Yesterday's visit to the clinic was uneventful--which is a good thing. My white counts, neutrophils, platelets, potassium, magnesium, hematocrit (red cells) are all where they should be. I'm doing so well that I don't have to return for 10 days, although Dr. Rifkin did give me the option of coming to the clinic this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday if I wanted. I graciously declined. So we wait for retesting, or as they call it restaging, i.e., testing everything under the sun once again such as bone marrow biopsy, bone scan, much blood work, and a few other niceties. No time scheduled yet for that exercise (last time it took 9 hours but I think it will be shorter this time). I hope it doesn't happen until after the holidays as the process will only bring to the surface the question of how well the transplant worked. Ignorance is bliss right now. I also asked Dr. Rifkin whether I could return to the health club to do light exercise. Request denied on the basis that I am only 38 days old and not yet ready to fend off all the nasties lurking about in the locker room. In addition to my walks (1 mile a day now) I am now lifting weights, but I feel I must clarify as it will give you all some sense of how much this transplant has knocked me back: the month before I was diagnosed last March I was curling 25 pounds per arm. When discharged from the hospital I was able to curl using 2 pounds per arm. I have now graduated to 3 pound weights--a 50% increase but a long long way from 25 pounds. Slow and steady, I know. I will report after my appointment on Dec. 1. Until then I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
We are going to our friends, the Richardsons, for Thanksgiving dinner. Chris Richardson and I lived together during law school and he has been an unbelievable friend during this difficult time--another friend who has become a brother over the years. He saw me at my absolute lowest this July and gave Susan and me great help and support during that time, something we will never forget.
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday and this year is no different. I am excited that our 2 girls will be home, we will be sharing the day with good friends, enjoying good food and giving thanks for all those blessings we have received this year. Despite all the difficulties we have faced, we still see ourselves as blessed and will give thanks this Thursday for all the gifts we have in our lives, including all of you. Happy Thankgiving to all. Love, Dan
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Happy Thanksgiving, Dan and Susan! Love, Spike and Lynne
Like most of you I have to check this blog on a daily basis. Since I became involved in this blog I have spent time roaming through other blogs. What sets "Scoopondan" apart from the other blogs is the humanity that is evident in all the postings. The best of human nature is on display for all of us to share. Sigun and Joe's posting spotlighted, for me, the reason why this blog is so special. Dan and Susan! Unlike the clueless "stinky cheese man" Dan and Susan have always made those of us who have been part of their lives feel valued and important. They are always there for others. They makes all of our lives richer. This blog makes all of our lives richer. What a fantastic circle of friends.
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