Thursday, November 28, 2002

Dear Ones,

Happy Thanksgiving from SUNNY Seattle! Yes, it has been sunny here since we arrived -- very UN Seattle like.

I celebrated my one year "rebirthday" with friends in Montpelier, complete with one year old decorations, party favors and some very wonderful (and funny) treats. Becky, Steve and I arrived in Seattle last Saturday for my one year check up. It has been a busy week of medical visits and socializing for all three of us. Today we plan to join my folks for a movie, a walk and dinner at Tatiana's in Kirkland. And, we return home on Saturday.

The upshot of my check up is very positive. I continue to be in remission, with no evidence of cancer and my marrow is made up of all cells from my donor! There are still a variety of post transplant issues related to my Graft versus Host disease (GVH) and my kidney function, but the bottom line is that the GVH is mild and the kidney problems can most likely be mostly remedied. I will be adding some new medications and trying a taper on another. Glad to have all of the testing behind me.

It continues to be an uneven and unpredictable journey, but it feels great to be here. I am grateful that I have come this far and appreciative of the support and caring from all of you and for the quality of care I have both at home with David Ospina and the Mountainview Medical staff and from the providers here at the Hutch.

As holiday giving starts, I would ask you to consider donating blood or platelets. And, if you are willing, consider becoming a potential bone marrow/stem cell donor (see the web site for details). This week I have been reminded yet again of how my life has been sustained by the generosity of strangers who did just that. Nameless individuals who have made it possible for me to live.

I hope each of you can see and appreciate all that there is to be thankful for in your own lives.

With gratitude,

E

http://www.oocities.org/ellenfeinwebsite/