When we last chatted, Mychael the baby Chimera had just reared its fire-breathing head. Well, after this week’s doctor appointment, we can confirm that Mychael is now a surly teen—taking over most of Michelle’s blood cells. The actual report shows that 100% of her leukocytes and granulocytes are donor cells, and 85% of her T-cells are donor cells. All a little ahead of schedule. The overachieving…it continues.

Since things are going well, and because she is now beyond 30 days post-transplant, the team granted permission for some actual visitors! Michelle was beyond thrilled to spend a couple hours out on the 3-season room (with plenty of fresh air and ventilation) chit-chatting with some friends who trekked up from the Cape. There may have been snacks involved.  (We have all kinds of good hygiene rules to follow, but it’s all pretty much the same as what we do for pandemic safety—hand washing/sanitizing, no outside food, social distancing, etc.)

It was a little bit of normal after all the weeks of isolation. But…there is a price to pay, and it shows as exhaustion today. A gentle reminder that there is still a long road to recovery. Even a surly teen Chimera can get its butt kicked.