Thursday, 4.26 Update in Hospital for BMT

Family and Friends,
Quick update on Ray's progress so far...DAY 2 in the hospital for his BMT (bone marrow transplant).  He was admitted on Wed and immediately received his 2 units of platelets to get them high enough so he could have his port inserted without bleeding excessively!  He had the port inserted Wed pm - no anesthesia other than a local.  They wouldn't allow me to stay in the room, which was probably a good thing!  They ended up having to put the port in his jugular on his neck...not super comfortable for Ray.  Every time he turns his head or moves his neck it hurts, but the Dr said that will ease up in the next few days as he gets more used to it.  I wish they could have done it in his chest but apparently his jugular vein was 'better' and is used most often.  We didn't know that before.  At least now he gets his chemo, fluids and antibiotics, and they can draw his blood directly from this 3 pronged port so no more sticking needles and IVs. 

Overall, Ray is doing GREAT.  Eating well and walking several times a day with me.  Dr said walking and exercising is the key to getting out of here after the transplant and critical for his recovery, so Ray's taking that to heart.  He slept fairly well but the nurses came in quite a bit for one thing or another, so not great sleep.  He started his first chemo today (Thurs) from 7-10am...3 hrs into his port.  He slept through some of it, which was nice.  He has had no side effects so far of the chemo, other than a fairly severe headache that woke him up at 4am, but that was prior to getting the chemo even.  They think it is from the other meds and fluids they are giving him.  The staff here have been nothing short of amazing...so efficient but also very nice and caring.  They are all just wonderful!  Its such a good feeling since this will be 'home' for the next 3 weeks minimum!

Interesting facts we've been told:  Ray will be getting as much chemo in 6 days as a 'normal' cancer patient receives over 2 years!!  I think I literally almost fainted when the dr told him that Wed.  They have to be this aggressive to kill all the good and bad cells in his bone marrow I guess.  Its pretty scary to think that he's getting that much chemo.  He has to take an anti-seizure drug as well as drink a ton of fluids (and they are flushing his kidneys with a ton of IV fluids in his port non stop) to prevent blood clots in his kidneys...another potential side effect of this particular chemo.  So we are praying for NO seizures and NO kidney problems.  The Dr said he's doing great and he likely won't feel sick until 2-3 days after his transplant, which is scheduled for next Thurs, May 3.  So that means a week from Sat or Sun he should 'hit rock bottom' with his white and red blood counts and platelets basically all down to 0!!  He will be very weak and the most at risk for infection, etc. 
Also interesting to note....Ray had about 6 blood samples drawn today at very specific times.  These were all flown to Seattle tonight via plane, to a specialized lab where they will review his blood and call his Dr by 7am to advise him on the correct dosage for his chemo tomorrow!  It is very precise and scientific.  They are looking at his blood to see how efficiently his body is processing the chemo and eliminating /fighting it.  Based on that, they will 'adjust' his chemo amounts so he doesn't get too much or too little.  Apparently this is critical to insure he receives enough to kill all the cells as well as to insure he doesn't suffer seizures or kidney damage.  This amazed me to know that there are only a few labs in the US that can review this blood and that it has to be that individually precise that they fly his blood half way across the US to give him the absolute optimal results!  Thank God for such progress in fighting this disease!!

We've had several visitors already and it always makes his spirits a bit higher to see a dear friend or family member.  Many of you have called to check on him.  Don't ever feel like you are bothering me or Ray with your phone calls.  If we don't answer, that just means we are out walking or the Dr or nurse is in with him and he can't be interrupted at that time, but we have tried to return all calls as soon as possible.

The address here is 3535 Worth Street, Dallas.  Baylor - this building is called The Cancer Hospital, directly across the street from the Sammons Cancer Center.  He is on the 7th floor and in Room 704.  There is no specific visiting hours; they typically let you come just about anytime.  If you want to visit, please do!!  We would love to visit!!  Our only ASK -  if you are feeling sick in any way, please wait until you are 100% recovered!   If you even have a sick family member at home that you are in contact with, it is best not to come as you could still be coming down with something and put Ray at risk.  With such low white blood cells, he can't fight infection like we all can and especially in a few days' time, it could literally be life threatening for him to even get so much as a common cold.  We appreciate your understanding!  But if you are healthy...please come!!  Ray would love to see you!  Especially until next Sat May 5th or so, as he should be feeling pretty good until then.  After that, it might be best to call first and make sure he is up to visitors.  We aren't sure what to expect exactly, but the nurses have said he will be very weak and sleep alot and not feel well at all...until his new immune system kicks in and starts 'grafting', which means when it starts making new red, white and platelet cells!

A few of the family members here of other BMT patients have stopped Ray and asked him why he's here because he looks so healthy.  He doesn't look like he 'belongs' here, they say.  That makes him feel good, of course.  He is apparently much healthier than most when they even start the process...and that is also a huge part of his overall survival and success with the transplant.  The healthier he is going into it, the better his chances for full recovery are...so he's very fortunate to be so fit and overall in good shape right now.

I will update again in a day or two..just to keep you all posted real time.  Shouldn't expect much change until after his actual transplant on May 3rd, but I'll send a brief note every few days anyways. 

Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers for Ray during this critical time.  Again, we covet your prayers and are so thankful for your love and friendship!

Love to all, Teri and Ray