Countdown to transplant – our first day of tests

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It’s been two days since we arrived in Seattle, and we wanted to give you all an update about how things are going so far.

First, we have to thank the very sweet family that is hosting us this week while we get acclimated.  They have been absolutely amazing and have tolerated all of our boxes and craziness very well.  In addition, we have to thank the dozens and dozens of volunteers that have been quietly coordinating a toy drive, meals, apartment hunt, and even a car for us during our stay in Seattle.  The community here has not only welcomed us, but showered us with support at every turn, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Idan is doing well, but still recovering from the change in environment.  On Saturday night, when we pulled out of a little airport in Teterboro, NJ, Idan woke up just in time to enjoy his very first adventure since he got sick last April.  After being cooped up in his house or stroller for the last several months, his whole face lit up when we stepped onto the plane.  It was a very special moment, and thankfully one absent of germs (our very sweet host even voluntarily wore a mask during the flight!).

The next two days have been a bit rough for him though.  It is a completely new environment, and he does not entirely understand why he is away from his home.  He is not quite his usual playful self, and definitely feels more insecure.  But he is slowly getting used to all of the changes, and we are trying to get a routine down quickly so he will have an easier time adjusting.

Today, we had our very first set of appointments before transplant.  This included a tour of the out-patient facility, introductions tomany of the nursing staff that will soon become old friends, a physical examination, and blood work.  Tomorrow, we meet with the transplant doctors to go over all the details.  Highlights of the day included the bottle forgotten at the house and mad dash to find a new one in time for his next appointment, chasing napkins and other items blown down a street soon after sitting down to have a quick bite long past lunchtime, and Idan’s entire urine sample getting dumped all over mommy’s lap.  But Idan was a total champ and smiled and flirted his way through the day, crying only when his blood was drawn (but, really, who likes that?).

The next week or so willbe packed tight with tests, including but not limited to a bone marrow aspiration, dental exam, CT scan, EKG, echocardiogram, more blood work, nasal swabs, and the like.  It looks like our admit day to the hospital is not until October 16th or so, but we are told that the schedule may change again.

Back home in NYC, a few close friends of ours threw a rooftop fundraiser and raised $2,000 for Idan’s cause!  We hear it was a great turnout and we are so touched by their support.

Thank you all for keeping Idan in your thoughts and prayers, and all that you have done for our family in the past few months.  We are at the very beginning of the daunting second leg of our journey, but are glad tos’ have all of you cheering us on.

All our love,

Amanda, Akiva & Idan

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