Here's an update from my sister, Shirley, from Boston. This is a followup to the transplant procedure last September 24 when she was transfused with my cells to help her fight off lymphoma.

Dec. 19, 2007:

Yesterday’s PET scan showed no sign that any lymphoma cells have come back yet. If there had been, I’m told that they would have adjusted my GVHD (graft vs. host disease) medicine so that my sister’s cells would work a little harder to remove them. My red blood cells are holding steady, still low, but no transfusion required.

I go back next on Day 100 (Jan 2). This milestone marks the point where I start to get out of my protective shell. Since September I’ve had chemo swirling around in my system, warding off lymphoma cells. Also, the GVHD medicine has kept my immune system suppressed so that the news cells won’t attack everything in their path.

So, by Day 100, 1) the chemo for the most part is finished doing its thing, 2) I get to eat what was previously considered “dangerous” food in order to start building up my new immune system, and 3) they’ll starting tapering off my GVDH medicine very slowly. Although I’ll get leeway on my food, I’ll still have to stay out of public places.