Day +24 GOING HOME!

Sunday.  This is the final cart load to go to the car.  Riley has been patiently waiting to be discharged, and for his mom to pack it all up!  ... Last minute instructions and goodbyes.  (We will be back tomorrow... in the clinic).  We then walk down the quiet hall with Brittney (our nurse today) and as we  get close to the front desk, we hear loud noise makers and lots of cheering!!  They have the whole front decorted and a gift for Riley and "THE GONG" is out waiting to be hit!  Whenever a patient finishes their treatment on the 6th floor, they get to hit "the gong".  We have seen others pass this stage.  It is very exciting for everyone! 

So this is me and my teary eyed face.  We have spent so many days and nights in this place, with these wonderful people that I was very emotional leaving today.  Words cannot express how thankful I am to them.  They have treated Riley with such respect, care and knowledge.  They have uplifted him with laughter and been there to ease worry.  They have become like family!  Many of the nurses have made sure to tell Riley that they only want to see him again as a VISITOR.  Not as a patient!That's the plan!! :) 

Labs today:
White blood cells: 2.7  (normal 4.5 - 13.5)
Red Blood cells: 12  (normal 13.5 - 17.5)
Platelets: 51  (normal 150 - 425)
ANC:  1836  ( < 500 = severely neutropenic) (normal 2,000 - 5,000)