My blood counts have been steadily increasing over the past week. This increase clearly indicates that the stem cells successfully found their way to my bone marrow and engraftment is in progress.
After 4 weeks (to the day) in hospital, I will be discharged tomorrow to The Ottawa Hospital Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (TCT) outpatient program. I will return home and come to hospital once a week for follow-up visits.
While engraftment has successfully started, it will take upwards of a year until my immune system has fully matured. Hence, I will need to continue to limit my contact with other people for at least another 3 months. I ask that visitors take a COVID test and that they not visit if they are showing any symptoms of ill health (coughing, stuffiness, fever, etc.).
The hardest part of limiting my contact with other people is avoiding visits from my grandchildren. It is simply too risky to do so. They are in close contact every day with other children (school and day care) and, even if they are not directly infected, they can be carriers.
Many of my grandchildren are at an age where they are growing and evolving very quickly. A lot can change in their worlds in three months and I will, unfortunately, miss being part of it.
I look forward to being back in my house, hanging out with Tracy, and snuggling with my cat (Jaks). I look forward to eating home cooked meals, watching Christmas movies, and sleeping in my own bed. I look forward to … well, I could go on and one but you get the picture.
Thanks for listening,
Mike
The Cancer Card 
This is wonderful news, Mike! Onward and upward! ❤️
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Nice to hear of your positive progress, Mike.
Now for the patient stamina phase.
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Engrafment…a new word in my vocabulary.
So happy to hear it is taking place and blood tests are showing results.
Love you.
Praying.
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FaceTime and Skype are wonderful things for keeping up with grandchildren. We know that firsthand. We are sending love and are so happy to hear that you were going home. Sending prayers for continued progress and healing. You are on your way to good health! Merry Christmas Michael.
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Grateful to know that you will be home for Christmas! Please take care of yourself. Merry Christmas to you both!
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Spectacular news Mike!! Thrilled that you’ll be home for Christmas and able to enjoy all the lovely things we take for granted. FaceTime is a great way to keep on top of kiddos, new words, and other milestones. Can’t replace a hug but it’s a fine substitute until you’re ready for more. Wishing you continued improving health and all the blessings of the holy season.
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