I can't believe how fast time has gone since we were first told Shane needed a transplant. At that time, it seemed an impossibility. How on earth will Shane be strong enough to survive another round of treatment?! We had only six weeks from Shane's discharge to readmission for transplant. The gravity of our situation dawned on us immediately. Shane had almost nothing left after suffering severe septic shock and spending two weeks in intensive care. He came out of there just skin and bone, and unable to walk or stand on his own. I have learned in my industry: Strength = Resilience.
Shane however, showed such a fierce determination to regain his strength. His first day out of ICU he told the nurses he wanted a shower and to go for a walk. They discouraged it as it was unheard of! No one fresh out of ICU walks or showers, least of all do both in one day. But Shane did.
In a little over a week, Shane discharged himself from hospital. The Doctors were anxious about letting him go as he was still such a falls risk. But Shane was unstoppable.
Since that day, Shane has tirelessly worked on improving his strength, lung function and stamina. He has eaten like a horse, and was force fed a bunch of smoothies and juices, as well as swallowing a ton of medications each day. Prior to starting treatment, we had a weekend away. Over this weekend, we spent a lot of time body surfing at Mooloolaba (cause the surf wasn't suitable for either of our fitness levels). Shane was strong enough to play in the water for hours, and thoroughly enjoyed being smashed by the dumpy waves.
I can not believe the difference six weeks has made. Shane by no means regained his full strength, but he managed to return to his normal self, all the while continuing to manage ongoing issues with his liver. He was able to survive a whole day out of the house without requiring time on the lounge. He even managed a brief return to the gym. Amazing.
I am so proud of you Honey! Have I told you today that you are amazing?!
Today was the last of the TBI. Shane spent most of today asleep as he is feeling quite a bit of fatigue from his treatment. Fatigue from cancer treatment is so severe its not even imaginable by someone who hasn't experienced it. It is also very emotional. It is difficult to maintain a good healthy attitude, when suffering such an unpleasant side effect.
Shane has also started a soft food diet due to oesophagitis (inflammation in the oesophagus).
The milestone of today was starting the "Cyclosporin" - the all important immunosuppresant. This medication will control the T-cells in the immune system that are responsible for recognising and attacking foreign bodies. These cells are the main ones responsible for GVHD.
Shane was also give a dose of Immunoglobulin which is blood by-product designed to boost the immune system - but not the T-cells. Its strange to see him be given both an immunisuppresant and an immune booster in the one day!
Tomorrow is the big day. Day 0 - Transplant Day.
Wish us luck xx
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