Receiving and recovering from a bone marrow transplant is extremely similar to a roller coaster ride. You start at the bottom with the shock of diagnosis and begin the upward climb to reach transplant day. And then you get there, thinking here we are at the top. The view at the top on transplant day is filled with some relief, because the work to get there was immense and the donor came through. But that view is guarded with unknown side effects to come and wonderment at how many dips will need to be endured.
So, here we are on one of those dips, which is just a part of the whole process. Nothing terrible, nothing great - but definitely not good or fun. When you consider Mom's medications, lack of energy, loss of appetite, need to be nourished, and her daily battle with nausea, it is no wonder that she does not feel well. Mom's energy, appetite and spirit have been greatly affected and she is working so hard to get through each day. She is now back in the hospital and we shall see what the next few days will bring. It has always amazed us at how the right fluids, nutrients, and medications can cause Mom to regain a bit of energy and some of her bright spirit. We hope to soon climb back up on that roller coaster ride and enjoy the sites along the way.
As for Thanksgiving, we are extremely grateful for the generosity of Mom's donor. It is difficult to be grateful for the icky-sickies, but without her donor we would not be here today. Life is precious, and we love Mom/Grandma so much every day!
2 comments:
I think of it more like that scene in Ice Age. (The one where they're in the cave and the baby slips down the little slide things and theyre all skidding through the tunnels flying over gaps, crossing over through different paths. Roller coasters almost seem tame compared to what your mom is going though... thinking of her lots and sending lots of prayers.
I think the roller coaster analogy is right(although JHRME is also right). I agree with being at the top on transplant day and not knowing what the downs are going to bring. The trip back up to the top is slow, but it is definitely moving up. Blessings to your mom and family.
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