[PaulS]

Hi Data - The statistics for transplant success, even under the best of circumstances, are daunting. For sure, you have a lot going against you that is out of your control - what's important at this point is recognizing what is within your control to help you end up on the right side of the curve - From my experience, and perhaps the best advice I had going in - was to believe you will be able to overcome any setback - believe you will be cured. Attitude is important - replace fear with determination and faith. The mind plays a big role in our health and recovery.

There are other things you can do to improve your odds - make sure you keep moving, exercise as much as you can - keep eating, keep hydrated, wash your hands and teeth, and maintain a clean environment before, take precautions, limit guest visits etc - during and after transplant - People die who stay in bed, don't eat, get infections - That won't be you.

Also - keep an attitude of determination, gratitude and love - a positive attitude greatly improves your ability to heal and overcome - you are loved and have a lot to live for - that too improves your odds - people are more likely to die if their angry, alone and filled with despair. That's not you.

Last bit of unsolicited advice - keep a goal - you don't want to go on one last bike ride - you want to be strong and go on many bike rides after you are cured. I'd set a goal for a good bike ride six months post transplant - start training for it as soon as you get in the hospital - make it an ambitious goal.

I told everyone my goal was to be skiing in Colorado in March - I told my transplant doctor and he said maybe next year - I said, no this March. I started walking and exercising upon admission and as much as I could during my stay - Inspired by Bailie, I ended up walking five miles around the hallway - but started with getting out of bed - breathing and moving my legs around. PT would come in to assess me and ask if I could stand up - I stood up and said the goal is to be skiing in March - then tried to out walk them in the hall - yes I'm very competitive - I believe this attitude helped keep me going, moving and positively focussed - and helped manage my health care providers expectations - even when things weren't so good - and there will be those times. While I am far from being able to declare myself cured - and I do have moments of despair - I feel that outcome is still within my grasp.

Don't let the odds scare you - believe you will be the guy who will be cured - really cured. Let your doctor know your expectations - odds are bad doc - but I'm gonna be the guy on the far side of the curve. Replace fear with determination and faith.

To paraphrase my transplant doctor - you are doing this so you can live - not just to keep you alive.

So - I'm expecting to hear about your epic bike ride sometime late summer.

All the best,
P.