned, masked, and gloved!  After the girls left, I had a nice phone visit with Mike.  Barb and the girls came back after the shower again and we are enjoying a game of cards tonight.  I'm thankful for a pleasant day.  

Prayer Requests

1. Engraftment!

2. For patience and trust in the Lord for each day as we wait for increased counts.

3. Continued protection from further infection.

4. Continued protection for my organs.

5. For comfort for those who mourn.

6. That we may all have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow.

Psalm 73:28 (ESV)

"But for me, it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works."