Wednesday, August 1, 2012

2nd Lumbar Puncture/IV day!

Brian had his second lumbar puncture infusion of stem cells and his third IV infusion today! All went well! As before, he had to lie horizontal for six hours after the lumbar puncture. He did quite well; no pain, headaches or nausea. No fever either, though we've discovered that all the patients experience a fever after their first lumbar stem cell infusion, just as Brian had. The second time had no problems. He's sitting up now, having some supper that Sean cooked.

Jonathan and Nevis left earlier today also. Nevis is heading back to Ireland and Jonny is heading to Germany for a few days' visit with his wife's family. We're so grateful for the help they gave and all the effort to travel so far to give the rest of us a little break, even though they never really got to see any of China. They had about a thirteen hour layover in Beijing, so hopefully they took the chance to take a taxi into town for a day of sightseeing.

The new facility we are at in Qingdao has been a real boost to everyone's spirits. Qingdao is a beautiful city - there are several parks visible right out of Brian's hospital windows and the streets we've traveled down are all lined with lovely gardens. Plus they brew Tsingtao beer here; Shane is hoping to take a tour of it this weekend!

Last night we had a little going away party for Jonathan and Nevis. We had supper at the restaurant at the Holiday Inn at which we're staying, then a cocktail or two in the hotel bar with Juan, Carolina and Gaby. There was a quartet of beautiful Filipina girls singing in the band and they dedicated "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele to Brian! A great time was had by all!

On a culinary note, Sean has appointed himself the chef of the group. It's been a challenge catering to the various tastes of everyone, but so far there's been no problem. Today for example, we had some grilled pork, stir-fried veggies with a butter & oyster sauce over rice and curry chips (curry sauce courtesy of Nevis & Jonny's treats from Ireland!). It went over well. We only wish we knew what more of the items at the supermarket were; no doubt they'd be delicious!

Stay tuned, more soon!

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