February 14, 2007

I hope you are all having a Happy Valentine’s Day. Barbara stopped by Godiva Chocolates so we could give the nursing staff a Valentine’s Day box. The box she brought was huge. Also, some of you sent flowers and cards to them. You should have seen their faces. They were truly blessed by your thoughtfulness. I guess I don’t need to say who got the best treatment in 7CAO today.

Yesterday my white count was .5 and I was hoping that it might double to a 1.0. The plan was that if it doubled each day, I could have gotten out of here in 5 days. However it did not double as hoped. Instead it quadrupled to a 2.0. WOO-HOO.

The doctors were so impressed that they are planning on sending me home tomorrow. Yes, that is right. I’m going home tomorrow. It’s been less than 3 weeks since I checked in and today is day +13. I am both happy and astonished. I was hoping to get out early, on about day +21. My nurse can remember someone being able to leave on day +17 before, but never day +13. ONLY GOD.

Even though I’m going home there are still a lot of steps to climb. Now is the time when GvHD can start causing problems. Also, I’m still highly susceptible to serious infections. I’m off to a wonderful start and am settling into getting through day +100.

They gave us this pill organizer that is about 14” long X 10” tall X 2” deep. There are 7 columns wide for days of the week and 4 rows high for 4 times a day. Apparently the thing will be full when I leave and is designed to help me not forget all of the meds I will be taking each day.

I’ll let you know if plans change or the next update will be written from home.

Thank you again for your prayers.