Off to the New Year with a bang! Bone marrow biopsy this week indicated I am still in remission with a blast count of less than 2%. I have also been cleared by infectious disease, oral oncology, and heart specialists. Unrelated stem cell donor is still engaged, and I am scheduled to enter the hospital on January 30, 2019. Found out my donor is a 27 year old male, and I will be forever grateful for his big heart and willingness to go through this process. The week before I enter the hospital, I will receive two 12-hour rounds of chemotherapy to prepare my system for the graft.
Transplant is scheduled for February 6, 2019, and I expect to be in the hospital for at least three weeks. The good news is that I will not be in isolation and can have regular visitors. I can continue to work, and the floor pod has exercise bikes for my use. I also plan to take a keyboard to the hospital to refresh my piano playing skills. Upon discharge, we have to relocate for at least two weeks to be within 20 minutes of the hospital. This is when the risk of graft vs. host disease is highest and I will have to go to the hospital every day, including weekends.
I am very thankful to have access to M.D. Anderson and to have a loving and caring family for support – especially my wife Lorraine who has been a champion caregiver, driving me everywhere and getting me to all of my appointments.
Keeping the faith, slowly learning to be patient, and praying for a rapid and full recovery!
Yours in Christ,
John L.
Cancer Journey 
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