and as a result her transplant procedure is now complete. She will have one more appointment with the transplant practice at Day 100 early next year, but she has no further medical restrictions at this time.
She has come a long way since her cancer was first discovered on January 27.
She is not cured, because this kind of blood cancer remains in the body, but she is in full remission, and now medically recovered from her autologous stem cell transplant.
That was the good news today, although she is not yet ready to return to work. She has not gotten the exercise she needs and does not yet feel strong enough to return to work. That will come soon enough, certainly by after Thanksgiving, but there has been real progress.
Her appetite is beginning to come back. The past two nights I made her pasta with sauce. Today she had part of her favorite sandwich from the Italian Store, a local landmark in Arlington across the street from where we lived when we moved to Arlington 31 years ago.
But the best news can be seen here:
Yesterday I drove Leaves and the woman who has been her care-giver / companion during the day to a wig shop about ten miles away (having another woman with whom she has grown close was important in doing this). They found this lovely wig, close to her natural hair color, which she decided would be what she would wear until her hair grows back, at least a few months away. She feels very good about how she looks in it.
The picture was taken at the office of the transplant team shortly after she found out her bloodwork was now normal.
The journey continues.
She will soon go back on a maintenance dose of one chemo drug.
But my beloved wife is feeling better, and with her new top better about herself.
Thanks to all for their support, help, and prayers.
Peace.