The Aliens Have Landed

Sunday was a pretty uneventful day, which at this time I like uneventful.  Considering what the Sunday before brought, we are happy to start this week off with no news to report.  Kevin is doing well.  He is eating and taking his medication on schedule, and those are my duties and he is complying well.  He still finds himself being more tired than he wished and still some nausea, but considering what his body has gone through and all the medicine he puts in it everyday, I think he is handling it all real well.  Monday we went to the hospital for blood work and his numbers were good, so we were told to go home, which we like to hear.  Good numbers means that none of his counts are low enough to require a transfusion, which is pretty common for Kevin's condition.  Tuesday we went back to the hospital to see the doctors.  Wow, did that ever turn into a long day.  Kevin and I both agreed that all we would say was, we are learning many things, and patience is one of them.  When a doctor visit becomes a 4 and 1/2 hour ordeal, patience is taught and we just had to find something to laugh at.  The good news of the day was that Kevin's platelet count has increased significantly.  Platelets are our first line of defense for our immune system.  Increased platelet count, could mean that the donor cells are grafting and that was good to hear.  We still try to balance the meds and the effects that they are having, so we will continue our three day a week visits to accomplish that.  Today we learned of the details of graft vs. host disease and the signs to watch for.  That is the next round of the process.  Watching for this common problem.

Yesterday, Kevin said to me, "if you don't have anything to talk about, tell them about my central line."  So this is Kevin's story, so I'll tell you.  We started this transplant process two weeks ago with the central line placement.  This is a small surgical procedure in which they cut into his jugular vein and insert three tubes in the right side of his chest.  Kevin went into this procedure thinking he would have a little tube sticking out of his chest.  Well he was a little surprised to see these three, 4 inch tubes hanging from his chest.  He expressed his concern to the nurse of what is this thing and she had the perfect explanation.  She said, "we often refer to it as an alien trying to escape from your chest."  So we call this thing the alien.  The central line serves an important purpose and saves the veins in his arms from being tortured several times a week to draw blood. And it works great, when you take it straight from the jugular, there is no problem drawing it real fast, 3 tubes in about 15 seconds.  He can also receive medication when necessary and transfusions if they are needed.  Kevin and the alien will have plenty of time to bond, since he will have it for maybe 6 months.  You will each have to decide what your personal relationship is with Kevin and if you dare ask to see the ALIEN!

Many friends continue to ask what they can do for Kevin.  Phone calls, emails, cards, visits, meals, etc.  Let me just explain the situation.  You are always welcome to call.  If I'm not at the hospital, I am usually home and more than happy to talk to you if you call the house.  Many of you call Kevin's cell phone.  If he is feeling good and feels like talking, he will answer it.  We always listen to the messages and appreciate your words of support.  What we don't do very well is return phone calls.  That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to call us again, it just means some days there are more calls than there is time to talk.  Kevin appreciates the uplifting emails and cards he receives.  Visits, just aren't possible right now.  Kevin sees the house and the hospital.  And anyplace with people is pretty much off limits, due to his compromised immune system.  Food, Kevin would love food delivery, but that is just not possible.  Kevin and I met with a dietitian at the start of this process and I have a pretty long list of guidelines, what he can and can't eat and how it needs to be prepared.  Basically, what Kevin gets to eat is whatever I prepare for him.  Sad but true.  Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers and that is what matters the most.