Day -2

Today Mom had her second dose of ATG. After the vomiting she experienced yesterday, she was hoping that today would be a better day. While her stomach was more settled, she developed a minor rash, a common side effect of ATG. It looks like the nausea and vomiting was a result of the round of cyclophosphamide she did.

She spent most of the day napping on and off, and trying to get some fruit in to recover the energy she lost. Luckily they provide bananas and oranges that she can have, so as to maintain the neutropenic requirements (no fruits without peels, no lettuces, etc.).

While Mom was asleep I spent my time doing some reading from Dr. Mercola's recent book "Effortless Healing", and reading some more medical journal articles on HSCT protocol. I really admire Dr. Mercola's research and outlook on medicine and health. It's very refreshing in a world where most physicians are taught primarily the benefits of drugs and less about nutrition and healing.

Later in the day we watched The Lincoln Lawyer, and after Mom fell asleep again I put on a documentary called The Propoganda Game, an inside look at North Korea. Grim, but very truthful.

I thought I'd take the time to share some photos of the room we're in. Keep in mind that our room is smaller than most others, although we find it cozy and comfortable!
Some features:

• Triple HEPA filter in the ceiling (the corridors in this ward are also HEPA filtered)
• Basic hospital bed with an IV pole
• A small night stand with a drawer to keep some things in
• A mini fridge (this is where Mom gets her ice cubes for the water. She finds it easier to drink while it's cold)
• A comfy chair
• A pull out couch for the attendant to sleep on
• A closet to keep your luggage and whatever else in (comes with coat hangers)
• A flat screen TV that comes with cable and HDMI port (you need to pack the cable)
• The bathroom has a large shower with railings, the toilet has railings beside it (they have commodes if you need them as well as toilet seat raisers)
• A phone beside the bed to call for house keeping, food and beverage service, as well as other amenities
• A call nurse button on the wall above the bed (there is also a remote attached that is kept in the patient's bed)

I should mention that since we've been moved to the BMT ward, cleaners come in twice daily to wipe down all of the surfaces to disinfect, as well as they sweep and mop. Some of the information I provide might seem redundant or repetitive for some, but I know how helpful it is to know these small details when you are trying to prepare for your stay here.

Tomorrow is Mom's last day of ATG, and then if all is well she will be doing her stem cell transplant on March 1st, her 47th birthday. Another patient here, James, also has his birthday on the 1st of March.