Remission!

I’ll begin by apologizing for not updating my blog in real-time for the fact that I am officially in remission. Remission is defined as fewer than 5% cancer cells in my bone marrow. My numbers came back at 0.05%. Technically, these are great numbers and better than expected.

However, the goal prior to a bone marrow transplant (BMT) is 0.01% cancer cells. That means I still have a little bit to go. So, I’ll admit on Tuesday of next week to begin Blincyto. Because of potential side effects, the treatment is started as inpatient. I should be able to DC home next Friday and continue the treatment at home.

My kids joke with me that I am leveling up as a cyborg because the Blincyto is administered through a continuous infusion attached to my abdomen. I guess that is the only upside to having to wear a fanny pack. And, the fact that the Blincyto has been proven to be a game changer for people in my position.

On another note, I’ve been shedding hair like a short-haired dog. I’m not losing hair in clumps; just thinning all over. So, I think today/tomorrow is the day to shave. It may rob Lanie of the joy of collecting my hair on a lint roller. But, it is better than looking like the dog slept on my shoulders.

Finally, and since it has been a while, it has been good to be home for just over a week now. I took some time to try unwinding from the isolation of the hospital in the age of COVID. This is the closest I can imagine to retirement. I’ve always said I’ll never retire. And, now I am positive. A week of doing nothing around the house has its own mental health challenges. The fight is just as real at home as it is in the hospital. The remission news yesterday coupled with the Blincyto was what I needed to re-engage. I’m grateful for God’s blessing of great remission numbers. And, ready to keep up the fight with the Blincyto.

Thanks to everyone for continued prayers. They definitely make a difference. I’ll begin posting again when I readmit Tuesday and keep up the blog while I’m in the hospital. My goal, while at home, is to keep everyone current on important news and to post updates at least weekly.

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.“ 1 Tim 6:12