It's Official!

Day -3

I have completed all the myeloablative chemotherapy necessary to eradicate my own marrow. My immune system, on a scale from 4.0-11.0, is now 0.1.

Very soon I will be requiring transfusions of blood and platelets. On the 24th that will include the stem cells from my mom. Her cells will begin to think they are mine in about 2 weeks time. We don't want them grafting too quickly but, as the parable teaches us, on good soil taking good root.

Perhaps my taste buds will come back before then but my doctor says don't count on it. And I really do count myself lucky that so far my stomach full of rocks and pasty mouth are my biggest concerns. My bilirubin was back to my baseline at 1.9 today, indicating that my liver is doing its best in the war effort. Constant IV fluids help since I'm eating and drinking like a bird.

So, I have 2 days of "rest" before the big day and if I can manage to read a little without getting nauseous I can try to get back to my studies. I will write about them tomorrow because there is a little project I could use your help on when I get home.

However, today is a special day because my beloved cousin Paul Navar was received into the arms of our Lord 2 years ago. My family will be praying a special rosary for his soul this evening around 6. Please join us, in whatever way you can, in remembering him today. Remember to pray to him as well as for him. The Communion of Saints is not just for the canonized.