Six Month Update

It has been a very busy several weeks since my last update. My recovery continues to go well and I was happy to receive a great progress report during my six month follow-up in Chicago. My lungs feel great and I've been able to continue to increase my exercise capacity gradually. I'm still training for the Honolulu marathon in December and run approximately 20-25 miles per week with several races scheduled prior to the marathon to assist with conditioning. I've never run a marathon before, so this is a brand new experience for me. I completed the first pre-marathon race (15K) on 21 August in 1:28:15.5 with a pace of 9:28 per mile. I missed the 20K race on 2 Sep due to my vacation on the mainland, but was able to fit in a 24K run to stay on track. My next race is a 25K on 2 October.

While in Chicago for my six month follow-up, my doctor ordered a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), echocardiogram, CT scan and multiple lab tests.

All tests indicated my Scleroderma had not progressed any further when compared to tests conducted prior to my transplant. Additionally, my PFT scores show a significant improvement in lung function. The technician who conducted the test said she never saw such significant improvements so quickly after transplant. Here are my numbers before and after transplant (same PFT reference for both tests):

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) - 80% before and 87% after
Total Lung Capacity (TLC) - 87% before and 94% after
Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity (DLCO) - 66% before and 83% after

My current meds include an antiviral called acyclovir, which I'll continue to take for six more months. I'm also on Naturethroid to address my under active thyroid. My transplant team no longer requires monthly lab tests. I'm scheduled to return to Chicago in February 2012 for my next follow-up appointment.

I'll continue with monthly updates or sooner if significant changes occur.