Day 23 and 24 - Settling In

We are settling into life outside the hospital, but still on severe restrictions. We are trying to establish routines and procedures to make sure we are monitoring AJ and on-time with all meds. Those who know me well know I need lists and charts, and I am still getting it all organized. AJ continues to do so well, but we want to make sure that progress continues!

We had our first outpatient clinic visit yesterday. His numbers are continuing to rise, with his platelet count at 122,000! That is higher than it has been in over 3 years. They have added magnesium to his list of meds, but other than that they are very happy with how he is doing. We will see them again on Friday and will have regular visits every Tuesday and Friday, unless something changes and they want to monitor AJ more often. They will do blood screens at each visit and will adjust his medicines regularly based on his numbers. Right now the soldiers in AJ's army are growing but they are not very well trained and are not ready for battle, so that is why is it so important to keep him away from exposure. Additionally AJ will have his first post-transplant biopsy on Tuesday. They are looking to determine the strength of his marrow. Those tests always make me anxious because he will be under general anesthesia, so please say an extra prayer for AJ on Tuesday.

AJ and I are also beginning school! We had a bit of a bumpy start yesterday, as Mommy was ready to dive in head first and AJ wanted to dip his toes in the shallow end. After a little struggle, we reached an understanding and are starting fresh today. So far, so good!

Jackers also had his first day of school this week. That got looked over on Tuesday because of all our excitement. Jack is in the young 3s class at preschool. He did so well and was so excited to tell us all about it!

FYI - we are having some computer and internet problems as we settle in. Hopefully we will get things figured out in the coming days. It is making us a little slower posting messages and pictures, and is also affecting Skype and Facebook. I think we have it fixed, but please be patient. And please keep sending us messages. Even though we are not able to reply to all directly, the messages are read, loved, and enjoyed! We have wonderful family and friends!!!!!!

Here are some photos from the past couple of days:

Cindy had the room decorated to the hilt.

The famed tree with messages from friends, family and medical staff. You'll note Dr. Sloan wrote "Go Buckeyes" so his leaf is a fallen leaf.

Another view...nice hat AJ

Dr. Frangoul, Dr. Vear, Misty and Katie delivering the good news that AJ gets to leave the hospital.

Going though the double doors at the end of the hall and leaving the unit for the first time. Note the hat of the day....SUPERMAN!

FREEDOM!
In mom's suburban (aka The Big Red Bus) ready to head to the apartment.

Thanks again to Tim, Daniel, Randy, Billy, Denice and Pop-Pop for moving AJ's furniture to Nashville. It was nice for him to sleep in his own bed.

Love to you all!

Cindy and Greg