100 Days and new surprises

On September 20 I celebrated passing the 100-day-post-transplant mark.  Now I can eat sushi, drink wine and use Rogaine with impunity.  

I feel stronger.   Walking helps me physically, mentally, emotionally, psychologically.  I'm lucky enough to have my eldest daughter doing her last year of law school from my apartment and she is a really loving, caring, fun, nurturing, kind and (clean) roommate. Books have helped fill in the gaps in my life left by the absence of other human contact.  I can't be close to others due to my weakened immune system.   I see my other children as well and talk to them a lot.  I have wonderful friends who take such good care of me, but I can't really see them other than taking a walk from time to time outside. 

Cancer seems to be under control thanks to the chemo and transplant.  Immune system is paying the price. My white blood cell ("WBC") and red blood cell ("RBC") counts are low as are my IgG and IgM levels.   I hope to get a COVID booster and flu shot next month, childhood vaccines like are still months off so no plane travel for now. 

BACK TO CHEMO - Although I still have cancer cells, I have less than I had before, but I still have to resume the same chemo regime that I had before.  This will start October 11.  I will be taking KRd or maybe VRd (Velcade, Revlimid, dexamethasone) "until I relapse" according to my doctor.   I was hoping that the stem cell transplant was going to earn me a break from the chemo.  Guess not. 

VACCINES -   I will also be able to start getting my COVID vaccines mid-October. I will get 4 of those spread out over the next 2 months.  I will also get my flu shot in the middle of October.  

I asked why I can't get my childhood vaccines (meningitis, smallpox, polio, etc.) now and I was told that my body would not take them in and protect me.  They wouldn't "work."

HELP REDUCE STRESS - My son recommended a great audio book which combines neuroscience, psychology, meditation and eventually Buddhism to helps retrain the brain away from stress and sadness.  It is called The Enlightened Brain by Dr. Rick Hanson.  There are meditations in the audio book so listen to it at night (not while drivingšŸ¤£) if you are interested.  I really got a lot out of it. 

Laughter, exercise, carrots, walking and love is my recipe for now (sleep is elusive so I would not put it on my healing list but it should be on yours).   

Thanks for staying in touch.  I'm sending you love and wishes of good health.  May your life be filled with humor and warmth good health and love. 



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