Well, it’s been three months since my stem cell transplant and I’m making progress — very slowly, but in the right direction. My basic blood counts (red cells, white cells and platelets) that are checked weekly are more or less in the normal range. That would indicate that the transplant has produced healthy bone marrow that is producing those blood cells. It remains to be seen whether the cancer that caused the initial marrow problem has been eradicated. We may not know for another 6-9 months but the indications look good.
I remain quite weak, have a very low energy level, and have little concentration or patience. I have lost about 40 pounds of which I’d like to put on about 15. Thus far I’ve had no success due to lack of appetite (dry mouth and weird tastes) and continuing digestive problems, which is one of the typical Graft-vs.-Host-Disease associated with such transplants. I am working out at home using a stationary bicycle, dumbbells and walks around the neighborhood. I’m trying to strike the correct balance between building myself back up and not depleting my already low energy/strength levels. It’s a slow process.
While I’ve made a few visits to the store to say hello to staff and eyeball the premises, I have not done much work there. I have my computer at home and am able to do 3-4 hours a day of my work at the kitchen table. This seems to be working well as I can take rest, eating and bathroom breaks as needed. Thank God for technology. I am still uncertain as to when I will be returning to my office on a more-or-less regular basis. As usual, I’m playing things by ear. Our team at Schaefer’s has been fantastic at picking up the ball for me and, while I’m sure they miss my presence 
, they understand the circumstances.
At the encouragement of my doctors, family, friends and coworkers, I am going to be leaving on Friday, June 23, on a five-day father/son fishing trip to Rainy Lake, Minnesota. There are ten of us (three families) and we had booked this trip last fall before I had any indication of my medical future. While I feel bad about going fishing before returning to work fulltime, I’m getting over the guilt and am going to make the most of the quality, family-bonding opportunity — carpe diem! As has become my custom these days, I’m going to have to pace myself and get plenty of rest. I’ll have to let the boys catch the big fish.
All in all, I am very grateful for my current condition and the forecasted outcome. I greatly appreciate all of the wonderful support and encouragement that I have received family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, business associates, customers, medical team and total strangers. I can’t think of going through this experience without you. Finally, Cookie, you’ve defined the meaning of “care-giver.” You’ve been fantastic and have put up with an awful lot from me. Thank you and I love you more than ever.
Thank you for your continued concern and support — George
