127 days post transplant
I thought about posting something here for awhile. A friend asked me what’s the delay, a lot of things I guess. Some of it was laziness and lethargy, some of it the insecurity that clings to all writing, but mostly it was doubt; doubting that the last four months could be done justice in the form of a blog post. The words needed to express my gratitude to all the people who helped me through clicks in somewhere beyond infinity. My mother alone deserves a cool trillion herself, or trillion billion, or whatever the numerical conversion of “hey, thanks for saving my life”—and meaning it with every strand of my soul—-works itself out to be.
You see my predicament? And that’s before even touching on the actual transplant—-how four bags of marrow and blood and preservatives can be streamed through an IV and offer resurrection. Even then it would still feel as if I’ve short changed things, left out something intrinsic to the whole process.
So for the the sake of time and sanity I’ve decided to push aside doubt and move on to acceptance. I can’t sum this all up and hand it over in one pretty post no matter how many times I write and rewrite it, the words and talent just aren’t there. Instead it will unwind itself over time and when it feels right, I’ll do my best to write on it.
After a four month absence it seems an update is in order. The best way to put it is this: last July I posted on the joys of a single doctor’s visit without a blood transfusion. This July my update is no transfusions in three months, ten days and a few hours. My blood no longer inspires excitement or physician’s curiosity; my blood is delightfully boring.
With that in mind the tone of this blog will certainly change, no longer will it be a sick person complaining about the healthcare industry, but instead the substantially more annoying alternative—-a healthier person doing the same.





July 25th, 2010 at 7:26 am
I’v never been so happy to here from you!. My son Gage has been asking about you and I have been watching, waiting and praying for you. We cant describe how excited we are that you are on 127th day post transplant. Your story gives people like my son Gage hope and strength to move forward. Thank you Matt and welcome back. God bless.
July 25th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Dear Matthew
GREAT to hear from you.. & God Bless..
Michael, now 11, is hoping to attend Camp Ranch Hope in August.. He had been scheduled last year, but relapased.. Since then, he continues to amazingly do better.. His blood counts have been pretty good., but platelets remain low (30)
However, he has had no transfusions is over 6 months now,
Your story and his need to be known as HOPE is always there. Stay well and keep positive.. Life is for living and now you must move on… Mary
August 9th, 2010 at 8:13 am
Matthew,
I have always admired the word ACCEPTANCE…the double Cs(sees), the low dip of the P, offset by the high flying T and the steady marching of the ANCE. Perhaps a lingual-microcosm of life. I simply rejoice in you…and your life and your writing,,your willingness share your experience. Glad you are back on the blog! Hug and a Kiss,
Aunt Michele
August 10th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Matt, so happy to hear from your healthy self as you mark 127 days. And many thanks for the great support you’ve shown to all those out there. Thinking of you today and look forward to hearing where your next chapter will take you. Let me know if you can eat sweets Either way I will send something good your way. From what I gather here, I think your mom deserves her own too! Go mom! Keep smiling my friend.