Home!

Nate came home today!  We are so grateful and amazed.  On Monday his ANC jumped from 0 to .4, we couldn't believe it.  The doctor told Nate unless he developed a fever or something, he would go home on Tuesday.  We held our breath and this morning his ANC was 1.2!  Nate was discharged and home in time for Lexi's birthday supper. Such a wonderful surprise.

There will be a home health nurse coming a couple times a week to check Nate's blood counts.  We go back to Northwestern on Monday for a follow up appointment.  These next two weeks are the most critical for Nate's immune system.  We have to take certain precautions, such as the kids changing clothes after school and washing hands often.  Nate will have his own chair in the family room that the kids needs to stay away from and we will keep our bedroom a kid free (aka- germ free) zone.  We have to clean fruits and vegetables in a water/vinegar solution and cook everything well.  He needs to stay away from crowds.  No gardening or working in the yard.  You should have seen me tonight.  I was pulling out of the driveway and Nate was outside with the kids.  He bent down and picked a weed.  Oh yes, I yelled across the neighborhood-  put that down and go wash your hands!! Ha, he loves me.

Tonight we will be joyful- he is home and one more hurdle is behind us.  We can not truly express our gratitude for the love you all have poured out on our family.  We could never walk this journey on our own.

Please pray for Nate's counts to continue to rise, that his immune system will strengthen.  Please pray for no sicknesses!  Pray for our family as we adjust to the precautions needed.  And pray for our family as we try to re-adjust our roles and hopefully return to a "normal" routine again.