Day + 4

Brian had pancakes for breakfast. This is actually a really big deal. The past week his meals have pretty much consisted of him forcing down Ensure shakes and the occasional Cup of Noodles. Brian is doing well, but 'well' is a relative term. Is he spiking fevers or hooked up to a ventilator like some of the other transplant patients on his floor? Thankfully, no. But his days are mostly spent sitting, yes sitting, because he is required to be sitting up in a chair for a minimum of 10 hours a day. He sits just trying to fight back extreme nausea, and with a dehabilitating headache where it is painful to even open his eyes. In the hour or so where the medicine eases the headache, he walks up and down the corridor. He has to walk an hour a day, each minute is logged by his nurses. It really is inspiring. Usually when someone feels like complete crap all they want to do is curl up in bed and sleep. Instead he is walking, sitting, and unable to sleep because he feels that bad. We celebrate these little victories, like having pancakes for breakfast. But have learned to celebrate with some reservation. We have and will continue to always remain positive. But things can change suddenly, and that fact is complelty terrifying.