Transplant Week (Spetember 16-22) Days -3 through +3

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Nathan received morning and afternoon total body radiation. We were told that if we decided to go through with the transplant, Nathan would be given the highest doses of radiation and chemo possible in order to give him the best chance of getting rid of the cancer. From past experience, we expected radiation to be harder than chemo, but I was not prepared for how quickly it would take effect. Immediately after the treatment Nathan lost his breakfast and within an hour his pillow was covered with all his newly regrown hairs. Wednesday was especially hard because he had surgery to place a new central line. (The Power Port he had placed in February is single lumen and subcutaneous.) If the treatment is this powerful, it just has to kill the cancer cells too, right?

Getting ready for TBI (Total Body Irradiation)

 

Nathan's days consist of resting, drinking water, rinsing with salt water for mucucitis, and walking around the halls. He's already logged six miles! He always does the best he can.

Last Friday, before we went home, we met with the doctor and nurse for Nathan to sign permission papers. Of course, the doctor has to tell how awful it will be and all the risks involved. I thought it was pointless. What other choice do we have? After he left, our nurse, who has been with us from the beginning, talked to us. She told Nathan not to think about the odds. Even if it's only a one in 100 chance, he could be that one. She told him to stay positive and to keep walking. It was so nice to hear her caring words and concern. It felt like she was giving advice before sending us off into battle and we both gave her hugs as we left the room.

Wednesday, Jarom's cells were harvested. He said it wasn't that bad. It's kind of like giving blood, but I can imagine it can be a little worrisome for a 16 year old. I'm glad it turned out to be an okay experience for him and I am so thankful for his courage and willingness to undergo this procedure to save Nathan's life.

Thursday was Nathan's "re-birthday." He has been exhausted from the radiation and surgery so he slept most of the day. Before the transplant he was given a large dose of Benadryl to prevent an allergic reaction, so he pretty much slept through the whole transplant. Jarom and Valerie came. The cells looked like water down tomato paste and we could see them move through the IV line. It was pretty cool. 

A transplant is basically just like any other transfusion and most people are disappointed by how unmomentus the occasion is. I prepared myself to feel like it wasn't a big deal, but I felt so excited watching those cells enter Nathan's body and imagining them saving his life. I felt such gratitude for Jarom. In a year from now we will have a huge "re-birthday" party to celebrate with everyone who has helped us get through this time.

Peter has been walking short distances, but during the transplant he just took off. He's decided he'd rather be vertical than horizontal and practices every chance he gets.

Friday, Peter turned one! Our nurse gave him a box of Kleenexes for his birthday so he could have fun pulling them out one by one. Nurses are such amazing people! What a year it has been for him. He started rolling over at Kadlec and is learning to walk at the SCCA and UW Medical Center. He is so interested in everything that is going on. Maybe he will be a doctor! 

Passing the cells from Jarom to Nathan.