Day -1: Resetting the "block" (the blog clock)

We're resetting the numbered days on this blog to correspond with stem cell transplant protocol, where Day Zero is cell infusion day. Since that's Friday the 18th, today was....well....-1.

After a relaxing day and night in Bodega Bay (pictures to follow tomorrow), Richard checked into Sutter General this morning. They cleaned his catheter port, drew blood, and put a new dressing on his port site. He received a drip bag of premeds (ativan and another nausea-fighting drug called zophsomething...I left our notebook at the hospital). Then the melphalen was administered through his port at 1:30. It only took 30 minutes. Alissa and Dan visited during the late part of the afternoon, then dinner and the 1960's movie "To Sir With Love." And more ativan. He receives his clean cells at 11:30 on Friday. We hear that the substance used in freezing the cells makes the patient smell like garlic(!).

Note: I lost my cell phone on the trip, so I've temporarily suspended service. However, you can call or send any non-flower/non-organic mail to Richard at Sutter General Hospital.

Things we appreciated today: Good nurses--those who strike that precarious balance between efficiency/professionalism and caring.