Day -2

Kristen finished her chemo today. She felt pretty good all day except for a short period of time after receiving the melphalan. She had a little nausea then but they gave her some benadryl and that helped. Did you know that benadryl can help with nausea? I didn't. They had her eating ice chips a half hour before she recieved the melphalan and an hour afterward. This is supposed to help prevent (or lessen) mouth sores caused by this chemo. The cold restricts the blood vessels in her mouth. She didn't nap all day and I hope she is able to sleep tonight. The more IV meds she gets hooked up to, the more bells that go off during the night. Those machines are very sensitive to air bubbles. Almost too sensitive. They restarted her tacrolimus again today. It is another medication that works to prevent rejection. Tomorrow she will just continue the fluids and tacro(limus) and get some rest. Devin will be here tomorrow also. He'll be there for the infusion of the cord blood. A lot of problems could arise during the infusion and they watch her very carefully. The pediatrics chaplain, Dick Maddoxx will be there again to bless the cells. Steven unfortunately has finals so he is unable to come down with his dad.

I think today was long for Kristen. She was tired but couldn't nap. Would've walked some but while she receives the ATG (Thymoglobulin) she has her vitals taken frequently. And there was just nothing good on tv. I think I have now seen every episode of River Monsters. I did get Kristen to eat today but not as well as I would have liked. It's hard to walk the fine line of encouraging her to eat but not driving her nuts.

I got in another good long walk. I walked around the main part of Texas Medical Center. I passed St. Lukes, Texas Children's, Methodist, Memorial Hermann and Ben Taub hospitals. All in a 30 minute walk. I didn't even begin to cover the entire area. Across from Hermann and Ben Taub is Hermann park and the Houston Zoo. A lot of families were there to picnic and enjoy the Memorial Day holiday. If I remember correctly, I think the Zoo is free on holidays.

We appreciate your prayers so much. Please continue to pray that her body be ready for these cells and that they engraft successfully. But today instead of focusing prayers on us, please pray for all the military families and their sacrifices. You know we have to live apart during this time but it is nothing to having to be apart for months at a time. We at least get a little time together and can reach each other on the phone when ever we would like. They don't have these options. Also please lift up Sarah, Kristen's nurse for today. This was her first day back from maternity leave and I know it wasn't easy. Her husband was able to bring little Dillon up to visit but it's hard to leave your baby for the first time.

Until tomorrow...