Sent: Friday, November 05, 1999 11:32 AM
Subject: T+16, Morning

I have had a change in my condition that will delay my release from here for 
probably a day or two.

2 days ago, my skin started getting bumpy, not everywhere, but al over.  
Yesterday AM the docs thought this might be a version of graft versus host, 
and did a skin biopsy where they take a few patches of skin and send it to a 
lab for analysis.  The results are due back this afternoon.  The docs just 
came through on today's rounds, and said that I looked a lot better, but they 
still can't confirm that this is GVH.

What does it mean if it is GVH.  First, it means that the new immune system 
is working.  The saying around here is that a little GVH is good for you, 
just for that reason.  I guess that people who have no GVH may be more 
susceptible to infections, etc., once they get out of here, but that is just 
my speculation.  If it is GVH, they will treat it with a steroid called 
prednisone?.  Every indication I get from the staff is that this is an 
expected part of the process, particularly in people my age or older, and 
they are fully prepared to deal with it.  Not as expected as mouth sores, but 
real common, and not a bad thing.  I have asked the docs repeatedly, and 
there is no indication of any GVH in any internal organs, which would likely 
be a more serious issue.  The docs further said that, based on my blood cell 
counts, I could get out of here.  However, they want to keep me here to check 
this out because if it did get worse when in the apartment, I would have to 
be readmitted for treatment.  It is just easier and safer to deal with it now 
instead of later.

They said that this will keep me here, likely for an extra day or two.  Looks 
like my shot at the record may be in jeopardy, but I really don't care about 
that.  I will keep you posted on any new info on this as soon as I get it.  

Other than that, my health is still amazingly good.  Basically like before 
with bad skin.  

I watched ER last night for the first time since I got diagnosed in June. I 
just didn't want to be reminded of all that hospital stuff.   So, how did 
Hawkeye Pierce get on the ER staff?  Will Radar show up next?   By the way, 
in case you are wondering what's wrong with his character, he has classic 
symptoms of Alzheimers.  I have a whole new appreciation for that show, and 
understand a great deal more of the medical stuff, even things going on in 
the background.  While I have not spent time in the ER here, there is enough 
overlap to really appreciate the thought and detail that goes into it.  Sure 
beats most of the garbage that fills up all that valuable TV bandwidth.

My Dario blood drive is now over.  I sent my lists off, and they said they 
likely have enough donors to cover his needs.  Probably the first time 
anybody ever did that from inside the unit for another patient.  I really 
appreciate all you folks who volunteered, and will send more info as soon as 
I find anything. 

I am going to eat breakfast now, and, like I said, will keep you up to the 
minute on any new developments.