Jan 10, Re-fueled

"Just the Facts"--  Infusion today,  2 bags-back up to 8.3 level.  Took all day
to feel the effects of being refuled.

Most of you don't know, but to be infused with one bag of blood in the infusion center takes about 2.5 hours, and this is the fast track speed.  So 2 bags take about 5 hours and then add 1 more watch/recovery hour before you are cleared to leave.  You also are given benedryl for any adverse reaction and tested for fever and blood pressure every 20 minutes.  You also have to be cross matched and typed up to 3 days prior to the infusion.  What I am trying to say is that there is quite a time committment to the process.  B has been doing this about every 2 weeks for the last 10 months.  After all this, today, he is only at an 8.3 level. Most hospitals will infuse patients that are at a level 8.  Anything below catches everyones attention.  B has been operating the last year averaging between 7 to 8 for most of the time.  We really feel that this transplant timing could not have been timed any better.  He will get another infusion this Friday so that he will be above a 9 when he goes in.  This will be good to help with the Chemo.

He was hoping to go surfing before going in, but the possibility of catching something is too risky at this point, so tomorrow he will clean his boards and prepare them to be tucked away for a bit.  B has always taken great care of his equipment. It will be one of those symbolic meaningful days for him.  He also will most likely hopefully work his last job this week for quite some time.  A sort of transition week if you think about it.

I have always thought that life was a series of phases or seasons if you like.  The nice thing about a bad or tough season is that the nature of seasons have a beginning and an end. This concept of life gives you hope for the future and endurance to make it through to the next season yet to come.  So as we knowingly prepare for this next difficult season, keeping in our minds and hearts that it will eventually come to and end and a whole new season will be before us once again.  At times I think I would like to hurry away the tough stuff, but I have found that it is during those times that the learning really takes place.  So we will face each day as it comes, knowing we are not alone and that we are being held by our right hands.
Until next time,
Hopeful Believer.