Day +1

10/8/15 9:00am-It was great to get here this early today.  I got to meet the endocrinologist, physical therapist and hematologist on the "team".  The physical therapist rolled in a recumbent stationary bike that Steven had to "ride" for at least 20 minutes.

We did a lot of research before deciding to seek treatment at City of Hope.  We were willing to relocate for the best possible chance of recovery.  No point in saving for retirement if there isn't going to be one.  City of Hope is one of the leading bone marrow transplant institutions having done more than 10,000 transplants.  They truly treat the entire patient and with the threat of GVHD will continue to monitor Steven for many years.  One of the early leaders said, "There is no profit in curing the body, if, in the process, we destroy the soul".  City of Hope started out as a TB sanatarium and is now on the cutting edge of cancer research with significant advances in modern medicine.  Every nurse, doctor, and staff member has been fantastic.

The title today is Day +1.  There is a countdown before transplant that includes chemo and GVHD drugs.  These days are minus.  The day of transplant is 0 and all days after are +.  The first 100 days after transplant are critical.  Due to low counts, the risk of infection is great and some patients have a variety of reactions due to GVHD.  As you can see, today is only day 1 so we have a long way to go! This is a marathon, not a sprint.  Next time, maybe he can just break a hip!  Just kidding!

11:30am-One of Ashley's very good friends has come to take her to LAX.  I cannot believe she has been here a week.  Many of you have texted, called and emailed her coordinating numerous events to help us negotiate this blip in life.  I can't thank her enough for all she has done to help Steven and especially me.  I am so grateful for her help! She did everything from making dinner, to picking up Koda poo, to grocery shopping, and serving as support system extraordinaire!

I almost forgot to post this amazing video she took of the stem cells going through the tubing last night.  It is a short video but if you look carefully you can see the cells.  After most of the product was transfused, they flush the bag several times to get every last one of those amazing cells.  It is during this flushing that you can see them.

Well, it doesn't play for me either.  I have to consult my IT person after she lands in MD!  Sorry about that!- UPDATE: Ashley fixed it...because she's amazing. This is definitely not her writing this...It's easier to see on the phone, but what you're looking for is white specks flowing through the tubing, which is illuminated by the green light.  Pretty awesome.