Day 18: Home!
Hi all. I was released from the hospital on Monday, 18 days after my stem cell transplant, 25 days after checking in. It feels so good to be home with family, to eat fresh home-cooked food, and to sleep in my own bed!
The donor’s stem cells — which we imagine as Golden Warriors — are working to produce new blood cells in my bone marrow. Today was the first of my now twice-weekly appointments at UCSF and we learned my white blood cell and hemoglobin counts are the highest since my diagnosis in March! UCSF says my blood counts will fluctuate but are very pleased with my progress so far.
Besides my appointments at UCSF and daily walks, I am under “house arrest” for the next 30 days because I am at high risk of infection and graft-versus-host disease, where the donor’s cells attack the recipient’s organs. I am taking lots of medications to protect against these risks and am looking forward to hanging out at home while the Golden Warriors continue their victory march!
Thank you again for all your positive energy to help me stay strong.
Our song for today: Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield.
The donor’s stem cells — which we imagine as Golden Warriors — are working to produce new blood cells in my bone marrow. Today was the first of my now twice-weekly appointments at UCSF and we learned my white blood cell and hemoglobin counts are the highest since my diagnosis in March! UCSF says my blood counts will fluctuate but are very pleased with my progress so far.
Besides my appointments at UCSF and daily walks, I am under “house arrest” for the next 30 days because I am at high risk of infection and graft-versus-host disease, where the donor’s cells attack the recipient’s organs. I am taking lots of medications to protect against these risks and am looking forward to hanging out at home while the Golden Warriors continue their victory march!
Thank you again for all your positive energy to help me stay strong.
Our song for today: Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield.
So good to hear! You are in our thoughts every day. Keep on keeping on! Love from Lisa and Larry
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Home is so much better than the hospital. We will be out your way November 25th through Dec 1st; we would love to come by if you are feeling up for a brief visit from your Mohican Hills friends. Sending our love.... Jody
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are back home, Steve! Enjoy the change of scenery, the awesome home-cooked food and the TLC!! Thinking of you and your family - lots of love, John, Jen, Casey and Quinn
ReplyDeleteThere better be a Chase Center Warriors game in our future pal! Glad to read the good news - no more Boy in the Bubble! Happy for you and family!
ReplyDeleteThis is great news, Steve! Keep on rockin'!!! Love from the Hottliebs (Linda, Greg, Tillie & Joey)
ReplyDeleteFantastic update. Thrilled to hear it.
ReplyDeleteGreat update and awesome news! Happy you are home.
ReplyDeleteProps to the strong fam support - you reflect the light they shine!
That is the best news ever Steve!!! Keeping fingers and toes crossed that your body continues on this positive path to recovery! How wonderful to be home with family! We know how much you mean to each other. This can only create even more positive vibes to help with the healing! Keep doing what you are doing and stay healthy!
ReplyDeleteSteve, this is such fantastic news to hear! Everyone in the office is asking about you. Keep strong and we look forward to more positive news. Go Warriors! Kaya
ReplyDeleteGREAT, GREAT news!!! Soooo happy that progress is going so well. Also glad to know that you're home with the family close to my backyard! Hope to see you soon. Love you lots ~ GO Warriors!!! Xoxo, Barb
ReplyDeleteEXCELLENT news, Steve!! Great to be reading this. I hope the next 24 days fly by! :) :) :) :) :)
ReplyDeletewow congratulation to you. Feel great and happy for you. Stay strong and keeping going to your healing journey. You are the strongest.
ReplyDeleteAll my best wished to you and family.
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