Phil's Vacation: Day +12

Today I was released! Back home I returned to a couple of kids that were tickled pink to see me. Iris was so happy she just kept giggling. She sat in my lap for an hour as we watched Thomas together and I just couldn't stop rubbing her feet and kissing the top of her head. Man, that felt so sweet. Later, Ocean got up from his nap to find me resting on the couch and he just broke out in laughter and excitement. All in all, I felt like this was a triumphant return filled with joy. These kiddos make me realize why I need to put everything I have into moving beyond Multiple Myeloma. To not see these kids grow and mature and one day become their own, would be a great misfortune. Although, I will continue to trust in the unseen and unexplainable, I will fearlessly believe in a cure.

It didn't take long for me to crash after hanging out with the kids for a little bit. I have learned from my previous transplant that my hemoglobin is one of the best indicators in terms of how I will be feeling. Once it drops under 8.0, I am a wreck. It's hurts to think and do anything other than sleep. That was this afternoon. Because I left the hospital two days earlier this go around, I am not getting all the red blood cell transfusions, which would boost my hemoglobin and allow my heart to chill a little. I believe the red blood cells are the last blood cell to bounce back, so I expect this week will consist of me being reunited with our comfortable king size bed.

What's up Next?

• Wednesday: Blood work / labs with possible transfusions and possible PICC line removal
• Day +30: Blood work to determine state of disease and how I am recovering. Stop wearing mask outside... yippee!
• Day +60: Blood work to determine state of disease and how I am recovering. Possibly begin my maintenance therapy (i.e. more low-dose chemo)

Please note that I will be slowing down on the number of blog posts. I accomplished my goal of capturing my BMT experience for those who will be going through that in the future. I am now in need of some serious recovery, which will probably lead to me taking a vacation from social media and focusing on rest and rehab for the next 6 months. All and every expect of the Cancer Kicker Foundation is owned and managed by Zak and Steve. Keep them busy by getting some dominate gear. (DominateGear.com)

Thanks everyone for tuning in and providing support and encouragement over the last two weeks. It definitely helped us through BMT #2!!! And on the 13th day he (Phil) looked back at all that he had been through and done....and RESTED!