Hi everyone. A big, big thank-you for all the phone calls, notes and special surprises we've received. We've finally arrived at Day Zero.
We had an early start to the day. Patients are routinely given IV fluids to keep them well hydrated before TBI (radiation). At 0600hrs Arnie & I were awake and together we managed to start the little portable infusion pump provided by our home infusion service. It happily purred along for the next four hours, infusing IV fluids as Arnie had breakfast, walked to the clinic and went through the morning appointments. The pump, IV fluids and tubing fits into a little backpack provided.
Arnie's radiation appointment was at 1030. The staff in Radiation Oncology were so caring and friendly and helpful! The treatment took 45 minutes. They watched Arnie and could talk with him through the entire process. Three different staff came out to see me while I waited, to reassure me Arnie was doing well. This is just an example of the caring we have experienced here. By noon we were finished our clinic appointments so we walked (slowly) back to the apartment for lunch and a snooze. Arnie says he feels a little like a hot dog that's been microwaved.
The next step is the stem cell infusion. The donor cells were collected this morning and will be flown to Seattle from somewhere in the U.S. The cells do not arrived in Seattle until 9:00 tonight so we do not expect to receive them until midnight. I guess Day Zero will be longer than we anticipated.
Arnie will check into the University of Washington Medical Center (hospital) tonight to receive the stem cells. He will likely be discharged tomorrow or the next day. We will be in contact once we are back in the apartment.
Thanks again
Arnie & Brenda
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3 comments:
Hi Brenda & Arnie,
Just wanted to let you know that I spoke to Uncle Wilf tonight and he and Aunty Edna and the rest of the Quinn clan in Victoria are sending you their love, thoughts and prayers as you continue your journey. They are keeping informed on the blog and think it is such a great way to keep us all updated.
Love Deb
Wonderful news...we were all clock watching yesterday and Arnie was in all our prayers. When I awoke this morning my first thoughts we...Arnie has had the transplant..he's okay. God be with you both.
The Crosbys
Rob was thrilled that he got to show Marilyn how to comment..he figures he is now a computer whiz. lol
John and I and the girls are so happy to hear all is going well so far. I hope the next step of getting the stem cells went just as easy as the first part seemed to, You were both in my thoughts today and please update us when you can. We will try and call this weekend to check up on big brother and start crossing off the days on our calendar until your homecoming!!!
All our love and prayers.
Heather John Anna and Paulina
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