When I arrived here 26 days ago, the expected stay was to be 30 days. It appears now that I will be released as early as tomorrow. More on that later.
The larger news is that my sister Diane has been found to be a perfect donor. This is important for several reasons. Had a sibling match not been found, I would have had to search the National Donor Registry. At minimum, that would have delayed the transplant by at least a month, and probably much longer. Worst case, there would be no match found. The other reason a sibling match is important has to do with transplant complications. The single most worrisome side effect is Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). In a healthy system, the body's immune system recognizes and attacks threats. GVHD is the opposite; the newly transplanted blood knows it's in a different environment and begins to attack the host (me). This is potentially life threatening if major organs are attacked. GVHD is also a very common side effect, monitored and watched very carefully. With a sibling donor, frequency and severity are reduced. So I'm thankful I have a sibling donor.
As for departure, I am scheduled to be released tomorrow as of this writing. One of the conditions that needed to be met was that the Infectious Disease docs had to approve my release on a specific oral antibiotic. I was just informed that that approval has been received. I also have to meet a minimum oxygen saturation rate which test I passed with flying colors not 10 minutes ago. However, as much as I hate to admit it, plans could change, and I may not be released tomorrow. The hospital has to get all it's ducks in a row, hoops have to jumped through, paperwork must be completed, etc. Keep your good thoughts coming.
We have only just begun this journey. I still have to fully recover from this chemo, and then the transplant looms. However my blood counts have rebounded remarkably. There's no reason to believe my marrow won't continue to produce healthy cells long enough to reach transplant. There are several silver linings already. My siblings are closer than they have been in years. The disappointment felt by Steve and Linda is a measure of a love we never shared before. And the joy found by Diane is a pleasure to see. In addition, I have received cards and well-wishes from all over the United States from fellow stamp artists that my sister Linda knows, and was further extended by someone named Diane S. (whom I have never met) to the "Guardian Angel Group." Beck and Emily have become fast friends with two women each of whom rents space near UCSF. They came to us through friends who made calls on our behalf. And all of that doesn't begin to cover the endless cards, calls, love, and support that we have received from all of you. Words can not express our appreciation.
7 comments:
Hmm. Commenting to a blog is a little different...Anyway, I am so pleased that Diane is a match and you can go home - home for Christmas! What a blessing. It has been such a journey of great ups and downs. It is a privilege to read the eloquent journal of this journey. Rick, you are remarkable. This process is so amazing.
Jane and Wayne
What a blessing that Diane is a match! and I hope you get to go home for now. This journey has been so full of giants ups and downs. I've never before been privileged to see the process, or to read someone's eloquent journal of the journey. Home for Christmas with great hope ahead- wonderful!
Jane and Wayne
Rick, This is good news. I am glad Diane is a match. It is also good to see you getting closer to your siblings through this process. this is a blessing. Assuming Diane passes the tests, when will the transplant take place? Have a wonderful Christmas. I feel something good happening. Much love, Ron
Rick I am happy that the Angel Group has sent you cards and prayers. You are still on my prayer list along with your whole family.
God Bless and relax knowing that there is better things in the future for you
Diane S
All I know is that if you're home Becky won't be calling me on her cell phone while she's crossing on the Bay Bridge---we're gonna die, we're gonna die, we're all gonna die! Every time she does that it takes 10 years off my life! Kermit is making waffles on Monday in your honor. I think he would FedEx them to you if he thought that would really work. Christmas in the city has been nice but, to quote Dorothy, there's no place like home. I'm going to be wearing my red shoes on Monday and I'll click my heels together three times every time I think of it to speed you on your way--but safely. And take Beck's phone away so she doesn't call me until the car is safely in park, engine off, garage door closed! As far as we're concerned, we got our Christmas gift early. I saw Santa at Pioneer Place earlier this month and when he asked me what I wanted this year I told him I wanted a sibling match for Rick. Thanks, Santa! I do believe, I do believe, I do believe!
Love, Maria
Rick, What wonderful news! You and your family have been in my prayers daily. We are so thankful for the blog and other e-mails so we can be in closer touch even though the miles and circumstances bring distance. The prayers continue...as does our love and support.
Dear Rick, Beck and Girls, So glad to hear you are on the way home. May this be a blessed and restful Christmas for you....after the many months of challenge and medical mystery touring. You all are indeed an inspiration...I just wish under more tranquil circumstance. Your sharing so openly is a marvel and speaks to the attunement that occurs between us humans when our communication is heartfelt. I too was soooo plezed to hear that Diane is a match. She is indeed pleased and thankful that she can be of help and participate. I am not so sure;however, how she feels with such public disclosure of her being your "older" sister. Since I am older than her, that really means I am a way older sister, as some would say, I am sure. Anyway, I do see the pleasure in her face and manner. In the office, I have even noted a certain lilt in her walk as she saunters down the hall to her office....puts my lilt to shame. Thanks for including me in your updates and know daily prayers are coming your way from the desert. My best to you all, Marty
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