Day +12

Mick McKellar Update—Day +12

This morning’s tests went pretty much as expected and I had yet another IV infusion of magnesium. According to the nurse and the doctor, it is not leaking directly out of my system. The IV infusion takes two hours, so I spent my time usefully...I napped.

Shortly after, I asked for what ever information was available on my daily counts. The nurse said, “Woohoo!” This response was unexpected, so I inquired. She said my hemoglobin was over 11, my white cell count rose from 0.1 to 0.3 and my platelets rose from 26,000 to 36,000 overnight -- all on their own. This means engraftment appears to be happening. Kevin’s stem cells apparently have planted themselves in my marrow and are beginning to produce at least three varieties of blood cells sufficient to be measured. As you can see from the smug look on my face, this is pretty good news. We left the hospital feeling good and walked back to the Gift of Life Transplant House. As we were changing from our outside clothing to inside footwear, etc. My cell phone went off. As usual, we had to walk back to the hospital for additional fluids -- this time to protect my kidneys. Apparently, the three to four liters of liquid we have managed to pour down my throat is not doing the job. So, we managed two full trips to and from the hospital on foot. I still have the sore lump in my throat which makes even drinking water an experience to remember, but knowing that things are on track makes it easier to endure. As Marian and I were exiting the Dan Abraham Center for Healthy Living (the subway terminus nearest the transplant house) a beautiful young family was walking in. Mom and Dad were beaming as their very young toddler was tottering down the sidewalk. We stopped to say hello and mention the incredible cuteness and energy of their son, when the little guy caught sight of me. He froze in place, transfixed by (I assume) by the big white mask on my face. He didn’t cry or run away; he just stared. I said, “Hello!” He jerked once and went back to his stare.

The reaction is not really an odd one, but it felt odd in this town. I’ve never felt out of place or been stared at much before here, because there are so many folks walking around with masks of all varieties, and various medical devices (from wheelchairs, to walkers, oxygen tanks, and various and sundry well-disguised bags). Drivers stop to let us cross streets, even when they don’t legally have to. Bald heads abound. There are two lanes of foot traffic...doctors, nurses, and others who fly by at incredible speed, and then there is the slow lane where we totter along at my top speed: dead slow.

I think nothing of asking folks about their problems, where I used to be one of those folks who would avoid situations where I would be forced to ask. I always thought it would upset the patient to be reminded of their problems, but I find it oddly comforting that others are interested enough to ask. As you can now attest, I don’t have a problem sharing.

Anyway, Day +12 is officially a success and we are praying for more encouraging numbers on Day +13.

We received more cards and a care package from friends. It will help as tomorrow is one of those days when I compare our medical bills and the funds to cover them. It is on those days that I miss most a dram of brandy or a mellow pint of Guinness.

Thanks to all who are sending cards and e-mailing good wishes. It brightens our days.

Good night and God bless,

Mick