Michael had his +100 Day check-up today. The doctors were pleased with everything they saw. If you are interested in the stats: Michael has gained another pound and a half, grown half an inch (since the start of the 100 days), and had great bloodwork. His ANC was up to 3,000 today!
The best part of the check-up was the Q&A session that followed. Michael's complete isolation is officially over. He must still be careful with exposure, but he can get out in public a bit more. Crowds in closed spaces are either still forbidden or will require special precautions. He's anxious to get back to church, but he'll have to sit in the balcony and visit with friends from a distance. The food restrictions were also relaxed a bit. He may gradually begin trying a few of the forbidden foods and be monitored closely for any trouble. His IV infusion ended today as well; the anti-rejection drug was changed to an oral liquid, so he is now free from his constant line/pump setup.
The most important information we learned today was about Michael's future. The doctors explained that each day of the first two years of his treatment are the most crucial. Getting Michael into remission and through the bone marrow transplant was the imperative and successful first step. Now we move from biopsy to biopsy, looking for a relapse. Each negative (good) biopsy lowers his risk of relapse. If the two years pass without any sign of the cancer returning, the doctors are confident that a relapse is highly unlikely at that point. Every "clear" day is another answered prayer!
The biopsy was a little rougher than normal. Michael had a strange rash reaction during the procedure and needed to have some medication to stop the problem. The extra drugs made it much harder for him to wake from the anesthesia. He also had a bit more soreness and general pain in his lower back. It's been a tough but exciting day.
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