After the first storm passed...

Ralph was given something, in his IV, to alleviate the nausea. Once that took effect, he walked in the hall, twice, ate a Popsicle, and enjoyed some macaroni and cheese. About 2:30pm, he received more potassium, liquids to hydrate, and 2 pints of blood to go with a nap...a sound nap from the Benadryl that was given for relaxation during IV transfusion, hydration, and potassium. By 4:30, he was awake and watching TV...disappointed that the US Open was postponed. He ate some dinner...tried lasagna but said that it was inedible. Megan visited, and they walked a few laps in the hall.

Darkest before the dawn...

Ralph' s period of not being sick was short lived. As expected, he was violently ill through last night and thus far, today. He is unable to keep anything, that is given, down. The medical staff is working on an answer for some ease. Every patient is different and reacts differently to the process of the transplant and medications. We are thinking that his counts have hit rock bottom and after these storms pass, he will begin to see clear skies ahead. Hopefully, we are not too naive.

DAY 9

Well, the shot must have worked! Ralph had no problems holding his food down! Of course, his appetite is minimal, but he slept better. After examining Ralph, the doctor felt he was doing well. As of 11AM, Ralph felt weak and slightly nauseated, but he made a business call! More food was consumed, at lunch and dinner, than any meal over the past few days. At 4pm, Ralph commented that he felt okay and that he had walked in the hall which has filtered air, twice. Michael and Megan visited.

DAY 8

Ralph vomited for about 20 minutes about 10pm, last night, but was able to get some sleep after that. He awoke,this morning, not feeling very well. Around-the-clock medicine is being given for nausea and Ralph needed IV potassium. The Neupogen shots were started today. Those stimulate white blood cell production.

He made the effort to eat, but breakfast and lunch did not stay down. He made one outing into the hall but is significantly weaker today. At about 4pm, he was given a medicine that tells the brain to not be nauseas…it knocked him out until supper which he attempted to eat.

Small world, again…a friend of Megan’s from high school, who is in med school, recognized Ralph’s name and stopped in.

DAY 7

Ralph did not sleep well but was not vomiting. He was able to eat Cream of Wheat, orange slices, and a 6 oz. chocolate milk shake for breakfast, but that did not stay down. He showered and was given a medicine, before lunch, in an effort to keep his lunch down. He ate beef vegetable soup, mandarin oranges, and crackers after he took a shower. The medicine must have worked! He took it before dinner, as well, and as of 8pm, all is in his stomach! PT walked 11 laps with him…a new audience to hear all about baseball teams that he coached and on which he played. He refused therapy on his shoulder. An orthopedic surgeon is going to evaluate his shoulder.

He took phone calls.

His only expectations are to walk, fill out his own menu (which he hates to do…haha), wear his mask out of the room, shower, do his shoulder exercises, and try to eat.

As of now, everything is going as predicted. He has not hit rock bottom, yet. Once he does, his health will begin to improve! The nurse encouraged him by stating that he will be pleasantly surprised as to how fast he will feel better>>>KEEP ALL FINGERS CROSSED!

DAY 6

Ralph vomited through the night and needed potassium, so an IV was started. His appetite is basically nil. Medicine was given for nausea through the IV, too. Twice, he walked in the hall but mainly watched golf and baseball. He was pretty quiet and didn’t feel like talking on the phone. Small world…Sharon Difilippo’s and Fran Binder’s niece was Ralph’s nurse! She would also be Nathan Voytek’s cousin!

DAY 5

Ralph is only able to eat Popsicles, saltine crackers, and broth, at this time. He showered and walked around the restricted hall area. Staying awake was getting easier. He only napped for about an hour. Michael, Megan, Nathan, and Mallory visited, which always distracts Ralph from his discomfort. Looking at some of the other patients, Ralph realized how lucky he is. He seems inspired to get out of the hospital and realizes that eating and excercising is the key. He needs to push himself to do both.