It has been a great day and a great week.  Last week I received my vaccinations…6 shots total.  It was so nice to celebrate the one year mark of the transplant by receiving the immunizations.  I received them on Anna-Laura’s 18th birthday.  One of Keli’s friends said, “What is it like to have an 18-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old husband?”  I liked that. 🙂  I had no pain or soreness from the shots.  As I told Keli, after all I have been through, shots are nothing to me anymore. 

Since having a blood clot in my right arm, which was discovered in January, I have been receiving two shots a day (blood thinner) in my stomach.  Today, I had an ultrasound on that arm and will hopefully be told tomorrow at my clinic visit that I do not have to continue the blood thinner shots.  I am praying that I will learn that the blood vessels are clear and no more shots.  This will also help my platelets count to go up and hopefully I will be able to stop receiving a platelets transfusion two or three times a week. 

In case you are wondering about my eating and weight…I have gained 14 pounds since leaving the hospital.  🙂  This is wonderful news because that was one of the concerns when I was taken off the liquid nutrition I was receiving during December and January.  I really am enjoying dessert these days.  🙂  I hope to put on another 12 pounds and then maintain that weight.  I will be at the weight I was when I met Keli back in 1989.  My strength is also coming back.  When I first left the hospital I could hardly make it up steps, but now I am doing much better, although I still have some muscle toning that needs to occur…especially in my legs. 

When I am not at the clinic, which is still on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I am spending much more time at home.  I am having fun getting some things organized around the house.  You know, things you would like to do but never seem to find the time to do them.  It is also wonderful to be with my girls more.  I am driving again, so now I am able to take Bella to school a few days a week and occasionally pick her up.  It is fun to be home for this season of life as I recover more fully.

I trust all is well with you and your families.  May the Lord bless you during the season of Lent.

Blessings,

Sam