Quick Update

It has been about 6 weeks since my second stem transplant. All test results indicate successful engraftment of the new stem cells. I have put back on the weight I lost due to the gastrointestinal GVHD; I bottomed out at about 125 lbs.

Over the past few months my medical team has started to wean me off the various medications, both preventative and curative (for the GVHD). Over the past few weeks, some of my gastrointestinal symptoms have returned. I am wondering whether they weaned me off one of my GVHD medications too early. I have an appointment with my team next week and will discuss the matter with them.

I have now entered the same time period post transplant that I was at when my cancer recurred after the first transplant. For the most part I remain optimistic but, some days, it is hard to ignore the statistics for second transplants:

• Chance of cancer recurring within two years of transplant: 50%
• Overall 5 year survival rate: 25%. Note that even if the cancer doesn’t return, I am susceptible to other cancers as well as complications due to the toxic crap I have dumped into my body to battle the cancer.

My sister (a nurse) tells me that my bloodwork looks different this time and that I should expect different results. I figure that someone has to be in the 25% who survive, why not me?

Thanks for listening. Also, thanks for your continued prayers and good thoughts. As “touchy feely” as it might seem for an engineer to say, I can feel your good vibes and appreciate them more than I can adequately express in words.