Stem Cell Transplant Day is here. Day 0

Richards Stem Cell transplant day has finally arrived :) Been a really easy day today, poor Richard was very tired compared to yesterday so unfortunately it wasn't a fun day but we still had nice relaxing one. Arrived at the hospital at about 1.15pm, had an easy afternoon, watched an old film called Jet. Richard fell asleep whilst i tickled his head for almost the whole film. Definitely not complaining though :) to see him sleeping happily and resting is one the best things to watch when he's in there.

richy taking a nap 

Richards stem cells transplant 

Cells have come from Germany, transported by train which was interesting. They turned up just after 5.30pm ish. Transplant took place just after 6pm and took nearly two hours to go through. It's very simple really, its just like watching a blood transfusion. Simple as anything, Most people think Transplant means operation, but it actually doesn't, which is rather interesting. I learn something new every-time i go to that hospital.

I leant to day that a stem cell transplant, is more intense than a organ transplant. This is because an organ transplant is just one body organ, where as stem cell is the immune system which controls the whole body. So technically this in a whole body transplant. it so exciting really too.

Hopefully Richard should be okay for a few days, then his counts will start to drop and he will get worse before he is better. Fingers crossed he goes through it all okay.

Ill go back and visit him on friday. hoping he will still be in high spirits.


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23 may 2012