the breakout

I offered my attending physician to cook her and her husband a romantic meal of their choice. I offered to compose her a song in whatever genre of music she most favored. Then I just flat laid out all the most cogent reasons I could summon of why I should, please, please, go home as early as possible. Not sure which worked, if any, but word on the ward of my bargaining seemed to reveal that she has a funny bone and, well I figure, if I was well enough to cajole and create, maybe I was well enough to leave.

Ahhhh. So, on Sunday afternoon, day 19, I was freed from my prison. It really had grown to feel like an incarceration from freedoms that would bring both health and happiness, such as restful nights' sleeps and diverse healthy meals, so I couldn't be happier to be out of there.  I feel very blessed to have recovered at such a rapid rate without any dangerous complications. 

Then, another boon. I was told to expect to return twice daily to the hospital to be tested and to receive any necessary transfusions and medications. [While I was considering the economic value of possibly trading in our car for a Prius for all of the expected driving, even commuting trice daily didn't seem to compare to the discomforts and indignities of living there.] However, today, I was taught how to administer a certain drug at home and- get this- my new schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings. Total. I cannot believe this unexpected extension of freedom.

While I am home and feel very liberated, I am, of course, still super restricted. My diet is still low-microbial (but my Mama's food is phenomenal even so); I have to wear that pink Darth Vader mask if I even step out of our apartment; and cleanliness and symptom maintenance are still paramount. They say there is a 90% chance that I'll be back in the hospital at some point for a fever, a rash, or other potentially more-grave-than-it-sounds setback. Still, I am so happy to be OUT for now and hope that I can take care of myself enough to steer well clear of the hospital for as long as possible. 

Lordy, there is no place like home.