I can't believe how bad I am at keeping this blog updated. I would be surprised if anyone still reads this. Well I am doing really good 4 months after the transplant. I still go to Dallas every other Monday for check-ups. About a week ago I started to get a GVHD rash and my doctor put me back on my steroids. I am not having the problems that I was having since I was taken off them. About a week after I stopped taking the steroids my joints started to feel stiff. I really thought I was starting to develop arthritis. As soon as I went back on the steroids I felt so much better. I guess I will have to be on a low dose for a while until my body can adjust itself.

About a month ago I started working part-time at the YMCA near my house. Since I am feeling so much better and have more energy, I decided it was time for me to get out of the house and get back to work. I plan on going back to teaching in August, so I thought this was a good way for me to ease back into working. So far I really like working at the Y (day camp hasn't started yet!). I have met lots of great people and I have been able to catch up with friends that I haven't seen in years. I have decided that this is the time that I need to make a change and start working out regularly. I have read a lot about how diet and exercise can help reduce your cancer risk. Since I am already at risk for developing other cancers I figured this is a good time for me to start an exercise routine. I feel so much better about myself after I work out. Since the transplant I have lost about 20 pounds. My appetite is back now that I am back on the steroids so I have to start working at keeping the weight off that I have already lost.

I am still amazed that I had a stem cell transplant 4 months ago. I never thought I would be feeling this well so soon after. Every time I go to Dallas and see people that have just had their transplant I realize how far I have come in such a short amount of time.