Transplant Day 0 - The Big Day Arrives!!!

Hi Bloggers, What a day...thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support and wonderful array of texts and comments on the blog and through Facebook....its been great to have you all with us all day. And what a day its been!!

Early start for me, wanting to be ready and prepared for the day. It was a fairly quiet start to the day, although the nurses began their regular tasks of doing routine bloods, obs and IV meds as we had a lot of things to get through before the transplant.

Phoebe's last nebulising session finished last night with some queries that needed to be checked with the doctor. To have this medicine, you require a room with positive air pressure as it can be harmful to anyone in the near vicinity who maybe trying for a baby or anyone pregnant, also anyone with weak chests or asthmatics and should also avoid this. After the final dose last night, the steam from the machine had made its way into the corridor thus making it unsafe for some of the staff here who are pregnant.

We were advised that we would be transfered for the time it takes to do the medicine onto a cubicle of Ward 84, which is where we were previously.

So this morning we headed over to the cubicle and completed the second dose, Phoebe does so well this with this, we are so proud of her, she is remarkable.

Just after lunch we heard news that the cells were with Trevor Carr who is our clinical scientist, he prepares the cells ready and these were eventually brought over by 3.15pm and by 3.25pm the cells were making their way through the line. Taz, our nurse set everything up and we were joined by Nicky as the transplant begun.

There was a real buzz around the room as Rob also visited us to see how Phoebe was getting on. Here are Trevor and Rob looking mighty pleased!! and so they should be, they are doing incredible life saving work!!!
God Bless them!!

Here are the first initial cells coming through. The infusion took just over an hour and Phoebe had observations every 5 minutes during the hour.

Rob reminds us that its not so much an event but a process, this keeps your feet on the ground as it can get a bit exciting and somewhat overwhelming, particularly for Mum and Dad today. Here is Dad (below), looking so thrilled being able to see this remarkable work taking place. Phoebe meanwhile, was happy just to paint and watch Peppa Pig whilst the euphoria was happening all around!! Here are the last of the cells making their way through...Yey!!

Most of Phoebe's medicines will be IV administered now, at least this will give her a little break from taking them for a while.

Things slowed down later during the afternoon and were unable to head round to Ward 84 until nearly 8pm but even though she was tired Phoebe coped with this remarkably and even had some noodles and a sandwich while being nebulised!! So..another remarkable day, didn't think we'd experience this again but it has been a really excellent and exhausting day.

Here is our chosen art for today and this comes from Jess in London. Thanks Jess, a great piece of work. xxx

Thank you to Rob and all the team of nurses and staff on the Unit along with Trevor Carr, Jo Page, Angela Blenkinship and of course a little extra mention for Taz for your lovely care throughout this special day. You truly are incredible people doing amazing work. xxxx

Thanks again for all the wonderful good wishes we have received...you have all been brilliant and make this journey for Ade and I so much easier...Thank you xxxx

Tonight, we are dedicating the blog to Phoebe and her Donor. You are both entwined into this incredible journey together...amazing souls!! God Bless you xxxx

Rest easy folks..
Much Love
Lynn, Ade, Phoebe and Spirit Eleanor xxxx