Day +2

Sam's having an OK day.  We got some morning exercises in, but for the most part he's been in bed resting. 

they decided to hang some liquid nutrition.

big thanks to the Waldens, Charlotte and the Starrs for all of the fantastic dvds!! 

Day +1 Morning

Sam is doing much better this morning!!  His doctors came in as he was eating a cheese omelette and they were completely blown away.  They really just stood there and stared at him for a bit.  And, of course, you know Sam- "So how are ya'll this mornin'?" 

His blood counts have completely bottomed out (this is actually a good thing) so he won't be leaving his room for a while.  We got in some exercises and he peddled for a bit on his bike.  He'll be getting some blood and platelets later on.  Thank you so very much for all of the love. 

Transplant Day 0 Stem Cell Transplant Video

Finally!  The day we've been praying for.  It started off rough.  He woke up covered in hives, started vomiting and spiked a fever, but by noon things had calmed down and he was able to get some rest.  They waited until 5pm to start the transplant and by then he was feeling a little better.  The process itself wasn't incredibly exciting, but I recorded it anyway for friends and family who couldn't be with us.  

As it turns out, they didn't receive the quantity of stem cells they were hoping for so they're going to see if the donor would mind giving just one more round.  It would be the perfect amount for an average size person, but obviously, Sam's not your average bear.

   
A few hours later all hell broke loose, and Sam was bombarded with every side effect they had warned us about earlier in the day.  Nurses and doctors are in and out, and I've never in my life felt so useless.  Please keep Sam in your thoughts and prayers tonight.  He's the strongest man I know, but this is some rough stuff.  

On tonight's soundtrack: The Weary Kind, Ryan Bingham   

Transplant Day -1

Refer to my last post.  The same exact thing happened.  More equine ATG, more hives, more Benadryl.  The day ended well though.  Looking forward to tomorrow!

Transplant Day -2

Sam received an infusion of equine ATG (anti-thymocyte globulin) today.  This is basically a horse-derived serum that will suppress his immune system and create a friendly environment for his new stem cells.  It comes with a long list of side effects, but he slept through most of it thanks to some good drugs.  They just had to pause the infusion after 9 hours because he broke out in hives.  They're running some Benadryl and hopefully he'll be finished before midnight.

the equine ATG came in a cool glass bottle

hives!  they were everywhere!

  

Transplant Day -3

Sam finished up with radiation yesterday and received a big dose of Etoposide this afternoon.  He's feeling OK, but the cumulative effects are beginning to take a toll. 

Transplant Day -5

The countdown continues.  Sam's been going back and forth to radiation 3 times a day.  It's tiring for him and he looks like he's been in a tanning bed for far too long, but overall he's handling it all very well.  We've been placing bets on what Xmen superpower he will have after all this radiation.  A few of Sam's favorite nurses from other floors and buildings have tracked him down to come say hello (and to make sure he's eating, drinking and moving).  It makes such a big difference in his day to get to see some familiar faces. 

Here are some pictures from the week.

Sam's new high power pump

They're very serious about germs.

The view from his room.

Our photo wall.  Sometimes the doctors and nurses get so distracted looking at our pictures they forget all about Sam.

A music therapist stopped by to sing a little John Denver and Otis Redding.

Walking the halls with his awesome physical therapist.

Sam doesn't have much of an appetite, but sometimes I can get him to suck down one of Jack's chia fruit pouches.

Thank you again to everyone for sending their support and love.  Please know that we are grateful to all of you even if we don't have the chance to respond individually.  We really cannot express how much it means. Many of you are asking what you can send.  DVDs, puzzles, things to pass the time and keep Sam's mind sharp are greatly appreciated.  He can't eat outside food, and they won't let any plants or flowers into the room.  Thanks again!