After a 3 hour commute to get into the city today, Beck saw a beautiful rainbow just to the left of the Bay Bridge. She took this as an omen. Rick said he saw the rainbow out his hospital window and he also took this as a sign of good things to come. In short, we were doubly blessed. Actually, Rick was already feeling like God was on his side because his FAVORITE NURSE, Lindsey, whom he hadn’t seen this hospital stay, had been assigned to him today!
The stem cell transplant took place this morning and in some respects was anti-climactic. Rick had been given a myriad of medications, from anti-rejection drugs, antibiotics, anti-fungals etc. to a large dose of basic Benadryl which knocked him out for a bit. Prior to that a person from the lab rolled in a cart on which sat a "warming bath" in which the frozen cells would be brought to temperature. The cells themselves have a pinkish/blush appearance like that of ruby red grapefruit. The 3 bags were individually warmed and hung for transfusion. In addition to the IV drip of cells, the Physician’s Assistant used a huge syringe and collected cells from the IV and then "pushed" them at a faster rate. All in all from start/set-up to finish it was a bit over 60 minutes with the transplant taking about 35 minutes. All the while Rick was being monitored and tested. He came through with flying colors…thus, Rick’s "New Beginning". All the while, Beck snapped pictures of the momentous occasion. At lunch he was presented with a small birthday cake and candle to celebrate his new life. To tell the truth, I think for both of us the enormity of what took place today didn’t really hit until later and we’d had a bit of time to reflect on all that’s gone into getting to the BIG DAY!
The doctor warned us yesterday that the "smell" of the transplant might make Rick and me nauseous. Couldn’t figure out what she was saying. Smell? How would we smell anything that’s multi-sealed in IV bags? Well…the donor cells are frozen in a DMSO preservative. Once the cells enter Rick the smell is emitted through him…his skin and breath! OMG….it smells like a newly opened can of cream corn! VERY pungent. You can actually smell it outside his room. We were assured that it would disappear in a few days!!! Rick said he took a walk after dinner and a couple of people congratulated him, apparently the smell is a dead giveaway that you have just had a transplant! Gotta say this was one thing NONE of the books talked about!! Who knew life would begin like this?!
4 comments:
You won't believe this, but I also saw a (very small) rainbow this morning in Palm Springs on the way to work. I interpreted it in the same way you both did.
So it begins. Fingers and toes are crossed here!!! Love - Diane
Rick,
Rebecca and I traveled to Seattle and back yesterday for the big garden show. On the way back, we watched the lunar eclipse as we were driving. It was spectacular to see the moon nearly disappear. We did our normal walk this morning, hitting the sidewalk about 6:15 and still dark. The moon was nearly full and full of light. An omen? I hope so. I hope all of the omens do have promise. I do know that all of your confidence and zest for life will help as you recover. Ron
Rick & Family:
The news and pictures following the prodecure are terrific. I didn't see a rainbow or a lunar eclipse in Florida, but just the bright sunlight told me everything was right!
Love, Tony
Dear Rick,
To lose someone you love way before their time teaches you to cherish life in a way many are unaware of. My heart is deeply touched to read of all the love and support you have - I know from personal experience IT WILL get you through. You truly are surrounded by those who understand what life is and how truly special you & Becky are. Happy Birthday Rick and heres to many more! Please know I am praying for you. Love Wendy Montanez
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