DAY FOUR

For those of you who don't know, hemoglobin is that part of the blood that carries oxygen to the tissues and oxygen helps with energy. Terry's drugs are knocking her hemoglobin down (to be expected) yet the docs still want her to walk, walk, walk. She did the same number of laps today (16) as yesterday but they were laborious. She is pushing herself! I am proud of her.
Funny thing---Terry's hair is now coming in mostly black. Kind of sexy! Her Dad had black hair, when he had hair.
We had a nice surprise today, a group called the Arbor Consort were caroling throughout the cancer wards. They were dressed in period costumes and sang victorian holiday carols. What a nice treat. They blended in perfect pitch.

DAY THREE

A pretty good day. Terry has been encouraged to do a lot of walking. Today she started, in earnest, to train for a mini-marathon. The ward has an oval hallway where patients are urged to walk. She trudged around the ward for 16 times dragging her IV pole. Her pole has been named Stella, a good Polish name for a Pole. Whenever Terry leaves her room she has to wear a mask. We look like the Lone Ranger and Tonto while doing her exercises.

DAY TWO

A better day than yesterday. Hopefully tomorrow will be even better. Terry got out of bed and did some walking exercises twice today. Got to keep up the exercise as it helps prevent pneumonia. With all the IV fluids she is receiving she heads to the bathroom every 20 minutes or so---that has to count for something.
The big news of the day is that her blood counts are doing as expected. Certain blood measurements have to get to very low levels before her stem cells start to kick in and the blood counts start going back up to normal.
Everyone in the hospital has been exceptional. However the cooks might benefit from a cooking class or two.

DAY ONE

We were told that there would be good days and there would be not so good days and to take each day one at a time, because what happens today won't predict what tomorrow will be like. Well today was one of those not so good days. Between Ativan, Compazine and Zofran Terry was able to keep her two pieces of toast and a few crackers down. "Better living through chemistry".
Everyone here is pleased with her progress. I just wish she were a bit more comfortable. As Scarlett said, "Tomorrow is another day."

DAY ZERO

At 12:40 PM Terry's stem cells surged back into her to begin the transplant process. Approximately 3 to 3 1/2 million of those puppies are now back where they belong--in her bloodstream making their way to her bone marrow and ultimately becoming new white cells, red cells, platelets and other types of cells. They are armed to the teeth and are ready to fight and beat the crap out of any cancer cells in Terry. GO CELLS!!!!!!
A funny side effect of the transplant is caused by the preservative DMSO. Terry has an aroma of creamed corn about her. This is not unusual as some patients smell like mint, some like garlic, some like creamed corn. I guess it could be a lot worse. For some reason every time I come into her room I am hungry. Maybe I'll just nibble on her ear.
This hospital is a bit of a conundrum at times. Last night Terry was told that her vital signs would be taken every 4 hours, blood draw would be at 6 AM, she would get some medications at 9 PM, some IV added at 10 PM again at 11 PM. She was then informed if she needed something to help her sleep to ask for it. She did at 11:15PM. I guess she will rest when she gets home again.
While Terry was getting her stem cells transplanted Jim and I were in the room while Karen was on the phone. It was a total MacDonald experience. Lots of happiness, anticipation, crying, hope, fear, nervousness, just about every feeling possible.
The people here are wonderful. The other night the chemo nurse brought Terry a large pink Christmas stocking filled with useful goodies. Today a volunteer lady gave Terry a quilt with cats on it. She gets to keep the quilt. We can't say enough good things about the personnel here. Even the parking lot attendant is terrific.
Today has been a awesome day filled with wonder.

SHE'S IN

Terry was admitted to the hospital yesterday. She was hooked up to her new close friend, an IV pole. For the next few weeks wherever Terry goes--- her new friend goes. Her transplant will take place later today. For those who wanted her address and telephone number they are:

Theresa MacDonald
> University of Michigan Hospital
> 1500 E. Medical Center Drive
> Room 8A-111
> Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0110
>
> Her hospital telephone number is 734-936-8111

For those who wanted to visit, the visiting hours are 10 AM-10PM.

KEEP THE FAITH!

SLIGHT CHANGE OF PLANS

Today has been a day at the hospital. Terry started at 10 AM with a blood draw, saw Dr. Mineishi (transplant oncologist) and Isabella (Nurse Coordinator) from 11 AM to. 12:30. At 1:30 she had an extensive pulmonary test and tonight at 10:30 PM she will have a full body MRI.
So far-so good all of her tests are going well and she is still on to be admitted on the 15th. The change is that the stem cell transplant will start the morning of the 16th. We thought she would be getting the transplant the evening of the 15th. Evidently we were mistaken.
For those of you who want to visit, the visiting hours are 10 AM to 10 PM. You probably may want to call ahead to make sure she is up to having visitors. My cell phone is 734-634-8598. She cannot have any fresh flowers, plants, fruit or vegetables. When I get her address I know Terry would appreciate any cards and especially your prayers. I will blog her address asap.
I will probably write a daily update once the transplant takes place.
Merry CHRISTmas to all.