YES, Bob has passed the 100 day mark which signifies that yet another large hurdle is behind him.  He has officially graduated/discharged from the Transplant Unit at Fred Hutchinson to the Long Term Follow-up Care Unit.  The reality is he is now seen on the 4th floor instead of the 6th floor.  (Reminds me of our boys when they were SO excited to change floors up to the Pre-K room at the Learning Garden. LOL)  Gotta look for those silver linings!

     Bob’s progress has been in the right direction minus a few set backs like COVID.  Where he acquired that is a complete mystery as he was about as isolated as you could be….  “On paper” he is exactly on schedule for a great recovery which is fabulous! How he truly feels day to day is another issue.  Once a patient passes 100 days and multiple scans and tests, the immunosuppressant drugs start to be tapered off which then increases the symptoms and risks of GVHD.

     I’ll pause here and try to explain Graft Vs Host Disease in layman’s terms.  Imagine you (the host) having a verbal reservation at a very popular crowded pub and as you’re heading to your intended table a lady (the Fraulein donor), swoops in before you and firmly plants herself at that same table.  Now what?  Squatter’s rights?  First come first served?  Who exactly will get to take over the table and/or how heated might that argument become before reaching the mutual decision to possibly share the same table?  No one knows the answer  and that my friends is life going forward with GVHD.

     Your body may adjust quickly with mild symptoms ranging from a skin rash to dry eyes to more severe issues involving bodily organs, that could last a lifetime or several months.  No one can predict how this “argument” will proceed so he is seen weekly for blood draws and evaluations to help treat any symptoms when they first occur.  One of his biggest issues is fatigue and weakness.  It typically take 1-2 years to return hopefully to one’s original stamina and energy - that’s if all goes well.  Happily he now is finally allowed to drive a car and return to his woodworking, which has done wonders for his spirits.  (I thought I was an excellent chauffeur but apparently he thought otherwise. Ha! Ha!)

     Our prayers going forward is to “share that dining table” quickly and amicably with our Fraulein angel!  Bob loves hearing from all of you so thank you for all of the cards,  notes and texts.  I personally thank you all for all of the prayers and good karma literally sent from around the world.  You’d be amazed what it does for our spirits!

     Happy dining to all at a large shared table ~ 

                Sharon