Week One

Post by Valerie:
Dad arrived in Dallas and began his first week here on Wednesday.
DAY ONE - With day one, he had a NeoStar Triple Numen central line surgically placed in his right shoulder area. His blood was thinner than normal from a variety of influencing factors. That caused some excessive bleeding. Late that evening he was allowed to leave as an outpatient and checked into the apartment that is being provided. It is a small efficiency apartment located a few blocks from the Baylor Cancer Center.
DAY TWO - Dad began to get his first Neupogen injections. This will help boost the production of white blood cells. On this day, he and Paula also attended an informational class that went through plan, schedule, and expectations. They also headed to the grocery store to stock up on food and supplies needed to live here for a few weeks. At the end of the day, Dad said he was pretty worn out.
DAY THREE - The second set of Neupogen injections were given in the morning. Kaylee and I left Waco to head north. We stopped in West for kolaches and breakfast with MawMaw and the Friday morning coffee group. The drive here was quick and painless. We arrived before lunch and were able to have a full day of family time. Since Dad had already finished his appointment for the day we had some freedom. We were able to go out for lunch, a movie, and some shopping.
DAY FOUR AND FIVE - Dad went in for his Neupogen injections. Since it was the weekend, the place was quiet and mostly empty. We were in and out fairly quick. After the appointments, we took advantage of free time again while we had it.

This coming week is reserved for collection of blood and stem cells.  Monday, Dad goes in at 7 a.m. and they will begin collecting through the shunt he had implanted on Wednesday.  Depending on the success, the collection could take anywhere from 1 to 3 or 4 days.  If they can collect enough on the first day, Dad will have a 4 day break until Friday.  Next weekend he will begin the most trying part of the process.  More to follow this week.

Here are some pictures of the journey, thus far: