Alan's health update 8-25-2010

Today is a milestone day for me, the 100th day since my stem-cell transplant and also the day I get discharged by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance back to my “home” oncologist at Group Health, Dr. Eric Feldman.   Susan and I feel like we’re letting go of our security blanket by leaving SCCA, but we have lots of confidence in Dr. Feldman, who has managed my care since my prior bout with cancer 10 years ago.

Yesterday we got excellent news from my attending physician.  He admitted that since both of my recent bone marrow biopsies showed no disease (using the best testing techniques currently known to science), my prognosis for a permanent remission is very good.  No guarantees, but we’re very hopeful.  I’m still at risk for episodes of chronic graft-versus-host disease, and my immune system will remain impaired for another 4 to 10 months, but those risks pale in comparison with the prospect of leukemia.

I continue to walk regularly (using trekking poles for balance) and do physical therapy exercises to rebuild my muscles, particularly in my pipe-cleaner-like legs.  Susan and I even went on our first out-of-town getaway in several months, spending a couple of gorgeous days at the Paradise Inn at Mt. Rainier.

Thanks again to all of you who have been part of our support network during these difficult months, and who continue to help out by sending encouraging emails and cards, offering rides, walks, and occasional meals now that Susan is back at work.  You all have been an integral part of my recovery, and I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know.

There are still mountains to climb!