Day 0 (pre-transplant)

Well I think I spoke too soon about the improvement in Max’s bottom. Last night I noticed the first 2 blisters. We need to increase his salt baths to twice daily (and the morphene). One nurse said it is quite likely that Max is all ulcerated on the inside too, which is what is causing him so much pain each time he needs to poo. These are all things that we have been told to expect, but you can never really prepare for it when it actually happens.

The type of chemo used for bone marrow transplants (different types are used for different purposes) affect all the fast growing cells – hair, nails, mouth, gut and bottom, this is why Max’s hair will fall out, his nails will be affected, and he will get severe ulceration in his mouth and bottom. Mouth care and bottom care are therefore paramount. Max has not eaten or drunk for the past week or so, but incase he feels like something, he is on what’s called a ‘Clean Diet’ (food with no or minimal possibility of bacteria and untouched by humans). We have all been wearing beautiful white gowns since admission, but as Max’s counts approach zero we will all be required to wear masks aswell – I already feel like I’m part of Space Odyssey 2010!.

Around the time of the stem cell infusion today (time change - now at around 2pm), nurses will also change Max’s Hickman line dressing. There is still bleeding coming from the site more than 2 weeks after the surgery! (all due to Max’s low platelet counts).

Will update again later…