He was diagnosed in November about a week or so after the death of my beloved niece Brandie. So, coming up on a year now - Shaun has prepared hiself for this journey. April 20th was his last day of work. He probably had around 12 or so blood transfusions from October to July.
August 6th, Room 804, 8th floor of the University of Washington Medical Center. This floor is ventilated with purified air and other immunities that help with fighting bacteria. This is where my brother called home for the next 30 days. The first week flew by. I went to visit him the first time that Saturday with his girlfriend Jen. He seemed to be doing just fine.
The second time I visited was Tuesday, August 14th, the first day of chemo. The third visit; another week had gone by and he was ok, just starting to feel symptoms. Alot of upset stomach, diarrhea, minimal vommitting and eventually loss of facial hair and hair on his head. The number one symptom that he had that made matters even worse - sores in his mouth. I think they call them legions. He could not eat, nor swallow. They gave him a sucking tube like the ones that they have at the dentist, to suck out the flem and spit that was so gross. It was white and thick like egg whites. At one time they had 7 different IV's running through him at once. Of course one was for nutrition. They had him on morphine at the highest level (without killing him) During this period was the scarest for me and my mom. He did not look or act himself. Even his eyes were different. I thought I was going to lose my brother. I remember getting to the car and and both me and my mom broke down. It was aweful.
Earlier that day/visit; We sat in the family waiting room to regroup and use the restroom. On the fridge was numerous messages from families asking others to pray for there loved ones. It just makes my heart hurt that so many have died and still there is no cure for this horrible diesase. We met a girl in the family waiting room whoe's brother also had a bone marrow transplant. She told us that her brother had the transplant over a year ago and is having problem after problem. He actually caught a cold and had pneumonia. Not so positive but glad to have held her hand and give her a hug. Sometimes even though you are nothing but strangers even at the worst of times a gentle touch can be comforting. I prayed for her brother that night. As I type, I wonder now if he made it through.
After that the visits were better. Jayden came with one time. James came too. lots of visitors and lots of loving words and prayers.
Today, is around the 75th day that the transplant was done. He currently is still in Seattle. He can only be 20 miles away from the South Seattle Care Alliance Center. Which means he is staying at his brother, Marty's house tell released. He has been tested several times a week to make sure things are going ok, they have found a few cells have duplicated, which is a good sign. Blood counts have been low a few times so he has had a few blood transfusions but nothing major. He has had a few infection scares but nothing they couldn't fix. He has no immune system so he needs to be monitored. They are testing this week to see if he can be released since things are running so smooth.
I am not a churchy person, I believe in God or a higher power...I pray and I believe in the power of prayer. Please keep him in your prayers so he can come home. :)
Today I am grateful for my family. My brother means a lot to me. I am glad that he is still here and that I got to be there for him. We are 8 years apart so I don't remember much about him growing up. Besides the nuggies on my head and name calling :) I do know him now and I can't imagine losing him. I know that we can't all live forever but it really makes you open your eyes and see life in a new way. He was given a second chance at life, new changes and new mind set. I can't wait to see him start his new journey. I am sorry for all of those who have lost someone dear to them.
As for the fundraiser. It was held on my birthday. Best birthday ever. It was at the Eagles downtown. We had over 100 items to auction. it was absolutely one of the best days of my life. And knowing I did it all because of Shaun and all the people that came and helped was truly a blessing. We raised a lot of money that night to help him pay for medical bills. I have never felt so grateful in my life. The power of people helping people is amazing. :)
Me and My mom
All the helpers!!! :)
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