Day +71

Had my doctor's appt yesterday as Monday was Family Day holiday. Another good report so she reduced my cyclosporin dosage again which always helps the appetite. Somehow I lost weight which was surprising considering the sweets and chocolate I have been consuming but I guess I need a few more protein shakes to bulk up. As long as no symptoms of Graft vs Host disease flare up she'll continue to reduce my cyclosporin dosage each week so hopefully I'll be off it by March 21. That means no more Ursodiol either which is a pill I take 3 times a day to protect my liver from the cyclosporin. I look forward to being done with both of those meds. Other than that, it's freezing here, -30s with the windchill today which makes me glad I don't have to go out. And my Flames are still in the playoff hunt!

Day +62

Another good checkup yesterday at the clinic. My cyclosporin dosage was reduced a bit which is good as it affects my appetite and the taste of food. I still have some symptoms of Graft vs Host disease but as long as they continue to decrease, the doctor will  reduce my cyclosporin dosage. My rash is gone, which was one of the symptoms, hopefully it stays away. I still get tired fast so lots of afternoon naps and resting. Looking forward to going to the theatre this weekend now that I'm allowed to go out in public.  

Day +55

Another good report from the doctor yesterday. My white blood counts and neutrofils continue to do well so I got the ok to go out in public. Also I no longer need to take a magnesium supplement so two less pills to swallow each day. The skin around my central line is getting raw from changing the bandage weekly so I may lose it soon. It's nice not to get poked every week to give blood samples but I won't miss having a tube sticking out of my chest. Provided my level of Graft vs Host disease doesn't get any worse they should be able to start reducing the amount of cyclosporin I take each day. That will be great as the cyclosporin affects my appetite and the taste of food, so the less I have to take the better it is for eating. I managed to gain a kilo last week; must have been the chocolate dipped caramel corn I consumed during the Super Bowl! Overall I'm feeling pretty good. Now if the temperature would just warm up and the ice would melt!

Day +50

Thought it was about time to change the picture. This picture is my brother and I modelling the fun yarn hats that Stefka gave me. These hats are great for indoor wear as they are looser weave than a toque but still keep my head warm. Thanks Stefka!

Day +48

Another good report from the doctor yesterday. My white blood cells and especially by neutrophils continue to improve which is good as they are the disease fighting cells. I had some IV fluids as still struggling to drink as much as they want me to but not a big deal. Best news, the doctor reduced my dose of cyclosporin, which is a ghastly tasting medicine, and should be able to start reducing it even more after the next two weeks. That will help my appetite immensely so I'm looking forward to that.
In case you wonder why I head these blogs with "Day +#", it's a count up to Day +100 from transplant day. At that point the doctor will do a bone marrow biopsy to determine how well the transplant worked. It's the big milestone date. It might not be exactly 100 days but it'll be around then depending on how things go. So I'm almost half way there.
Feeling much better this week than last so hopefully that continues. It's supposed to warm up to +8C by Thursday so I'll be able to get outside for a walk and get rid of the cabin fever.
Next appointment is next Monday so I'll report again after that. Hard to believe it's February already.