Day + 11

To All,

It is hard to believe, but I am actually sitting at my own desk, having spent the afternoon and evening in my own family room, in my own home!!! I cannot express what a wonderful feeling it is to be back in Deerfield, and out of the hospital. I was awakened by a lovely Doctor at 8:30 this morning, and she said "how do you feel"? I said, I just woke up, but I think I feel o.k., how do you think I look on the inside? She said, "you are doing great!" She proceeded to tell me that my white count had gone up to 17,000, and my platelets had risen nicely, and that everything was going really well from their point of view (the only point of view that matters!). And that there was no reason I could not go home today, after paperwork was finished. I immediately called Cook, and asked if her taxi service would please pick me up and take me to Deerfield.
As my darling wife mentioned in yesterday's blog, what a great Mothers Day gift for both of us, and I'm not even a mother (I think I have been called one at some point in my life)! I was sorry to take her away from her luxury city abode, but I think she will adjust.
I must tell you all that this has been an incredible journey so far, and I know there is a long way to go. But, thanks to all of your phenomenal support, I have gotten through phase 1 in a very lucky way. The doc told me that I probably had less possible problems with this transplant procedure than 95% of those that go through it! That doesn't make it easy, but it sure helps to be in the top 5%! My new stud cells are really doing a great job so far. We have a lot of work in front of us, but I know we will get through it all after such a wonderful beginning.
A special "public" thank you to my dear, devoted wife, who has been there every day for me, and who remains my primary caregiver, now that we are home. She is simply the best! Also thanks to my sister Barb, and all my friends who visited and lent me their support. As I found out last time, when this disease first occured, I have an unbelievable support group of family and friends behind me, and it is humbling to witness! This blog was a great idea, and offers me a daily reminder of that very fact. I wish all of the mothers out there a great day tomorrow, and may you all be blessed with a mother of your children as wonderful as mine!!
Love to All,

Mike