Day +71: Sam comes home for Thanksgiving

After 82 days inpatient, Sam was finally discharged from prison the hospital last Saturday. Getting him stabilized took almost a month longer than I'd predicted. Four times we were scheduled to discharge, and three times we were forced to abort. Two of those were due to last-minute fevers that, according to BMT protocol, require blood tests, a course of antibiotics, and a mandatory minimum additional 48 hrs. of inpatient observation.

When we'd finally signed the discharge papers, a bunch of Sam's nurses gave him a delightful send-off. They adore Sam, and we will forever be grateful for how well they took care of us--all of us--for the last few months. As thrilled as we are to be gone from the 4th Floor, I will miss them immensely. Their affection for Sam, as well as their good cheer and optimism, kept us afloat emotionally more than anything I can think of.

We are pretty well settled in at home. Sam is a lot of work to take care of in his condition (see below), and he has to go back for outpatient check-ups, blood work, exams, etc. several times a week. But I'm not complaining. We are thrilled to be home with him, and he is visibly happier than he ever was in the hospital. 

In the not too distant future I will elaborate on Sam's condition, the landscape ahead of us, and, maybe, why I've been AWOL for several weeks. 

In the meantime, we have a nice long weekend at home with our little boy. As I type, Sam is asleep on Alyson's chest. And snoring.

Happy Thanksgiving indeed.

Dressed for the trip home. Hat courtesy of Aunt Becca.

The Hematology & Oncology nurses gave Sam a lovely send-off. 

Our first meal together at home. No need to comment on how I look like crap--I've already been told. Repeatedly.

The daily regimen includes administering two dozen doses of meds. 

Bundled up after a bath.