Day 2
On Thursday, the temperature in Seattle rose to near 90 (and remains there still today). The air conditioning in John's wing went out and made for an uncomfortable atmosphere on top of the aftereffects of chemo and the emotional letdown after the "excitement" around the transplant. By evening, he was agitated and depressed. It took a little time to get help for him, but they gave him Ativan and he rested most of the night.
I have to say I was quite impressed at how the staff responded Friday. They were all aware of the incident and spent time with him asking the right questions and explaining why it was important and up to him to be active in his own recovery. By afternoon, he actually got the motivation to walk outside briefly with Courtney. (Yes, they allow that here, as long as the patient stays away from others.) He may do the same today, but he is receiving blood transfusions at the moment.
Today is Courtney's 19th birthday. She seems stronger and more mature from her experiences and learning to help with John's. Tonight we will have a sushi dinner, followed by an ice cream pie. Debbie returns to Atlanta tomorrow for the week and Courtney goes back on Wednesday.
I have been riding my $20 mountain bike from Goodwill to and from the clinic and hospital daily, which is a nice 5 to 6 mile round trip. The exercise and shoreline view do a lot to help with the stress of what is mostly waiting for now.
I have to say I was quite impressed at how the staff responded Friday. They were all aware of the incident and spent time with him asking the right questions and explaining why it was important and up to him to be active in his own recovery. By afternoon, he actually got the motivation to walk outside briefly with Courtney. (Yes, they allow that here, as long as the patient stays away from others.) He may do the same today, but he is receiving blood transfusions at the moment.
Today is Courtney's 19th birthday. She seems stronger and more mature from her experiences and learning to help with John's. Tonight we will have a sushi dinner, followed by an ice cream pie. Debbie returns to Atlanta tomorrow for the week and Courtney goes back on Wednesday.
I have been riding my $20 mountain bike from Goodwill to and from the clinic and hospital daily, which is a nice 5 to 6 mile round trip. The exercise and shoreline view do a lot to help with the stress of what is mostly waiting for now.
