Day -1

With 5/6 radiation treatments down, we are a day away from “Day Zero” – Transplant day. Scott also had his last dose of chemo ever on Tuesday night. He is continuing his laundry list of meds as well, including an anti rejection drug that is derived from the cells of a rabbit. Not sure how to explain that one, but it is supposed to help minimize the risk of GVHD after engraftment.

A heavy precautionary hit of Benedryl accompanies his meds in case one of them causes a reaction. I.e. If his body didn’t quite appreciate bunny cells coming to the party, and decided to put up a fight. The “bunnydryl” coma (Scott’s term, not mine) kept him resting for most of the day yesterday, waking only to have vitals taken and to get some food down. We are relieved that all went as planned and that he will continue getting that drug. He’s in the same sleepy state now.

The next month is going to be very hard on Scott’s body, so it is essential that he stock up on his protein and healthy fats going forward. He lost a fair amount of muscle mass during Reinduction and transplant is much more taxing than that was. He’ll have mega protein shakes three times a day and his other meals will also be protein heavy. Everything he consumes is measured and recorded to ensure he is getting enough of all the good stuff his body needs. 

Aside from a bit of a sunburn and some nausea, radiation hasn’t caused too much of an aftershock yet. Hopefully he can get through the last session today without any additional discomfort.