It’s been 25 days as of this evening since my Bone Marrow Transplant at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. I’m roughly a third through my 60-65 day stay at Johns Hopkins.
These past few days have been rather difficult. Between a hemorrhoid late last week and a burning sensation (along with bloody sentiment) while urinating, many of my frequent visits to the restroom have been trying. Apparently the burning sensation is due to the BK Virus that many of us (80%) carry as a dormant virus that manifests itself when immunosuppressed due to transplants.
Aside from the challenging restroom visits, I’m feeling much better. My numbers are increasing and it’s been nearly a week since I last needed an infusion or two of platelets. I’m truly touched by all of the cards and care packages that Vicky and I have received while we’re here. I was nearly in tears today as I read a couple cards, and I had a wide grin from ear-to-ear reading Julie M.’s card. I love knowing fellow programmers and systems engineers as good friends and fellow gamers.
And so it goes… I’m still here. I persist. I am so eagerly looking forward to going home, take a real warm shower and sleeping on our own bed, and being reunited with Kiyomi and Toshiro.
