Journal 3/2
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Fifteen days post transplant. Today, I will share the words
I have waited to
say since I arrived at the hospital on February 6th:
"I AM GOING HOME!!"
My emotions are running off the charts right now. Tonight I
will sleep in my
own bed with my wife, tuck my boys into bed, and enjoy the simple
pleasures
of home. I will be leaving almost three weeks earlier than projected.
The
main reason for early release is because my neutrophil and WBC
counts came
back so quickly. Dr. Petersdorph said, "I did extremely well...exceeded
expectations". Clearly, the Lord has chosen to show His healing
power and it
is clear he still chooses to work miracles.
The checkout process is very extensive. I have met with the
pharmacists to
go over all the meds I will take at home. I met with a home health
nurse and
was trained on how to care for my Hickman at home. I met with
the dietitian
to discuss how to maintain a healthy nutrition program. Finally,
I met with
Dr. Petersdorph to discuss instructions of what to expect over
the next few
months and what my limitations are. Basically, I have a lot of
information
to process. Good thing Michelle is here to help. It is pretty
overwhelming.
I will continue to go into my local doctor's office to be checked
and get
transfusions of platelets as needed. Platelets and hematocrit
are the
slowest to come back. The post transplant meds are pretty extensive.
I will
be taking various antibiotics for the next year to prevent pneumonia
and
other serious infections.
Overview of my blood counts:
| Hematocrit | Yesterday(27%) | Today(26%) | Normal(34-55%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platelets | Yesterday(9,000) | Today (8,000-getting transfusion before leaving) | Normal(150,000) |
| Neutrophils (Poly's) |
Yesterday(2,580) | Today(4,380) | Normal(7,000) |
| WBC's | Yesterday(3,700) | Today(5,400) | Normal(7,500) |
Our friends Tim & Denise Haisch will take us home from
the hospital. We have
a lot of stuff to pack out of my room. I am so thankful to all
the friends
and family who have helped us in so many ways. The support we
have received
has been nothing short of amazing. My love and gratitude goes
out to each
and everyone of you who have helped us in some way. Special thanks
to the Fife School District.
The support we have received from the district at every level
has truly been wonderful.
Last night, a former student Kellie Vigna, brought her a cappella
singing group
to my room and they sang to us. This cancer ward was filled with
some
beautiful music. It was pretty special.
The long journey to recovery begins now. I will be smart not
to overdo
myself, but I am confident the Lord will continue to work his
healing power
through me, allowing me to recover quickly and smoothly.
Last night I was talking to my oldest son, CJ, on the phone
and I told him I
was coming home. CJ said, "Dad, You are amazing! I love you."
I will never
forget CJ's words. I told Michelle I could receive no greater
honor than to
be loved and respected by my children.
Thank you Lord for Healing Me:
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and never forget all the good he has done.
He is the one who forgives all your sins,
the one who heals all your diseases.
Psalm 103: 2 &3
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