Above - Olivers new stem cells
Here at last!
Oliver spent most of transplant day hooked up to IV machines, having his various drugs infused. He has to have his anti-viral and anti-rejection twice a day and each takes about 2 hours so not much of the day when he is free from tubes (or wiggly worms as we have come to know them) We, of course spent the day entertaining him and eagerly anticipating the arrival of his much waited for stem cells.
They arrived about 5.30 pm and Ive got to say I thought oh, is that it? The bag of salmon coloured cells was a lot smaller than Id imagined but the main thing is it had the precious cells in it that a lovely young man has kindly donated. They started going in via his hickman line about 6pm and during this time Oliver was asleep - the pre-med he had been given prior to his stem cells had knocked him out.
It was a very emotional moment for me as it seems that we have anticipated this day for so long and now it was actually happening. All the time the stem cells were tranfusion a nurse was present to monitor his obs, temp, blood pressure etc and all was fine all the way through.
Oliver was then given his next set of anti-viral IVs and some milk feed as he is still refusing to eat much hospital food and not drinking enough to ensure his kidneys are flushed. He woke at about 11pm so I then was reading stories until midnight when he eventually fell asleep. 1am he had his obs checked, again at 5am so you don't really get much sleep.
He is very grumpy at the moment he is fed up of being hooked up to all the machines and although its very upsetting and hard work for us, you can't really blame him! We have a play specialist, Cheryl, who is going to come in once a day to play with him, she started yesterday and he responded really well to her and the great news is that he actually wants us to leave the room. He clearly thinks we spoil the fun.
So, what happens now? We wait. Wait to see any chemo side effects and manage them the best we can, and wait for engraftment to happen. We have had much support from friends and family sending love and positive thoughts and messages, we are all willing the stem cells to do their job.
Signing off for now as I was on the night shift last night and am absolutely shattered.
Oliver spent most of transplant day hooked up to IV machines, having his various drugs infused. He has to have his anti-viral and anti-rejection twice a day and each takes about 2 hours so not much of the day when he is free from tubes (or wiggly worms as we have come to know them) We, of course spent the day entertaining him and eagerly anticipating the arrival of his much waited for stem cells.
They arrived about 5.30 pm and Ive got to say I thought oh, is that it? The bag of salmon coloured cells was a lot smaller than Id imagined but the main thing is it had the precious cells in it that a lovely young man has kindly donated. They started going in via his hickman line about 6pm and during this time Oliver was asleep - the pre-med he had been given prior to his stem cells had knocked him out.
It was a very emotional moment for me as it seems that we have anticipated this day for so long and now it was actually happening. All the time the stem cells were tranfusion a nurse was present to monitor his obs, temp, blood pressure etc and all was fine all the way through.
Oliver was then given his next set of anti-viral IVs and some milk feed as he is still refusing to eat much hospital food and not drinking enough to ensure his kidneys are flushed. He woke at about 11pm so I then was reading stories until midnight when he eventually fell asleep. 1am he had his obs checked, again at 5am so you don't really get much sleep.
He is very grumpy at the moment he is fed up of being hooked up to all the machines and although its very upsetting and hard work for us, you can't really blame him! We have a play specialist, Cheryl, who is going to come in once a day to play with him, she started yesterday and he responded really well to her and the great news is that he actually wants us to leave the room. He clearly thinks we spoil the fun.
So, what happens now? We wait. Wait to see any chemo side effects and manage them the best we can, and wait for engraftment to happen. We have had much support from friends and family sending love and positive thoughts and messages, we are all willing the stem cells to do their job.
Signing off for now as I was on the night shift last night and am absolutely shattered.
2 comments:
Hi to everyone, Debs read the comments I left on previous update, if not already. Whilst it all seems a bit of an anti climax when you actually see the bone marrow, its the magic it can perform that is the key. I know Nicola had the same thoughts as you but look beyond the salmon coloured bag to how much it will enhance Olivers wellbeing and family life in general. Good to see he now has a playmate as it will give you a little respite and Ollie something to focus on. Watching and waiting is all we can do now, so let the magic begin and well done for coming this far and to Oliver for being such a brave little soldier. Love & Kisses from Sue & Geoff xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello,
hope you are all keeping as well as possible. we are all thinking about you. Ive just been to grandmas and Lindas been updating us all. she said that things are going to take a bit longer than expected but at least the signs are very positive even if a little slower than anticipated. I have just managed to log on to your blog so i'll be able to keep up to date on how well Oliver is doing now and let grandma know too as she asks about Oliver everyday.
Take Care, Love Lorraine
p.s Congratulation on the pregnancy too. Hope you are looking after yourself and feeling well. Its very tiring and emotional just being pregnant!x
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