Day +5

Today they hooked me up to a PCA, Pain Control Apparatus. This is a fifth pump added to the pump panel. The slot contains a huge syringe full of morphine. Click on the picture to get an appreciation for this puppy (997k). The PCA pump is programmed to drip morphine slowly into the patient. Additionally, the unit has a button. So, when I feel the pain coming on I can deliver my own dose. However, the button can not be used more than once per 6 minutes. I'll have to make sure I dont wait too long, cuz it could take 1/2 hour or so to get the needed relief. Also notice how the whole unit is locked with a key! Smart fellows these biomed device workers.

The other picture I posted here is of the round bag of stem cells from Wednesday. The collection actually has more than just myeloid stem cells.
My white blood cell counts are officially zero now. When they start going up in a week, they will be new white cells, not the old. Meanwhile the doctors must keep my system supplied with Red and Platelets, cant let these even close to zero.
When the white blood cells start appearing they will, as their first task, repair the damage to my stomach, esophagus, and mouth. For this reason, I'll be provided with morphine until then.
My Dad will not be visiting for a couple days because he thinks he may be coming down with a cold or flu. Cathie visited today, made me feel better just by being there. I'm not very talkative in my morphine haze but Cathie is forgiving.
Thanx everyone.