Post-transplant Day 33 (10/18/06) -- Charley Goes Home

Charley’s underwent his operation of removing the central lines smoothly. The transplant team is pleased with Charley’s recovery. The only thing that concerns us is that Charley does not drink enough.

At 5 pm, Daddy picked up Charley and mommy “and a lot of suitcases/bags”. You just can not believe the full pack in trunk which accumulated in the past 40-days. We stopped by a Sichuan restaurant for takeout of Charley’s favorite dishes. Charley was extremely happy getting home. After a rush dinner, the visiting nurse came to set up a portable IV instrument. Charley will take 10-hour midnight IV fluid for at least one week. The nurse also trained his parents so we will take over eventually. This is an unforgettable home-reunion and thanksgiving evening. Charley played with a package of mailed-in gift. As usual, Charley listened to a Bible story in bed. We praised God as we looked at Charley’s reddish face. His face was always paled before the transplant because he suffered from both leukemia and Mediterranean anemia (thalassemia). Now, he has a great hope to be healed of both illnesses.

Prayer request for post-discharge living:

1. Strengthening Charley and parents during a period of time that Charley needs a frequent clinical appointment,
2. Zero infection after discharge,
3. Less impact by the graft-versus-host diseases,
4. Charley still has a rich and meaningful living while he is isolated for months.