Transplant Day +7

My recovery has continued to progress in the right direction over the past couple of days.  I've experienced an increase in body pain from the daily Neupogen shots, but this is actually a good sign because it tells me the Neupogen is working and engraftment is right around the corner.  I also had a slight fever again today that only lasted a couple hours.  My doctors said it was probably caused from an allergic reaction to the blood transfusion, or possibly the Neupogen shots.  However, since fevers can be caused by more serious things, such as infection, they always draw blood cultures when I spike a fever since I have no immune system. 

The new room has made a big difference.  It's much more comforting to lay in bed with a spectacular view of Chicago, rather than looking at four dark walls.

I've continued to receive platelets daily and today I received two bags of red blood cells.  My platelets and blood counts will remain low until I engraft, and then slowly start to rise.  I'll continue to receive platelets and red blood cells as required in the next few days to maintain my numbers within acceptable limits.

My appetite continues to increase and I'm able to eat more every day.  Nausea is a thing of the past, but fatigue continues as expected and will be something I'll have to deal with until I'm fully recovered. 

My brother is staying with me in the hospital now and it has been great catching up with him.  He is doing a great job and I appreciate him traveling all the way from Florida to take care of me.