Day -1 of Stem Cell Transplant #1

This adorns the wall at the entrance of Comer 6,
the hospital's hemotology and oncology floor.

It was a restless overnight for Theofanis. He woke up several times and became nauseous more than once. So, when daylight emerged and Theo sat up in bed and looked around to see what he could do for the day, Eleni was a tad bit surprised at how good he appeared to be feeling. He asked for homemade waffles, but was ok with the frozen kind as long as they were warmed up on the panini griddle with lots of butter. He didn't eat much, but mom praised him for wanting and trying to eat.

Theo was in a good mood all day. Today was Day -1 and Theo knew it was a "day of rest." No medicine today. (Well, besides the anti-nausea, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial medicines he'll be taking on a daily basis for a long, long time.) And his good mood was reinforced with the reminder that tomorrow is THE BIG DAY! The day he gets his super cells back! Doctors and nurses alike commented on how exciting tomorrow will be!

So, today, Theo had a visit from a tutor who helped him finish some homework that was lingering in his backpack. The art therapist also came by to help with a pumpkin project. He completed 1/2 of his Hogwarts Castle Legos Set. He laughed with nurses and doctors. He asked his mom if his eyebrows were gone because he couldn't feel them anymore. 

A light-hearted event occurred mid-day when a "sitter" entered Theo's room and announced that she was there to hang out. She pulled up a chair, sat down and settled in. And as Theo and Eleni both stared at her, wondering, "why is she here?" a nurse came in to tell her that she was in the wrong room.

But on a more serious note, Eleni had the opportunity to meet with one of the Pediatric Psychiatrists. Although the team visited Theo and dad the previous day, Eleni wanted to talk to them about about two things: (1) how to keep Theo's psychological state of mind the healthiest it can be while he's going through the two transplants and pending 140+ days of isolation and (2) how to address Demetra and Sophia's worries and concerns, as Deme has already expressed feelings of fear, worry, and sadness. So, after a good long discussion with the doctor, Eleni truly for the first time, felt a sense of comfort that she and Dean are doing the best that they can to help their family cope and get through this unimaginable fight to cure their son of cancer. Yes, they are told by many kind and loving people--and all of you who everyday show them support and encouragement--that they're doing a good job along each step of this journey. But, when the psychiatrist was offering suggestions, ideas, and tactics, Eleni thought, "we are doing that." And when she cited specific examples of how she and Kosta have dealt with certain situations, the doctor nodded approvingly. 

WITH LOVE, FAITH AND PRAYER, HE WILL WIN!

On the eve of Theofanis' Stem Cell Transplant, his "rebirth," the Yianas family is asking everyone to join them in prayer for a successful stem cell rescue and cure for Theofanis...

Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, Who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal also Your servant, Theofanis, from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant him patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health.

Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray, heal Your servant, Theofanis, and grant to him the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Lord our God, Who by a word alone did heal all diseases, Who did cure the kinswoman of Peter, You Who chastise with pity and heal according to your goodness; Who are able to put aside every sickness and infirmity, do You yourself, the same Lord, grant aid to Your servant, Theofanis, and cure him of every sickness of which he is grieved, and send down upon him your great mercy, and if it be Your will, give to him health and a complete recovery, for You are the Physician of our souls and bodies, and to You do we send up Glory: to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, both now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.