Postponed
4/29/2022
Cutting to the chase… Ian did not enter the hospital today for transplant as planned. Although he passed the basic medical clearance tests yesterday morning, the doctor later voiced concern about his gallbladder. The scan on Monday showed that Ian’s gallbladder is not functioning properly, which is causing his intermittent pain. He was therefore referred to a GI surgeon. After more imaging, the surgeon confirmed that no gallstones are present. Still, he recommended removing it immediately. Under normal circumstances, he would advise to wait and see if symptoms return. But heading into a transplant, all potential health issues must be resolved while Ian is stable and has high blood counts. Gallbladder removal is the one of most common surgeries (apparently our bodies don’t even need one anymore) and complications are rare. The docs say it’s much riskier to do nothing, then later have the gallbladder burst or get infected during the transplant process. Emergency surgery on an immunocompromised patient is a recipe for disaster. Thus, surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, May 5th at Duke (margaritas in the waiting room?). The stem cell transplant will follow after a few weeks of healing (TBD). While we are bothered by this set-back (and sometimes frustrated with the medical process), it is a speedbump, not a roadblock, so we are taking it in stride.
In the meantime, the donor will still proceed with stem cell collection, as scheduled. The cells will then be frozen until Ian is ready to receive them. While “frozen” vs “fresh” is not the preferred protocol (and makes us very nervous), our doctor says there is no negative implication and not to worry. It seems the logistical challenges of re-scheduling the donation, and potentially adding more delay, is a greater concern. This decision is out of our hands and so it goes.
Prior to all this, Ian and I packed up the truck and left home on Sunday. Brooks was indeed sad, but Stone his jovial self. They love their Grandma, home, school, sports and neighboring friends, so they were essentially fine sending us on our way. After a few hours on I-85, including a stop at Ikea :-), we settled into our Durham apartment. The complex is nice, new and quiet and the unit is fully furnished. It is 10 minutes from the hospital and outside of town. A small lake is nearby with an easy 1-mile loop. It will be a peaceful place for recovery. Over the last few days, we have been exploring our new city. Durham was built up by the tobacco industry and in recent times, the old tobacco buildings have been redeveloped and neighborhoods revitalized. It’s a funky town that has not disappointed!
Sadly, just a few days after we left home, our family pet, Teco, died. He was a leopard gecko that was a birthday gift to Brooks 2 ½ years ago. He was a good little lizard who will be missed. We were sad not to be there with the boys when he died; it was hard sharing that tearful moment on Facetime, but nice knowing that Grandma is there to comfort them. Rest in Peace, Teco.
