Day 70. Ten Weeks Post Transplant!

Scout likes her new ball with teeth printed on it! 

The girls got two new toys this weekend!

This past week has been really busy.  Willie has been feeling really good and we have been working on getting things going again for his business.  We have also been working on taxes for the shop which turned out to be quite the task! 
Last weekend was Will's Dad's birthday and we got the OK to go home and celebrate.  It was so good to be home.  Willie felt good all weekend and got to enjoy some delicious meals at his mom's house.  His blood sugars continue to be an issue, but they aren't nearly as high since he dropped the steroid dose to 40 mg last Friday.
The next step in our journey is the dreaded bone marrow biopsy that is usually given on day 90.  We talked with Lenny about this at our visit last Friday and it has been on both of our minds since. Last night I dreamed that Lenny came to our apartment to do the biopsy while I slept on the couch the whole time. I woke up laughing at the way my mind turned that anxiety into a dream.
Our visit to the cancer center today went really well.  Lenny came in with his usual smile and reported that all of Willie's blood counts look fantastic.  His red count came up to 12.2 which is almost normal!  Everything else is within normal ranges and he is really happy with how Willie is improving.
"We need to pick a date for your bone marrow biopsy." He said, with an upbeat arm motion.
"Will you be doing it?" Willie asked.
"If you want me to." Lenny replied, looking a bit touched by the honor.
"I dreamed last night that you came to our apartment to do the biopsy." I said.
Lenny threw his head back and laughed.  He has a contagious, high pitched chuckle that makes us laugh every time we hear it.
"Now there's a business idea." He said.  "Boutique bone marrow biopsies!"
He adjusted his face masked and wiped a laughter tear from his eye.
"So what day do you want to do it?' He said, returning to his regular business tone.
"My birthday is April 3rd and we would like to be home for that if possible." Willie ventured.
"What day will that be after transplant." Lenny asked, as he took a seat across from Willie.
"Day 85." Willie quickly replied.  He has had that day memorized since he received the transplant.
"Day 85." Lenny repeated, slowly.  "Well I don't have a problem with you going home then if everything keeps going well.  I'll schedule the biopsy for the 2nd.  We'll take your picc line out after the biopsy and let you go home."
His eyes crinkled below the yellow mask suggesting a broad smile underneath.
I can't believe the day to go home is arriving so quickly.
We are excited!
And anxious.
At the same time.
I suppose it is natural to have some level of anxiety about returning home after a life altering event like a bone marrow transplant.  We have become accustomed to the life that cancer has scheduled for us and it is going to be weird to adjust to living without constant doctor appointments, medications and lab counts.  Willie still has a lot of healing to do so those things are not going to disappear completely, but his appointments will be weekly then monthly and in time he should be able to wean off of all medication.  There is still a road of recovery ahead of us, but it is nothing compared to where we have been!
We are so grateful for the prayers and faith that has brought us this far.  There has never been a point in this journey where we have had to walk alone and we are most grateful for the love and support we have received.
Here's to more good days ahead!