Day +4 (Oct. 26, 2009)

Toady was seven hours at HCI for chemo poison!  We learned the drugs change on the second transplant.  They have to use even heavier ammio on the sleeping cancer cells.  One of the drugs du joir was Carmustine which Steve had the classic reaction to, increased heart rate, headache, flushing of the face, nausea and dizziness.  They slowed down the IV and administered Tylenol and Benadril.  By the time we left the clinic he was feeling better.  The picture is him shaving his head for the last time.  It has been amazing that his hair was coming is so fast and dark!  He will now get the "shinny bald" until his hair grows back for good.   He receives more chemo on Thurs. The nasty drug that day is Gemcitabine, which has really nasty effects.  It can cause blistering on the hands and bottoms of the feet, to the point that the skin will come off in big pieces.  It produces a sore throat that many have required hospitalization for the pain control, as swallowing and eating and pill taking are impossible.  Another worry, is Swine flu.  We need to stay in a "bubble" and be safe! Bonnie