In the world of transplants, we count down to day zero or transplant day and today is day - 4. So far, Phoebe has completed the first of her high dose chemotherapies, Busulfan, and as I write this, she is receiving the second of three types of chemo, Etopiside. The Etopiside runs through her IV in 12 separate syringes, each running over half an hour. That's six hours of non-stop chemo. Our nurse today was kept very busy, with the beeping syringe pump and checking Phoebe's vitals. As usual it was non-stop action. Phoebe is handling the chemo well, she is playing and laughing and smiling, but also making sure to tell the nurses when she doesn't like something.
Today we opted to participate in "rounds". Every Monday and Friday at Sick Kids, parents are invited to participate in discussions regarding their child's care. We see a doctor everyday, but today doctors, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, social workers, and anyone and everyone involved in Phoebe's care, convened in the hallway outside of her room. They were waiting to talk about Phoebe and because she was wide awake when it was our turn, she also went out into the hall to chat with her team. Phoebe was smiling and laughing and making friends while we talked about her cancer, how much she is eating, or not eating, whether or not she has been vomiting (not), and all about her bowel movements. It was a facinating few minutes.
Tomorrow and until we reach day zero, Phoebe will receive the 3rd and final type of high dose chemotherapy and then it will be the big day.
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