Day 2: First Day as an Outpatient

Dad Stats:

Most recent BP: 106/56

Most recent temp: 97

Most recent WBC count: 3.1

Weight: 142

I didn't arrive in Birmingham until around 5:00 pm today, so I had Dad recount his day to me. It went something like this:

Dad and Mom arrived at the bone marrow transplant unit around 9:30 this morning. The nurse took blood samples around 10:30. Then Dad received an IV of magnesium and the nurse took his vitals. Then they waited around for a while until about 11:30 when Dr. Lydia, the outpatient doctor, (pictured) gave Dad a physical and went over the neutropenic diet that Dad is on due to his lowered immune system and any problems that Dad may or may not experience while he gets better. Then Mom and Dad waited around some more until about noon when they met with Dr. Shelton who did another physical exam and reported that dad's WBC count was 3.1. She said that it is normal and expected for Dad's WBC count to fluctuate. Then they returned to the apartment where Dad took a nap. When Dad awoke he ate some spaghetti.

That is about when I finally found my way to the apartment. Mom left to drive back to Huntsville for a doctor's appointment in the morning. I checked out the apartment and got settled in. Then Dad opened all of the cards he received from his wonderful family (they were sent to my house and I brought them with me). He seemed very touched that so many people had thought of him. Then Dad and I had a nice long talk. The sun was setting and it was looking nice and cool outside so Dad and I decided to go for a short walk. Dad is still pretty tired, so he can't go too far. After that I was getting hungry so Dad and I chowed down on some mac and cheese and chocolate oatmeal cookies that I brought (courtesy of Amanda's delicious recipe!). Then Al called and Dad and Al chatted on the phone for a while while I washed the dishes. Then Dad and I sat down to do the blog. Now we are getting ready to settle in and watch a movie.

My aunts/Dad's sisters, Joanie and Sue, are arriving tomorrow night and we are super excited about it and looking forward to it!!!