Day 173 after transplant.
Had a visit with my oncologist Dr. Palmer at Mayo Cancer Center today. We are having appointments about once a month at this point. I’m supposed to keep track of any illness, pain or weakness even if it’s the tiniest thing and let the doctors office know immediately. I wound up in the hospital ER last week with shortness of breath and chest pains. After over night stay and tests they released me with antibiotics for what they are thinking is a viral infection/pneumonia in my lungs. Haven’t had much appetite. Weak and short of breath with minimal exhaustion. Down 10 pounds from last week. Today I spoke with my oncologist about it and she decided to raise me dosage of Tacrolimus Prograf, which is an immunosuppressive drug that can prevent organ rejection after transplant. She has a feeling I may be having some graft vs host in my lungs.
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an immune condition that occurs in a patient after transplantation when immune cells present in donor tissue (the graft) attack the host’s own tissues.
My other issues as of current have been blurry/cloudy vision, dry mouth and dry skin. All which she again believes may be some sort of graft vs host. Her recommendation is for me to see an M.D. Optimologist for my vision to see what’s going on. Also said to use eye drops a few times and day and find “motorcycle” glasses what wrap around your eyes to help keep moisture in. As far my chest pain, we are to finish the antibiotics and let it run its course.
Over the past month I was feeling so good that I became a bit careless with how sensitive my immune system really is. I started doing more than I should have. Went out in public not wearing my breathing mask. Not using hand sanitizer as much. Bottom line, I did too much too soon.
Overall was a good check up. The issues I’m having are minimal and we have taken the proper precautions to avoid further illness. We planned our next visit which is also 6 months post transplant. I’ll have another bone marrow biopsy on April 10th. I’ll have to do a few more screenings before I can get my vaccinations. That’s right, I’ll have to get all the vaccinations I got as a child all over again as now I have a new immune system.
I took some pictures of today’s visit. I love Mayo. They have a very nice facility and are always helpful. Also, my hair is coming back slowly buy surely!! Starting to feel like a human again.
That’s about it for now. Hope I can shake this bug and get my eyes figured out soon. If you need me I’ll be on the couch.
Mike
Mike's Journey 
Looking good, Mike!!
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