Thursday, October 27, 2011

The BIG Day

It has finally arrived! It's bone marrow transplant day! As I type, Timothy is in surgery to harvest his bone marrow. They anticipate that all will be ready to then transplant Timothy's marrow into Michael by early afternoon.

Timothy did quite well with the preparations. He mentioned that he was a bit scared on the way here, but it didn't slow him down one bit. While waiting for the surgery, he insisted on doing the school work that he will miss today and tomorrow. He checked several times to make sure that he was going to get a popsicle and get to order some hospital food ("breakfast AND lunch so I don't miss any of my meals") when he awoke. After he drank some medicine to make him sleepy, the real fun began. He began striking muscle poses, grunting, and talking rather slooooowly. I managed to catch most of it on video. I'm sure it will come in handy some day. He will be sedated for the entire procedure. They anticipate a little soreness and will keep him overnight to monitor any pain or reaction to the anesthesia. He will be allowed to visit with Michael while the marrow is being transplanted. His room for the night will be right next to Michael's.

Michael's day will be far less medically exciting. He will simply watch what will become his new bone marrow drip into his central line and wait. And wait. Right now he is worn out and tired but eager to get this new chapter started. The strict rules in the bone marrow unit are lifted for this one day, and all his siblings will be able to come visit this afternoon. It will be wonderful--noisy, but wonderful--to all be in the same room for a little while.

We can't possibly say it enough: Thank you for your prayers for Michael, for Timothy, and for all of us.

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