Day + 9

Hi All,

Well, all I can say is that day + 9 was one hell of a day!! Actually, it was one of the best days I have had in a very long time. Let me explain: My doctor team entered the room midday, while my true love Cook was here (she's here every day!), and asked if we had heard the good news about my "counts"? They proceeded to tell us that my white cell count had made an extremely bold move, and was now at 2.6. I said, bewildered, doesn't that translate to 2,600? Yes, was the answer, with a big smile! Is that kind of move proof positive that my new stem cells had indeed grafted, I asked? Again, they said yes! I had been informed several times that this usually happens on days 10-12. But they said day 8 was possible, and it really did happen. Then they proceeded to lay out the new game plan based on this wonderful news: I would be taken off of all my IV medicines, and switched over to oral (pill) forms. They would then monitor all that they do daily for the next couple of days, hoping that those stud cells kept up the great work (while I adjusted to life without Daisy Mae Pole). And if that were to be the case, they might send me home over the weekend! I looked over at Cookie, and her facial expression mirrored exactly what was on my mind....total shock and elation. Forget blowing our minds, that we could be out of here in less than 3 weeks, after assuming a 4 week stay....what was really, really important was that my 21 year old stud cells were being graciously accepted by their host, me!
So I ask you all...how good of a day was this? pretty, pretty, pretty good! Anything else that transpired today now seemed rather insignificant, so I am not going into any other details. You now all know, as you read this, that a major hurdle has been jumped, and we are into the next phase of this incredible journey. Now we concentrate on getting better each and every day. And then, eventually, we hope to find out that the new me no longer includes those rotten cancer cells anymore! Sounds like a plan to me.
Love to All!

Mike