The last few days since Jim’s discharge from the hospital have been a bit of a respite from the battle with leukemia that we’re in, and we are grateful for that. Jim is feeling good and is happy to be home. He has been able to spend time with the kids and watched Steven’s marching band rehearsal on Saturday. He is feeling more like a part of our family again, pitching in to help with things around the house. It always amazes me how many little things break or need attention when he is in the hospital. He has the chance now to work on the to-do list a little before we head into the second phase of this journey.

Yesterday, we had a visit with Jim’s doctor. After his blood was drawn, the doctor told us how pleased he was with the recovery of Jim’s blood counts. The number we watched while he was in the hospital, anxious for discharge, was the anc (absolute neutrophil count). Remember waiting for it to get up to 500 in order for Jim to be discharged? The discharge still happened, but his anc was only 270. Yesterday, it was a whopping 700! All the other counts are on the rise as well.

Jim is no longer considered neutropenic and is able to eat fresh fruits and vegetables again. They were restricted from his diet because of the possibility of bacteria they might harbor. He will be able to be in public again by the weekend, but the doctor cautioned us to be careful in light of the flu season and the current H1N1 pandemic.

The doctor’s office also arranged the referral to IU Medical Center in Indianapolis. Our appointment is next Monday. We will be given more details about the bone marrow transplant at that appointment. For now, we intend to enjoy every day and live them to the fullest until Jim’s next admission.