February 18, 2012

Friday's bone marrow biopsy went smoothly; the procedure rooms in the new clinic are amazing. This was the first one that Ron had done under sedation. In the past he has always just had a local. They actually remove a small core of bone and bone marrow to biopsy, and we should know the results on doctor day next Wednesday. This was his six month anniversary biopsy and is a routine test. He has other six month tests scheduled next week and will have his last ECP light therapy of the study he has been a part of. It is possible that he will continue with ECP after the study because of the graft versus host disease. The flare-up of his skin has improved over the last 5 days. He had had a downturn in stamina along with it, but he seems to be regaining some strength today. We always hope each stumbling block will be the last downturn. All in all, he is greatly improved from the weeks when the two viruses were active, and we continue to make plans to go home in early March. We know that will be an adjustment for us...so joyful yet some anxiety about being two hours away from the safety net of Ron's medical care at the University of Michigan Hospital.