Chinese Hospital 101                                                                                   12/01/08

 

Today Baxter, myself and one of the interpreters waited just outside the surgery quarters in a quiet corridor for Leaf to wake up from his anestheisa.  We got to see a newborn carried out to some double doors that emptied into a very crowded and bustling hallway, his father stepped inside the quiet room for a moment, seeing his child for the first time.  The baby's fingers were frail and wrinkled; he was so fresh to this life that his black hair was still wet and covered in white paste.  Shortly after this, we witnessed a surgeon walk to those same double doors with a small amount of human tissue in a clear plastic bag.  He showed the tissues to the family members who had been anxiously waiting - a conversation ensued between the doctor and the family that we couldn't understand.  Then, the surgeon removed the tissue from the bag and cut it open.  Inside were three stones, or perhaps tumors that he had cut out of his patient.  He cut the three spheres of diseased matter away from the surrounding flesh and gave them to the family.  Afterward the interpreter told us that the family was celebrating because the illness had been removed from their loved one.   

Leaf's third stem cell treatment is now complete I think we've got the right treatment routine to suit him now.  The second treatment was traumatic - they don't really like to give much pain medicine here.  This time they gave him gereral anesthesia and kept both Leaf and myself much more calm.  Still, for someone so small to go without food for 6 hours before the treatment, and then have to stay flat on his back for 6 hours after his treatment - I felt we were asking a lot from a little guy!  Grandma Rita and Grandpa Ray are a giant help under these circumstances.  They dutifully kept him comfortable and in good spirits.  Grandma Joyce back home in Durango is also working hard to take care of Erin and Michaela.  We couldn't be here for Leaf without knowing the girls are in good hands.  We are hoping that after Joyce's enormous contribution  - she and Leaf can finally spend some quality time together. 

More tomorrow - Stephanie