On Thursday, August 25, Rick received his transplant. It was pretty anticlimactic as compared with the preparation. At around 6:45 p.m., the nurse announced they were going to start the pre-meds. At 7, they started infusing the new bone marrow and by 7:20 p.m. they were done! Twenty minutes! The nurses and doctor had several emergency measures – drugs, equipment, etc., standing by – but none were needed. (The marrow is infused through the CVC port which Rick has in his chest – somewhat like an IV – no surgery involved.) The doctor endorsed the procedure by declaring it, “boring!†We like boring – nothing out of the ordinary or unexpected.
I got this report primarily from Zachary who is doing a spectacular job of caring for Rick during this tough time. Rick is exhausted because, of course, he has very low blood counts. And they still keep him rather busy in the hospital – hourly breathing exercises (to prevent pneumonia), hourly gargling (did you know your mouth is a prime source of infection?) and as much walking or sitting up as he can do. The last few days it has been difficult for him. Zachary told me his white cell count today is 0.0. The nurses say it takes some time for all of the counts to go up – and they will go up and down for awhile. That’s why he has to stay in the hospital for another four weeks or so.
Rick’s donor (bless him, whoever he is) is 23 years old. So we have been teasing Rick about getting new 23-year-old blood. On Saturday, Zachary put together a gift basket for him – filled with things that 23-year-olds like to eat. (Don’t ask me – I haven’t a clue!) I think it involved Ho-Ho’s, Mountain Dew and Beef Jerkey. Very clever! Rick didn’t seem to crave it, though. I guess the new cells have to grow more.
Rick asked me to let you all know what’s going on and to say that he will post again as soon as he is able.
Oh yes – one more thing. The day after the transplant, Rick told me he had an odd dream. He dreamed that we were packing up the things in our apartment to move back to Omaha and he realized he was packing our Easter decorations. He thought to himself, “Why did we bring Easter things down here?†I just said, “Easter…hmmm.â€
Tracy
Rick,Tracy and Zach all of yuou are in our thoughts and prayers
Rick – So glad to hear there were no complications with the BMT. You are an inspiration in your own right. Now for getting stronger.
Tracy and Zach – you two are amazing. Rick is so lucky to have you!
You are all in our thoughts, and everyone watch out when those 23-year-old cells start taking over!
Keep on fighting,
Tori & Tyler
Rick – we are so glad to hear the BMT went complication-free. You are an amazing inspiration!
Tracy & Zach – you two are so dedicated – Rick is lucky to have such a wonderful family!
You are all in our thoughts – and keep up the fight!
Tori & Tyler
Thanks Tracy for the update. I used up my phone card telling Shirley as much as I knew. At any rate, I hope to call Rick in a couple of days and hope he will be up to talking. I wish I could help but my thoughts are with you, Zach and Rick.
Love, Virginia, Grandma and Mom
Rick, Tracy, & Zach,
You 3 are really amazing!! Let’s see if I remember Jane liked pop, sweets, & the opposite sex at age 23. Soooooo instead try the healthy stuff, it’s better for the cell count. Please keep us posted on how you’re doing. Pam
Rick,
Bill spoke for us all when he said you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting. You are truly a strong person. Your strength is in your family.
Take Care,
From all of your fans,
The Prez, Bill, Mary, Barb, Linda, Sara, Janelle, Shar, Kathy, Jan, Dena, Patty, Jennifer, Sybil, Jacque, David, and many more whom will forgive me if I failed to mention their name
Rick–When I was in the hospital and after I returned home from my heart surgery, I never did reach the goals they set for me for my breathing exercises. Finally, someone said that it was more important that I do the exercise right; rather than reach the goal. I never did have a problem with pneumonia.
Keep your faith and spirit high. We are all praying for you.
Hi Rick ! Even though this is the first time I’ve posted, I have been following along with the updates. You are on a remarkable journey. I have found, through personal experience, that when we are at a low ebb in life, we re-discover our wonderful family and friends through their thoughfulness, love and prayers. Thanks be to God that all the preparation is complete and the transplant has taken place. It’s an accomplishment I can only wonder at. Blessings to you. Jean