30s Back

This is what the woman pushing my wheelchair announced when I came back from my CT scan tonight.  I am '30' because I am in room 830.  I will be 30 for the next two weeks.  

Today is Day -2 before the actual stem cell transplant (which will be Day 0).  I was supposed to get an enormous does of Melphalan to eradicate my immune system tonight.   I have not yet been cleared for this yet, as my doctor is still waiting for test results to show that I have no viruses.  I was wisked away to radiology for CT scans of my sinuses and chest. This is an extra step to ensure that everything is clear before the Melphalan is administered. I'm hoping to awaken to the purr of the chemo dripping into my catheter. 

The nurses, doctors, PAs, admins and techs in this hospital are delightful, kind, clean and thorough.  I had a delicious dinner off of a menu that I ordered myself.  Tofu, vegetables and rice.   

At bedtime I was greeted with a small plastic Dixie cup filled with candy colored meds; antibiotics, anti  fungals and anti virals and vitamin D.  Ever 12 hours from here to eternity. Melatonin for sleep. 

I asked for a Tylenol as I had a terrible sinus headache.  "You can't have Tylenol because it could mask a fever, we will bring you an oxycodone."   God bless America. 


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