Hello all,

Just thought I'd share some updates/clarifications. Last week I had another blood draw to look at my levels. Nothing major to report there. Everything is still, slowly, increasing. I'll start my vaccinations at 6 months post.

Last time I discussed my increased difficulty in walking. Turns out my spasticity (tightness) has increased, which is what's making it harder to lift my leg and walk. I've made some adjustments to my device aides and started doing PT exercises, so I'm managing it a bit better now. I guess increased spasticity is something most people experience post-HSCT, so it's expected and hopefully will get better over time. So that is good to learn.

This past weekend, Summer and I went to Detroit. I was honored to be a groomsman in my good friend David Gorman's wedding. We were obviously a tad nervous, especially through the airport. So far, it appears it went smoothly and I didn't catch anything.

While in Detroit, Summer pointed a very interesting thing out. I haven't really drank in 6+ months. When I have a single drink/beer, I notice my walking immediately gets more difficult. Imagine I'm already "dragging" and barely clearing the floor. Although I don't feel drunk, my body immediately feels it and that dragging/barely clearing the floor intensifies. WELL, I raged this weekend, and Summer pointed out that regardless of how much I drank (a lot), my walking wasn't getting any worse. This happened both nights and I even had a little to drink the next morning. This is very good news b/c it means my body's is responding in a new and better way. I honestly have had very few, if any, wins in my 11+ years with this disease and this very much feels like one. Side note, I also have reverted to not getting hangovers anymore (yes, please envy me). This all feels like some interesting body revitalization. I do still notice my gym fatigue, so I'll have to start paying closer attention to my body, when it would've normally fatigued.

My hair... is curly now. Which is also a consistent post-HSCT occurrence. Not crazy and I don't mind it, but the sides being curly, drives me nuts. It's better after getting my first haircut for the wedding. That too can revert back over time.