[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ NMS WWWBoard Version 1.4 ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Laura Tubo (12.220.113.138) on 14:18:55 30/09/04
WE'RE COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We went to the clinic today. Joey did not need a platelet transfusion. That is a good sign. The ANC is 780. He has 1500 white cells. Things just continue to climb upward, and there is no reason to keep him in this area. Jeff made some calls, and we will be able to continue monitoring his platelets in preparation for the radiation in Akron. So, on Saturday, we are headed home! None of you will believe this, but I SWEAR, when we got in the car on our way out of the hospital today, all I could hear on the radio was a little Gloria Gaynor---"I WILL SURVIVE!" Pretty wild, huh? Of course we had to crank it a bit and sing!!! Grandma Mary Ann is due in Columbus tomorrow on business, so, I am loading up her car with what I can today. It is amazing what you can accumulate in 2 months away from home. Jeff will bring his SUV down tomorrow and we'll caravan back sometime on Saturday. I imagine we will make record time. Joey will still need to be isolated at home. His immune system will remain compromised for at least 100 days post transplant. So, we won't be able to have him around crowds, etc. He will have to wear a mask anytime he is outside of our home, as well, during that period. In addition, we will have to screen/limit any visitors. But, I know it will do him good just to be back in his own room, with his own stuff!!! We will return to the hospital tomorrow for a final discharge exam--then, "no more Mr. Nice Guy---WE'RE OUTTA HERE." It is strange for me. It does not seem like a reality. So many of the caregivers stopped Joey's outpatient clinic room today to see him. He was certainly a favorite. I spent the last 7 weeks with these people. They saw me at my worst---and my best. It seems odd to just close this chapter and leave them all behind. I will remember all of them and forever be in their debt for giving Joey this second chance. We now look forward to a new beginning. I look forward to catching up with all of you too. I love you all.
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ NMS WWWBoard Version 1.4 ] [ FAQ ]