Goodbye Gertie!

Joe is doing outstanding!  Day 13 post transplant and his numbers are climbing very nicely.  WBC at 7.8!!  HCT at 27.2 and Platelets at 31.  Healthy levels are WBC:  3.8 to 9.8.  HCT at 36.1 to 50.3.  Platelets at 140 to 440.  He's well on his way!  As his WBC continues to recover, it drives his HCT and Platelets.  His swelling has started to reduce as they've started giving him meds to reduce his water level.  He's officially lost 11 lbs at this point.  Dr. Vij, his specialist, came in today and said he's doing outstanding - the doctor couldn't be more pleased with his progress.  They will take his blood early tomorrow and he'll be headed home by tomorrow afternoon!  They originally told us he'd be in the hospital about 3 weeks and we're at the end of our 3rd week!  

He had a good day with two trips around the floor and limited nausea meds.  Shoulder is doing well with no pain today and swelling in feet has started to go down.    

Tomorrow he says goodbye to Gertie, Ralph and Privy!  He'll return early next week as an outpatient to have additional blood draws to make sure he's continuing to head in the right direction and then they will remove his port. 

Tonight will be the last night (hopefully), he'll get to spend with Gertie getting a little potassium boost and his room decor (family pictures and cards).  

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for him, sent him cards, posts, and donations!  Everyday he says "there is not a man alive that is loved more than I am".   He feels your prayers and appreciates all your well wishes and notes.  

Now he'll start his home recovery process.  As previously mentioned, this is about a 100 day recovery process.  He's at day 13 today.  He's spent 18 days in the hospital total and will now spend the next 80ish days at home recovering and regaining strength.  Once home, he can have visitors (as long as you're not sick).  Also feel free to email him.  He has his computer and also gets emails on his phone.  His email is [email protected].  

Thanks for all your continued prayers and support!  Keep them coming.  Praise be to Jesus that Joe's done so well and the healing continues.