The Docs are pleased.

On May 20 and 21, Rose and I saw both the hematologist and the cardiologist in Seattle. The hematologist was pleased with the progress that was showing from the lab tests. My white cell count has improved to be close to the low range for the general public. And while things are getting better, I still need to be careful. For some reason my red blood count has been dropping slightly. The hematologist speculated that where the new heart has been grafted into the two major arteries and two major veins, the blood experiences some turbulence as it is moved across the graft. He said the red blood cells are relatively frail and can easily be damaged. (I mentioned this to the cardiologist the following day. He was slightly amused as he had never heard of this). The next time I see the hematologist, a biopsy of my bone marrow will be taken to see if there are any lingering traces of the disease still in my marrow.

On May 21 we saw the cardiologist. His opening comment to me was he was impressed with my hair. Post chemotherapy I now have a lot of fine fuzzy gray hair. He and I are both “follicly challenged” on the tops of our heads, but we have put all our resources along the backs and sides. He was pleased with the overall health of my new heart. There was a slight adjustment in my medications and questions about my light headedness. A potential reason for this would be tied back to my blood pressure. If I drink a lot of fluids, the blood pressure will remain high. My light headedness is worse early in the day. We are working to get this under control with some blood pressure drugs.

The last time I was in the hospital I was told there was a man on the cardiac flood who had "raccoon eyes" like mine (some bruising around the eyes). This is a trait seen in people with the disease I had, Cardiac Amyloidosis. This guy was going to be the second person to go through the procedure (double transplant) I went through at the UW Hospital. I asked the cardiologist how the next amyloid patient was doing. He said we lost him. He then said he had been talking to the Mayo Clinic who leads the world in treating this rare disease. He said the Mayo Clinic has a 30% success rate with Cardiac Amyloidosis. It could be that many of these patients are coming in with other issues (diabetes, bad cholesterol, etc.). He said Cardiac Amyloidosis is a very aggressive disease and you need to move fast. With this piece of information I told him I was surprised when he was moving me so quickly last spring to being 1-A for transplant. Stanford University Hospital told me a year ago they would not have been as aggressive with my listing for heart transplant as the UW was. Now I wonder if I would have made it there. I thanked the cardiologist for being aggressive with my case. When I was transplanted back on September 11, 2009, I likely had less than a month of time left with my old heart. I was a good candidate for the transplant because I came in without any other health issues. But he knew he had to move quickly.

So today I am realizing how fortunate I am to still be alive. Many people that go through something like this come to appreciate each day they have. I have changed how I approach each day. I am also thankful for all the prayers that have been said on my behalf. Thanks.