I feel like this is the event we talked about, we were aiming for but seemed forever away and now we are here!!!

Monday we arrived to Mayo and met with the doctor.  He once again emphasized how important it is to get to the hospital asap if he has a fever.  That is the thing they worry about most.  The way he said it made us both realize that it is a big thing.  They said around 50% of the patients end up getting admitted for a fever.  We are praying and being positive that Todd will be good.

Then he went to get his PICC line.  They completely suit up and said it's like a "mini surgery"  I was able to watch and had to put on a mask.  At first they hit a nerve on Todd and his hand was shooting pain, then they got it adjusted and his fingers were numb.  They finished putting in the PICC line and then waited around to see if the numbness in his fingers was going to go away.  If not, they would have had to take out that PICC and do a new one.  But, after about 20 minutes it started to go away and he said he was good.  They told him at this time that he couldn't lift more than 10 pds with the PICC line in.  Todd was not too happy about that as he brought his 50 pd weight blocks with him to the Airbnb and was hoping to get a good daily workout in. 
   

Yesterday morning was the big "chemo" bomb day. This was the day that made Todd a little uncomfortable.   Todd hasn't shown much emotion throughout this entire process, but yesterday there was some.  Being away from the kids is SO hard. He said he woke up and for the first time thought, "What in the heck am I doing?' He has been really nervous about the Chemo bomb.  They have warned us over and over again that this isn't like the other chemo's he did for 5 months...it's a lot more potent and can be really brutal on the body. It's so strong and powerful that it kills everything, instantly.  I think the reality was hard this morning knowing what he was walking into.   The doctor told him they pretty much kill him, then use all the blood, platelets and other forms of IV's that they need to keep him sustained/alive until his stem cells start working again, which usually takes around 3 weeks.  

We went back to the hospital yesterday morning and they took blood work, then we had to wait for the results, they did pre medicines and then the chemo. We were there for over 6 hours yesterday.  He did cryotherapy (he keeps ice in his mouth the entire time for almost 2-3 hours straight) as they said it would help with all the mouth sores a little more. The ice constricts the vessels so the chemo doesn't go in there.  In fact, he prefers water and all drinks without ice.  So this is a lot for him.  But, any time he talked it sounded funny because he said his tongue was frozen.

The nurse told us today that this was the only procedure/floor in the entire hospital during Covid that allowed one visitor per week because it is so hard on people mentally. Their body goes through a lot and they needed that visit to help them get through.

It is a little hard and quite lonely not being home for this procedure or even close to home and people I may know. I am feeling like we are constantly living in the store for "basic" things.  But, how grateful we are that they even offer an "outpatient" procedure! He would go crazy being locked in a hospital room for the next 30 days.  

As they were prepping, I was getting my computer out and saw a card our son wrote him and I had slipped in my computer bag the day we left.  I handed it to him and Todd got teary eyed and said "Don't show me any more of those for a bit."  He was wanting to be tough and he was having a hard time fighting back the tears.  I read the card and the tears just flowed for me, too.  Since this platform only allows me 1 photo, I'll read it to you, "Dear Dad, I wanted to let you know how much I admire you.  Through the ups and downs you alre always strong.  That's why I wrote this to give you some strength." 

He can't be out in public as of yesterday. We are pretty much in lock down for the next couple of months.  30 days here and 30-60 days back at home. We go back tomorrow for the transplant and then every day after that for blood, platelets, hydration etc.  They said to plan on 2-7 hours every day at the hospital for the next few weeks. It all depends on his numbers. 

People always ask what they can pray for...please pray that the chemo will do what it needs to do but won't be brutal on his body.  And please pray that the transplant will be a HUGE success and can put him in remission for quite a few years. 

The nurse told us no kissing, no using the same bathroom, and no touching him if he's sweaty...for at least 48 hours because this chemo is so strong.  I also need to use precaution and gloves if I need to clean bathrooms, clean up after him etc for the next couple of weeks. 

I got Todd this shirt for the "BIG" chemo day....This is Bull Crap but Todd says a different word comes to mind for him. 
 

We've witnessed so many tender mercies, miracles and feelings of peace the past few days...actually the past 7 months. Thank you for the prayers, the financial help, the spiritual lifting, the sweet texts, the gifts, the love, the positive thoughts, acts of service, help with the kids, grace and more.  We couldn't have gotten where we are without our amazing tribe and so many incredible people surrounding our family!!  We see you and we love you. Now we head into the BIG SERIES and I just know this man will continue to give it all he has!  

Thursday is the BIG day!!!! New life...new stem cells and a new beginning for Todd   Please keep those prayers coming.  Now is when we really need them.