The transplant process was fairly undramatic considering the gravity of what it will bring to us.  Following admission last Tuesday,  Kev was administered high dose Melphalan,  one of the oldest chemo agents out there. This stuff is nasty.  It's actually a derivative of mustard gas. The Melphalan kills all of the cells inside his bone marrow,  unfortunately even the good guys.   It takes about 5 days to start feeling the effects,  much of the side effects being from his blood counts dropping steadily.   Once his levels "bottom out" (most likely tomorrow)  his body will begin the engraftment process with his healthy stem cells.
His stem cells were administered intravenously over about a 20 minute period.

And now..... we wait.

Hospitals are truly dreadful places.   Beige walls,  uncomfortable beds, constant interruptions while resting.   Not to mention bad coffee.   The coping skill of distraction isn't readily available and thus  begins the struggles with discouragement.   On days when the fight is fair and his blood levels are normal (and he isn't withdrawing from steroids.  Steroids are Kev's new "S"  word), he can keep a healthy balance of positivity.    However, when the latter is the reality he has to literally battle with  himself to keep going........to get up and make some laps around the floor, or to eat yet another cup of the  delightful protein pudding.

Kev mentioned something to me a couple of days ago that has stuck with me.   The thought  of "looking over his shoulder"  for the rest of his life for the myeloma to return isn't something he dreads.  He can almost welcome this as a blessing in that it serves to keep him rooted in his priorities.   What Kev prays for is a LONG LIFE.  A chance to raise our children.  The daring hope to meet his grandchildren.
 Matthew tells us in chapter 7:  If you then,  who are sinful, know how to give good gifts to your children,  how much more will your father in Heaven give to those who ask Him.
 This truth is so humbling and so rich with God's mercy.   I love this verse.

 So far everything is going as it should.   We expected this to be a "necessary evil" (as pretty much all  cancer treatment is)  but it is still hard to live this.   Please pray that this is the end of treatment for a long long time.    Also,  we've had the girls up to visit twice.... pray that this will be no more than a  distant blip on their life radar.
The truth that God doesn't waste ANY suffering  is, at times, comforting, but also unbelievable.   Lord, give us strength in times of unbelief.

 Please don't hesitate to contact me regarding visits.   He is moving into a period where visitors will need to wear masks and be healthy prior to entering his room,  but hopefully his levels will rebound quickly and this won't last long.

Kev says a heartfelt  THANK YOU  to all who are praying for him and thinking of him.  I want to tell everyone how much I appreciate your loving support for our family.

 God bless all of you.

 Kristin