Day +14 - Out of the room!

So I get a text this morning, and I have to guess Steven's WBC count.  So I aim high, because I'm not a morning person, and accidentally guess correctly.  His WBC count is now 1.0!!  While we were doing the happy dance and Steven was putting his running shoes on, the doctor tells us the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) has to be 1.0 not just the WBC count.  There are 5 major types of White Blood Cells:  neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils.
ANC is actually a calculation, not a direct count.  It basically assesses a patient's risk of developing nosocomial infections (hospital acquired infections) or opportunistic infections (like the dirt on our dog!).  Steven's ANC was 0.5.  The doctor thought by Thursday or Friday he could leave the room.

While we were sulking, the physical therapist comes in.  And he's like, "lets take a walk, the ANC will be 1.0 within 24 hrs.", and with that, Steven walks out of the room for the first time since October 3rd.
He had so much fun out in the real world (can't leave the 6th floor) that he walks a mile.  A mile at COH equals 8 laps.  For every mile you walk, you get a "foot" to put on a key chain.  This is how they track how much you are exercising versus watching the Cubs lose.  Another milestone and another day closer to leaving!

COH has so many programs for the patients.  There is even one for me, Caregiver's Companion Program.  When we first found out Steven had MDS, we signed up for everything.  None of this is about me, but the caregiver role is huge.  The first 100 days are critical, he can't be left alone.  I took a full time job in June.  His chances of having an issue are the greatest in the first 100 days.  Plus he will have beaucoup restrictions on the foods he eats, no leftovers, has to eat prepared food within an hour, etc…  I work full time now.  He will also need to go back to COH twice a week for check ups.  Did I mention I work full time now? :)

I will actually be paired with a seasoned caregiver who will help resolve any issues and answer any questions.  It's like having my own personal support group.  This program is part of Be The Match which is the National Marrow Donor Program based in Minneapolis, MN.  These are the people who found Steven's bone marrow match.  I will receive a call once a week after Steven comes home until his 100 days are over.