Cycle 3, Day 0: Freedom!

Steven got his stem cells back today.

Everything went smoothly. The actual transfusion only took 25 minutes. The now-familiar smell of DMSO permeated the room, the odor will remain with Steven for four days or so.

Steven finally got some of the visitors he'd been hoping for all week. His teacher showed up when he was awake, the chaplain came to hang out with him, Dr. Mark came up, and Father Pugh, the priest from Sean's school, paid a visit.

Today's visitors provided a much-needed lift for Steven. The doctor said everything looked good for him to go home, so after four hours of observation after the infusion, they discharged him.

So, tonight we are back at Target House. Steven hasn't eaten anything since he started chemo, and since I talked the doctor out of TPN, we're hoping he starts eating soon.

We're looking forward also to a night of good sleep and no requests to pee into a cup at 5:30 am.

- Kathleen