January 26, 2000 -- We've got a date
Greetings Everyone!
It's a snowy Wednesday here in Vermont. We got about 8 inches of snow last night. Finally, it looks like winter!
Here's the latest.
Dave is scheduled to be admitted to Brigham & Womens Hospital on Friday March 3, 2000. On the one hand, we're glad to finally have a date so we can start planning for being away. On the other hand, it scares the heck out of us! Life is going to change in a big way, a way we can't anticipate (not good for control freaks like us!). We know we'll be different people on the other end of this, but it's a great unknown. Kind of unsettling.
Anyway. Dave will receive chemotherapy on Saturday and Sunday, and radiation on Monday through Thursday. On Thursday, he will receive the transplant, and we start counting from there. Transplant day is called Day 0. The doctors and nurses know what kinds of things to expect at different points along the way, and that's why keeping track of the days is important.
Prior to being admitted, we will travel to Boston on February 23rd for some tests and an orientation to the transplant unit. Dave's brother Jon will also be in Boston on the 23rd. He'll be donating some of his blood to receive after the transplant, as well as having a physical done and meeting with Dr. Soiffer, our transplant doctor. It will be a full day for both of them. Hopefully we'll get to spend some time together before Jon heads back to Georgia.
While we're down there, we're going to try to visit the various housing places I've gotten on waiting lists for. There are 3 places the hospital gave us names of. They're places where families of patients in the hospital for long-term care can stay. I would have my own bedroom, and share the bathroom, kitchen, and other common areas. They range from $10 to $20 a night. One is across the street from the hospital, the other two are a few blocks away. Unfortunately, we won't know if any of them will have a room until shortly before we go down. That's kind of tough for someone like me who wants to iron out all the details now, but I guess I'll just have to wait on this one!
On February 8 Dave will have some tests done here in Burlington. They include things like heart tests and stuff like that. The results will be sent to Boston, and they'll make sure everything looks good before the transplant. He's also been to the dentist. He won't be able to go to the dentist for about a year. Since everyone's mouth is so full of germs (isn't that a pleasant thought!), transplant patients have to be careful about not getting cuts in their mouths, since they become good entry points for infection. And with no immune system, or a compromised one, this is not a good thing.
Overall we're doing well. Dave is feeling the effects of fatigue, a common side effect of chemotherapy, but otherwise feels okay. And his spirits are good. There's a lot to be said for a positive attitude! I'm holding my own. Keeping myself healthy, and trying not to worry too much. I've been sleeping better, so that helps with daily functioning.
Let us know if you have any questions. We'll keep you posted.
Oh, one more thing. We've got our web page up and running. We'll be updating it frequently, so check back often. Let us know what you think. It's at http://www.together.net/~dhc.
Allison