Day 10 of 10 - September 16, 2010

We are HOME!

Last evening Pete was feeling pretty good so we went out to dinner to celebrate his "freedom from tubes" and the end of the continuous infusion of Ifosfomide. I think he surprised both of us with a very respectable appetite. Afterward we went back to the hotel room and packed up everything but what we would need to start the next day.

A toasted bagel for breakfast and into the shower he went while I began carrying my bags down to the car. Once he was out and dressed, we took the rest of our stuff down and he went back in to check us out. I handed him my room "key" and just as he turned the corner to go in I realized that I needed the key to get out of the hotel parking lot. Thank heavens for cell phones! I quick texted him and pulled around to wait by the gate. He walked out of the front door with a silly smile on his face, handed me the "key" and then turned back to finish the check out as I drove through the open gate.

D had told us he could arrive at 9:30 for blood work, go to his Reiki appointment at 10 and then go in to see her to get his Neulasta shot and final walking papers. When he came out of the Reiki treatment I asked him how it went. He said that there was soothing background music and aroma therapy which created a very calming atmosphere. The Reiki master began at his head with what Pete described as a gentle massage. She moved downward, not using massage but simply laying her hands lightly on his body as she worked her way down to his feet, where she again resumed a very gentle massage. He said the experience was extremely relaxing and peaceful.

D greeted with a big smile and told us that Pete's blood work looked very good. His white blood cell count was down slightly, but the numbers were still strong. She gave him his Neulasta shot and said that his counts were so good that he probably would not have to return until Monday. That was quite a pleasant surprise for us because that meant Pete would have 3 days to really relax and recoup. Of course, we'll have to be alert for any sign of infection/fever, and as an added precaution he will be taking a prophylactic antibiotic that she called in to his pharmacy.

We left the hospital and walked through Chelsea Market on the way to the parking garage, picked up a few goodies from a couple of the shops, got into the car and set out for home. Knowing that we'd be able to stay there for at least the next several days and nights really lifted our spirits.

It sure is good to be home!