B"H,
Miracles...
We learned in the Vietnam War that an injured healthy, young man could have a hemoglobin level of three or four and still be asymptomatic as long as he was well hydrated. And so, we understand how important water is to our functional selves. But in another place, another time, and definitely other circumstances even a hemoglobin level of eight is not allowed. For a woman with advanced breast cancer on the eve of starting a phase one clinical trial treatment plan that requires a hemoglobin level of nine or more the only answer is a blood transfusion... two units.
The color red is a symbol for life in many cultures... It makes sense. The red blood gives us the pulse of life, literally. I listened to the nurse explain the process. Never before have I needed to rely on the kindness of strangers in such an intimate way. The blood that pulsed through their vessels in their bodies will now do the same for me by the end of the day. There are the pre-medications to allow everything to go smoothly. There are the vital sign checks every fifteen minutes to confirm that all is well. The nurse is very young but also very knowledgeable and dedicated. She inspires confidence in me. There is hope for this world when a twenty-two year old nurse with one year of working experience knows so much and does what must be done in such a humane as well as professional way.
