Still waiting on chromosomal test and chimerism study results, but preliminary bone marrow biopsy results from last week based on morphology and flow indicate complete remission. Praise God!
Still need one more pneumonia vaccination and cannot receive shingles vaccination until 2 years post- transplant. I have been to the eye doctor, but have to wait on the dentist until my white blood and T cell counts return to normal following my last round of maintenance chemotherapy.
Moving back toward normal – keeping my exercise regimen up and slowly overcoming fatigue levels. I had a “survivorship” virtual meeting this week and confirmed we are “all systems go.”
What a month it has been. It was like a return to my youth as I sat frozen in front of the television set watching the Falcon 9 Space Launch. Finally, we return to space – in an American-built, 2-stage reusable rocket launch from our shores. The perfect return of the first stage and docking of the Crew Dragon Capsule with the International Space Station were a tribute to NASA and SpaceX Corporation.
Very saddened by the choke-hold death of a former Houstonian relocated to Minneapolis and all of the subsequent rioting that has occurred. It brings back memories of the chaotic riots in 1968 in the wake of the Martin Luther King assassination. Let us all pray that protest in peace, following the ways of MLK, prevails and does not evolve into a second chapter of violence we experienced with the Black Panther Party. We already have far too much hatred and divisiveness in this country that will take time and effective leadership to heal.
At least the constant barrage of front-page news on the Coronavirus has slowed down. We are very thankful to live in a state that has taken a leadership role in returning to a normal life. We have come dangerously close to economic failure in this country due to people’s willingness to escape from freedom – haunting resemblance to treatises written by Eric Fromm and films directed by Stanley Kubrick. Hopefully, we will all start to move forward from this chaos and return to a caring, thriving society. I remain eternally optimistic that our current youth will lead the way to a bright future once again.
In the interim, I am just glad to be alive. I decided to start playing trumpet again so that I can play Taps at Veterans’ funerals. It’s something I can do give back without violating the social distancing requirements! There is a shortage of live bugle players, and many funerals have had to rely on “Ceremonial Bugles” that use electronic inserts to produce a “perfect” rendition.
I remain thankful for my work and supportive clients that have stuck with me through this journey. I remain committed to providing cost-effective services and support to each of you.
I am also very thankful for my family and my faith – the true pillars of strength that keep me going every day.
If there is anything I can do to improve your lives, please let me know.
Best Regards to all,
John L.
Cancer Journey 
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