Day (-1): Resting Up.

So after 4 days of high-dose radiation, and 4 days of high-dose chemo, they've stopped doing stuff to me, and I supposedly get to rest today before tomorrow's transplant.

Of course, the nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, weakness, etc., don't all stop on a dime exactly, so I'm still putting up with those. But hopefully they will abate now that the chemo has stopped.

I have been told, however, that the day you hit rock-bottom is not until after the transplant, so we shall see.

Normy has been donating cells yesterday and today, and from yesterday alone the numbers look very good... almost 6 million in one day.

For all of you who have individually emailed me, thank you so much, even if I have not gotten a chance to respond in kind. I am really on the computer only a few minutes a day, and don't get to most things.

For those asking about visiting, visitors are definitely welcome and appreciated! All that is asked is a mask and some gloves. Oh, and please, no need to bring anything.

Otherwise, I'm just sitting around trying to make do with the side effects, and dragging this thing along:

That's my I.V. pole "tree", with six pumps, and who-knows how many bags of medication, all somehow funneling into my three catheter ports. It's a bit unwieldy to say the least!

Comments

[Paul]

Did you ever think when you were kids that you'd be asking Normy, "Hey how many cells do you think you could generate in a day? I mean ya know if you really pushed them out?" Let's hear it for little bros! My mom has started a prayer circle for you. Of course when I found that she was calling you my Armenian college roomate I repeatedly smacked my head against my desk...I would ask her to do a prayer radar resynch but seems like you are weathering the storm. Keep fighting Sam! The waves will get higher and the lows lower still, but you are an excellent navigator and this is a most worthy vessel. ...Not like that crappy Minnow. Geesh!

[Arian]

Wait, we only get to wear a mask and some stupid ole gloves if we visit? I can wear a mask and gloves any day. Where are the bunny suits???!!!! You know that's the *real* reason why I want to come! :)

[Yasaman]

The prayer radar is transmitting at its peak, Paul. Many of my professors at the Mechanical Engineering department have been following Sam's battle and praying for him...perks of going to the largest baptist university!

Sami, stay strong and get well soon! (I have some papers waiting to be proofread and edited ;-) You've set high standards!)

[Noriko]

Good luck tomorrow, Sam!