Finally, an update! Day +65

Sorry, it has been a long time since my last update. Fortunately, there has not been anything too exciting to report. I got out of the hospital after 6 days and a new PICC line.

I was running a fever a couple of weeks ago, but it was during Seattle Cancer Care Alliance hours. So instead of going to the hospital I went to the SCCA's transplant triage. My fever was not very high, so I just had some cultures taken and a biopsy of my skin. (I developed a fleeting rash while I was there.) Turns out I have a mild case of GVHD (graft vs host disease). Since I have no symptoms, there is nothing needed to be done to treat it. I am also starting my tachrolimus taper. Tachrolimus is the anti-rejection/anti-GVHD drug. I will be tapering it until January, but at least it's a start. The side effect that bothers me most is hand tremors.

In a couple of weeks, I am starting my "exit" appointments. These are all the specialists that I saw before the transplant. They check to see how things have changed since the transplant. For example, the dentist will see if my mouth is dry after radiation. (yes, it is.) And the OB/GYN will check my hormone levels to see if I need hormone replacements.

I have also been home to visit Travis and Loghan in Puyallup a couple of times. As I get further out from transplant my appointments get less and less. My lovely sister-in-law is putting on a fundraiser in Puyallup tomorrow and I want to go, but have been advised against it. I am still at high risk for getting infections and can not get any of my immunizations for a year. (yes, I have to start over with shots again). Thanks for all your hard work Tara! I can't wait to see the pictures.