We have landed....

Sorry about not posting earlier.

I have been very focused on getting ready and handling family issues and the sickness.  I haven't had time to even think about the transplant which was probably a blessing.  

We left very early this morning as the transplant team wanted me in before noon today for appointments to check if the cold had moved into my lungs.  We ran all over the hospital getting tests done and saw my transplant nurse and doctor.  They are pleased with how I look and the x-rays show no infection so we are cleared to go ahead.  I left feeling very positive.  

Unfortunately the apartment has turned out to be a real dud.  The apartment building is grubby feeling and what we thought was a one bedroom is actually a bachelor apartment. David paced it out and its 390 sq ft.  That includes the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom and closets. There is no room for any guests unless you want the cot in the hallway.  It is in need of renovation because what has been done has been done badly.  The apartment feels grotty even though it appears clean. 

 I am really upset.  It took me so long to track down anything in Calgary.  We potentially have another place to go but its up in the air for now.  I'm ready to move everything  back to a hotel.  David says we need to sleep on it which, bless his heart, is a nice way to say I'm over reacting.  

For right now however, we have Internet and a tea kettle. That's all we need for tonight.  Oh and I almost forgot, there is a half bottle of whiskey and a bottle of wine left here.  That may help me to drown these sorrows.

But onto tomorrow.  I am going to get admitted into the outpatient ward at 7:30 a.m.  We are going to try and run two bags of platelets before inserting the central line. They need my platelets high enough to do the surgery, around 50. The last time I had platelets (Monday), I had a very big reaction. Hives and rashes from nose to knees. Tonnes of IV steroids and IV antihistamines to stop it progressing and that was the result of a 1/4 of a bag. I was supposed to get two bags. The reactions vary from time to time but I can't ever get a whole bag in.

 The team is getting platelets that are HLA matched and washed.  Sounds fancy and I think it is.  Apparently this should help to prevent my antibodies from chewing up the platelets....I think.   Hopefully these new matching and washing methods will help.

I will definitely update you tomorrow and have some nice pictures of my central line.