Rough Afternoon

Pain and emotions are going hand in hand today.

Morning Update-11:45 am

So, I'm sure the night shift thinks I'm one of those "crazy" mothers-as I just wanted them to relieve my son's pain. They finally got an order for the "good"medication and Stephen got relief. Dr. Emre came in this morning and he feels that the pain is not from anything concerning. He is sending him for a catscan just to make sure. Hopefully, we can keep the pain under control and start moving forward-again, stay tuned.

Spoke too soon

12:10 am Stephen and Alison convinced me that I should go home tonight, so I reluctantly did. But Stephen's pain returned and so did I. Again, the doctors can't seem to get it under control.

A Brighter Afternoon

5:25 pm So, it seems as if Stephen has turned a corner. A wonderful doctor made a great "call" today and changed Stephen's pain medication and within an hour he was like a new person. He is still, of course, uncomfortable but nothing like he has been for the past 3 days. We are hopeful that he is starting on the road to recuperating-stay tuned.

Good Friday-morning

6:20 a.m. Stephen had a restless night. I think he is trying to hold off on pain medication but then becomes so uncomfortable. It is such a difficult balance to control the pain and keep him alert enough to be able to do some walking and breathing exercises. Let's hope that today will bring relief. Stephen's friends Jess and Mike came in from NY to visit with him yesterday, what a smile that put on his face. His roommate, Eddie has also driven in from NY the past two nights-his presence has made such a difference. Our family, of course, has been so wonderful-their presence gives us all an invaluable sense of comfort and support. I'm not sure what we would do without all the love and support from everyone around us-I cannot tell you what it means to each of us.
Love,
Karen

Holy Thursday

12:45 pm Joe stayed with Stephen last night as everyone convinced me to go home. Dad did a great job taking care of our "little" boy although Stephen had a very rough night. They just could not get his pain under control. He is better now. Still has a fever and they have started an antibiotic even though they have not gotten results yet-they're being proactive. When I walked in the room this morning, Stephen was sitting up in the chair-what a wonderful site. He is now back in bed and trying to rest. Stephen just looked over to me and I asked him is there was anthing he wanted me to say, he said to thank everyone for their good wishes and he hopes to be better soon.

slowly but surely

So, here we are. My parents and Aunt Sandi went down to the cafeteria to get some lunch. I am sitting next to Stephen as he drifts in and out of sleep. He is still in pain and is connected to the PCA pump which he can press whenever he feels he needs pain medication. Some good news is that he can now eat solid foods if he wants to and he took a walk with my Dad down the hallway earlier. Walking was a big improvement, so thats good.

The doctors should be coming on rounds at about 3, so we will have more information hopefully around then.

I feel really bad for Stephen, I almost feel like he is in pain for nothing. It is so hard to see him be in pain. I am doing my best to help him with whatever he needs and just be there for him.

I also feel helpless because 1. he is in so much pain and 2. what do we do now? So many family members and even a few friends have gotten tested to be my donor and no one is a match. All we can do now is wait for another gracious, amazing individual to want to get tested.

<3 Alison
As always, thank you for keeping my brother and our family in your prayers.