Another one bites the dust

Graham has successfully completed 2 photopheresis treatments.  Friday's treatment was a WHOLE lot less painful.  He already knew it was going to hurt so he was prepared this time.  He reassumed the death grip on my hand right before the nurse began inserting the needle, and though as he was squeezing he asked why she stopped; "Oh, I'm done!"  Jeanette (the nurse) had to of thought we were crazy with the dumbstruck stares we were giving her.  Graham explained to her that it didn't hurt anywhere near as bad as yesterday.  She gave some excuses, but we all knew, the nurse yesterday made it a point to make it hurt - UGH. 

Here is the INSIDE of needle - the picture does this sucker no justice.  It is as long as my boney pinky and fatter than a tire or ball pump needle.  Now the actual needle is longer and fatter and that is why they have to use so much "leverage" to get the big ol' needle in.

 



Beginning the treatment might not have been as painful, but the actual treatment was more draining on Friday.  How the process works...the machine pulls about a pint of blood out at a time and treats the white blood cells.  The computer does all the thinking, so it isn't a consistent amount of time for each pint, depends on how long the computer would like to zap the cells.  Once done, his treated cells are rejoined with his blood and slowly returned to his body.  As this is happening, another pint is leaving his body.  So at any given point during this 2 to 3 hour process, he is down about a pint to pint and a half of blood.  He feels cold, tingly, and just plain crummy/weird.  My Mom made the funniest analogy - it's like a vampire didn't like their food and they are sending it back- hahaha.  Could be?

But there is a TV to keep him entertained...Who doesn't love Shaun the Sheep????

It has been a long week full of ups and downs.  Even though we are still angry with the decision that was made, we are calmly trying to find resolutions.  First step though, get through treatments and PRAY they work.  We have missed our daughter TERRIBLY so we had her pack her bags and come up for a sleepover.  Be prepared to have your heart melted in

 

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The reason he fights so hard

 
 

I also got to see and play with our other girl Sadie :)