Nick is home! Of course, it took us longer than expected to actually get out of the hospital, doesn't it always! Kate & I both arrived a little early to make sure we didn't miss any important visits, but, the only people we saw were the nurses and the techs (who are actually some of the most important people you meet in the hospital.) The doctors decided to "top off his tank" before he got his line pulled, so Nick received two units of blood and some platelets before they took his IV out. Then he was free for the first time in nine days. Nick took a shower as Kate & I packed up the rest of his gear and we prepared to jettison out of this "hidey hole" from hell. It was great to see Nick in his shorts and a t-shirt; and it was even better to walk him out of the hospital. Kate drove Nick to a pizza place so Nick could bring home some pizza for lunch. It is great to have Nick back in his own bed and he must think so too, as he has been sleeping for hours. He is still bothered by a "spinal" headache from the lumbar puncture that they did; the headache bothers him whenever he sits up for any length of time, so I hope it goes away soon as it will hamper his activity.
Now that Nick is home, it is important to emphasize that he is still in a critical state and he is extremely immunocompromised! Nick's biggest potential complication right now is INFECTION. His immune system is completely shut down and his body cannot defend itself from any kind of germs. He may not have any visitors who are sick in any way. He cannot be around any children under age 12 or children who hang in daycares due to the increased germiness of kids in general. His general strength may build up somewhat over time, however, that is yet to be seen. Even though he is home, everyone should still consider him to be very seriously ill, in terms of what he can do and with whom he can do it.
Please be sure to ask regarding food and activities. While he is encouraged to be as normal as possible, there are significant caveats that come with anything he does for the next four weeks. For example, he cannot be out in the sun for any length of time due to the chemo and some of his meds. What he can eat is a huge issue in terms of making sure he does not get any food-borne illness. He cannot garden or touch outside dirt . He cannot swim. He cannot put worms on a fish hook or touch fish. He can only shave with an electric razor. He needs to be extremely careful when he uses knives or scissors, and the list goes on. While the restrictions seem somewhat prohibitive, they are only there to keep Nick safe.
One of the nurse's came in while Nick and Kate and I were debating the wisdom of going fishing. The nurse laughed (she thought Nick was joking) and then she had this to say..."We want you to enjoy your time and do normal things as much as possible, but, you must make smart decisions! What you decide for the now, will determine your forever!" Kate & I both smiled like kittens who had just finished a saucer of milk. The nurse again cautioned Nick to make wise choices, especially for the next four weeks. Nick was a big hit with all the nurse's who were so wonderful to us and took great care of him. They were very happy to see him go home, even temporarily.
P.S. - I am doing much better today...I don't expect the mood swings will get much better or any more predictable, so be forewarned. Thank you to EVERYONE for being so supportive and reaching out to us in our time of need! Maybe I'll go to bed earlier tonight! God(s) bless and goodnight.
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