6-21-10

Every day in the mail there are cards – just great support.  Especially for the journey we’re going through next.

Status: 9.5/10. Several folks have commented that my color looks better, and that I look pretty good.  That was confirmed today at Hopkins with my hematocrit being 35!  That’s the low end of normal.  The official report on my bone marrow says, “The findings do not suggest the presence of leukemia.”   That means a designation of “complete remission.”  The two most important things you want going for you as you enter a bone marrow transplant are a remission and a perfect sibling match, and my brother Terry’s is a perfect 10/10.

Events:  Received the schedule leading up to my re-entry into the hospital.  I’ll be at Hopkins a good deal between now and admission for tests, with transplant hospitalization now planned for July 7.

Comments: Lots to do over the next 2 weeks or so.  Terry comes up here for a medical evaluation, and then back again for the transplant.  Spoke to two friends who have had AML and bone marrow transplants, invaluable perspective as only they can give on what it’s like.  They are both doing well, and they are a great help beginning all this with optimism.  Believe that the right neuro-chemicals floating around are so much better than the wrong ones.  Started on an anti-depressant, which I will continue during the hospital stay to take a little edge off the stress.  Back at Hopkins on Wed, Thurs, and Fri for pre-admission tests, and we’ll keep you up to date.

Love to you,

-Bruce