Steady On

I haven’t written since March 14. I am in my back yard, computer in lap, trying to figure out how to summarize the last couple of months. To start, I’m feeling quite well and am enjoying the scene here in the back yard. I put up a bird feeder 2 weeks ago and the yard is full of critters. I like sitting in the back yard; it is peaceful but engaging, especially now that we have critters. Read what Barbara has to say about our new improved back yard.

http://mail.firstunitarian.com/pipermail/firstumemo_firstunitarian.com/2008q2/000093.html

When I left off in March I was about to start a series of infusions of Rituxan. I completed that treatment and my red blood cell count is steady at a usual level for me (low for you but ok for me.) The bid medical excitement was that my brother Mike (my bone marrow donor) came for a week and donated a few billion lymphocytes some of which were then infused into me. Lymphocytes are one kind of white blood cell. By infusing me with Mike’s lymphocytes my immune system and marrow are further transformed into the new me. Jeff 2.0. All of my blood disorders are due to my old immune system and bone marrow. Any significant change due to the infusion should show up in a couple of months from now. Patience.

A lot of time has passed since the transplant last summer; it has been 10 ½ months. As time oozes by I am healthier and allowed to do more. I am returning to teaching in the fall, ok with the doctor and all set up with the school. I can go out kayaking. I can go to a weekday matinee movie. I can eat in a not-too- busy restaurant. I am making plans to be with my family for a reunion in late July; we will meet in Sedona, Arizona.

So… lots to look forward to.