Day Minus 4

Today is referred to as Day -4. This indicates there are 4 days left before Jim gets the donor's cells. They will do a countdown until Thursday which is Day 0, transplant day. Yesterday and today he received a drug called Fludarabine. Tomorrow he will receive this drug plus they will add another to the regimen. Tuesday will be more chemo drugs and Wednesday will be a day of rest. Along with the chemo drugs he is also getting antinausea, antifungal, antiviral, antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs. I don't know what time on Thursday he will receive the donor's cells but they call this day his new birthday. I will give more explanation as the day approaches.

Jim is doing well as of now. He did 14 laps around the nurses station today pushing his massive IV contraption along the way. We have to think of a good name for the IV pole. If you all have any suggestions pass them along. Anyway 14 laps around the unit is 1 mile. Today may be the last day he is able to go out of the room. As soon as certain blood values drop he will officially become a bubble boy.




The nutritionist stopped by to go over the strict low-microbial diet Jim has to follow. Eating a low-microbial diet will reduce his risk of getting sick while his immune system is compromised. A few of the restrictions he will have to follow are no fresh fruits or vegetables. Bananas are an exception. No more bringing him lattes or monkey babkas from the Brazilian bakery.

A recreation specialist also visited today. She had games, coloring material, cards, puzzles and more. Everything is unopened and brand new as to not introduce germs into the room. Jim took the crossword puzzle book. He is like his parents who also enjoy crossword puzzles.

Luckily the rest of the day was pretty uneventful. Dr. Giralt says to "keep it boring" and "the chair is your friend". So far Jim is eating well. His taste buds haven't been targeted yet. The food isn't bad. Anytime he wants to eat he picks up the phone and orders. It is like room service. Tomorrow he will try the milkshakes. I am not allowed to eat in the room which is a bummer. I have to go out to the guest pantry if I want to eat. They want everyone to keep a mask, gloves and gown on when in Jim's room. Soon he will not have any immune system to fight off germs. I am slowly bringing things to his room to decorate it and make it feel more homey. We carted all this stuff around New York for the last few months. Darned if I'm not going to put it up. More pictures to follow.