Tomorrow starts my second round of chemotherapy at Mercy Hospital. I have already been admitted and they are hydrating me with fluids until tomorrow. I might need a blood transfusion prior to the chemo – not sure yet until blood work is repeated sometime tonight.
My heart is at peace since I know I have all of my prayer warriors lifting their prayers up to Heaven for this treatment to be (1) effective and (2) with no complications.
Gathering after the celebration at Our Lady of Lourdes. Victoria was chosen to read the first reading.
Victoria’s retreat at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church…getting ready for her Confirmation.
100+ post transplant and back to Minnessota for an evaluation.
After the Bone Marrow Biopsy and complete evaluation, Dr. Dingli told me that I achieved total remission. Thank God!
Returned to work on Monday February 7, 2011 and feel very good 
This morning we were surprised by a call from Station 94 confirming my appointment with the hematologist for today at 11:30am.
We arrived at Station 94, room #9-402. The nurse drew blood and de-accessed my port catheter. Vitals: 100/66 blood pressure; 59.8 weight; 84 platelets; 3.0 white blood cells (.90 neutrophils); hemoglobin 9.5.
Thereafter, we proceeded to met with Dr. Gertz at the Transplant Center as Dr. Dingli was off today. The following recommendations were made:
*I can drive as of tomorrow.
*I can eat anything including fresh vegetable.
*Wash hands frequently to avoid virus and bacteria.
*Not required to wear the mask, unless inside airplane and around crowds.
*Avoid crowds.
*No contact with children who have received life vaccination.
*Start Zometa infusion monthly.
*Stop taking Potassium since it will be checked on Monday.
*Continue taking Acyclovir and Penicillin for one year.
*Require follow-up blood work in Miami (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday) as I did not meet the platelet criteria of 11 days after the platelet transfusion…but the doctor told me that this would not keep me in town unless I enjoyed the cold weather lol.
*Return 100 days after transplant for follow-up to complete the following studies: bone marrow biopsy, protein study, and bone survey.
*Annual checkup every March (after day 100)
*Have vaccinations (DPT, polio, hepatitis; influenza B, Pneumococcal). Repeat vaccines at 14 and 24 months post transplant.
*Quarterly study of MM protein and IgA levels
*Report to the doctor any rash or pain immediately.
*Use sunblock for one year to protect the skin as skin cancer is a main concern.
*Change air conditioning filters monthly.
The doctor told me that within three months I should have my full energy level. He will send full report and notes to Dr. Villa for follow-up. Based on my protein study I had achieved a good partial response. The blood counts are good; therefore, I am able to travel. The risk of infection is little (need to wash hands regularly) and I will be able to drink occasionally (I want to toast with my family to welcome 2011!).
Dr. Gertz released me, congratulated me and told me that I looked great and that my blood count was very good. I am ready to go home - right before Christmas…Hurray!
We arrived at Station 94 at 10:35, room 9-405. The nurse drew blood and took my vitals: 35.8 temperature; 107/64 blood pressure; 60.2 weight; 9.6 hemoglobin; 65 platelets; 2.9 white blood count (0.71 neutrophils).
The nutritionist visited me and took the food and liquid intake for the last two days to calculate the calories and protein intake. She told me that everything was good and that I was eating well. This was the last meeting with the nutritionist.
The doctor examined me and told me that my bone marrow was already producing my own platelets and were waiting for today’s blood count to see if neutrophils had reached 1.0. He asked me to stop taking fluconazole and levaquin. Lastly, the doctor ordered the protein study to see the status of the disease. This study is recommended to be done on a quarterly basis. We requested the exit appointment ASAP as we have already purchased the airline tickets.
We arrived at Station 94 accompanied by my aunt Ana and Jorge. The nurse drew blood and took my vitals: 37.3 temperature; 97/60 blood pressure; 9.3 hemoglobin; 47 platelets; 1.8 white cells (.31 neutrophils). The nurse removed the patch placed on my back for the sore throat.
The doctor examined me and everything is okay.
Today my aunt Ana and Jorge left…it just my mom and me again 
