Yesterday I went with Jo to see Dr. Anderlini. Things have been going so well, I was worried my chances to see him might be nearing an end. Probably not the case.
We can't imagine Jo doing any better than she has already done. At the same time, her counts have all dropped for 4 straight measurements going back a few weeks. Dr. Anderlini is not concerned. He used the word "fragile" to describe the counts of a patient post transplant and he said it'll be that way for quite a while.
We also asked several questions about life after Day +100. He said there is nothing magical about Day +100 and it is just something they give patients to focus on. He said to Jo, "You are extremely vulnerable to a lot of things for a long time." This is why you may hear transplant patients talk about the "new normal".
In a couple of weeks we'll go to the Survivor Class and we'll learn a lot more, but here are a couple of interesting tidbits. No international travel for 2 years. No cruise ships for a year. Driving is strongly discouraged while on the anti-rejection drugs, which could be 6 months or more. No applying for the television show SURVIVOR ever! No getting upset with your husband for watching too much football - it's important to keep stress levels low.
So, Jo is doing awesome and the "new normal" seems fairly normal already. Crowded public places were never my favorite thing anyway.
3 comments:
No appearance on the Survivor reality show? Maybe that's because you already are one. Nothing on the Survivor show comes close to what is endured from the chemo of a Stem Cell Transplant. Way to go, SURVIVOR!
Jo, I am inspired by your journey and awed by the love that surrounds you and your family - but then that is what you give out to all you encounter. You are in my prayers nightly.
Tim, I read this and I can't help but love you!...and even more so, I love how you love Jo! Thank you for being the best husband to Jo ever! We miss you three...
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