Storm Approaching

The clouds are coming in. We're now within two weeks of my admission to BUSM for my second stem-cell transplant. With each passing day, my mood becomes more somber. The benefit of knowing what to expect is also a burden, for I know that there is another long battle ahead. It's hard to keep a smile on your face knowing that the next few months will be very unpleasant.

One of the things that I regret not doing prior to my first transplant was not stuffing myself with my favorite foods prior to starting treatment. I wasn't really able to do this prior to my first transplant, as I had a tooth pulled just before I began the treatment, and I wasn't able to eat anything solid for a couple of days. This weekend, I loosened up my diet a bit, and ate out at a couple of my favorite places. Ate some sushi, munched on some cheese and crackers at a party. As a result, I gained three pounds of fluid in my legs. Sigh. It seems that no matter how I try to enjoy myself, I seem to suffer in some way.

On a bright note, I got an e-mail from the hospital stating that my insurance company has improved the second transplant. This is one less thing I'll have to worry about, and I am very thankful for that.

There have been gaps in my postings as of late, but you'll find that once I'm admitted next week, there will be a flurry of activity. Stay tuned.