Thursday, December 22, 2011

Thursday Dec 22, Transplant Day 17

The past few days have been hard. Since I went into the hospital on Dec 3, and was given the high dose of Melphalan. I have had a very hard time eating, one of the side effects of the treatment. Today on the scales I saw I was down 10 pounds since this has all started. The first week was the hardest and I just could not eat. The second week I ate,but nothinhg stayed down. My digestive system had been damaged from the chemo and is slowly healing. But today,with a little help of some medication,I have eaten several small meals and have enjoyed it. Slow steps at first, but I am pleased that I can see the progress.

Yesterday during blood draw I was told of another bone marrow transplant patient who today is a world class climber and guide. His name is Matt Fioretti and he lives in Seattle. I had to write to him to see if we could get together and share some stories on climbing and our transplants. He wrote me today telling me his recovery was slow,at first only able to walk 5 minutes. Today seven years later, he is back at running and guides climbers in the Himalayians (his web page is http://himalayahigh.blogspot.com/ ). He had some very encouraging words for me to be vigilant in staying healthy and slowly gaining back my health. We are going to meet sometime in January.
The next week I will be in the clinic about every other day. Again, recovery is steady but slow.

1 comment:

  1. I can hear your frustration and ache within your words Rick-- this is such a huge challenge to you on so many levels. The inner strength you must draw on is unbelievable, but you have before and are doing so now-- You WILL regain your energy as the new cells establish and the chemo toxins get flushed out...

    You will get thru this Rick--
    I am sending my healing thoughts your way too, as are many of us.
    Love the Space Needle fireworks photo!

    ~~ Aloha,
    Leigh

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