happy happy joy joy

What a crazy trip this has all been. And yet, at every turn we keep getting greeted by blessing after blessing. Today we received the best news yet. Joe has been discharged from Short Stay for good behavior. :) What does this mean? This means that even though we haven't yet reached Day 30, we no longer have to go to the hospital every single morning. What does that mean? It means that tomorrow, we get to SLEEP IN! Joe's WBC is up to 3300. Today he was officially taken off all of his antibiotics, which significantly decreases his pill intake. Now he just needs to take two anti-rejection meds and one anti-viral med. Also, for the first time in weeks, Joe's magnesium level was in normal range. Because of the drugs he's on, the level will probably dip again. But Joe will take tablets instead of getting an IV. The truly amazing part is that for now, Joe only needs to go to the hospital twice a week. Seven days down to two is a HUGE blessing. It was supposed to be a gradual taper, but Joe has been doing so well. Praise the Lord!

Joe's mouth sores continue to improve. Nausea is rare and doesn't last too long. Joe's appetite is getting a little better, although his taste seems a bit blunted. His mouth sores have improved greatly. The only new thing is tenderness in his fingertips. His fingertips and the meaty part of his palm are red, and they are sensitive to heat and friction. The doctor said that this is a common side effect of FK5O6 (tacrolimus/Prograf) as well as Busulfan (one of the chemotherapies Joe was on pre-transplant). In time, this too shall pass.

What can I say? God is good, and all of your prayers, love, hugs, and support are apparently working. Thank you, thank you!