Day + 13: Hit The Road, Jack

Goodbye, BUMC. Sorry to say I never really got comfortable with you this time around. I know... it seemed like we were getting to know each other during the three weeks I was with you, but I'm afraid it isn't working out. Can we just be friends?

It would feel nicer if I did the dumping, but to be truthful, it was BUMC who kicked me out. The platlets went up to 69,000, there haven't been any complications, and things have been strangely uneventful. So, since I'm not needing the daily checkup anymore, they gave me the boot.

This means that they finally removed my catheter. Good riddance, I say -- it's been as irritated at me as I have been of it. Removing the catheter is usually a simply procedure.

1. Remove stitch holding catheter in place (if necessary).
2. Pull

My udders are gone!

Believe it or not, it usually falls out without any problem -- there isn't much activity around the site after two or three weeks. However, if you are in for an extended stay, the skin around the opening starts to heal over, and you could have some problems getting it out.

It is extremely unusual to be kicked out on Day + 13. The doctors say that this could be a record. Typically you aren't discharged until the third or fourth week. For my first transplant, I wasn't released until Day+43. So, I should consider myself very lucky.

Although I have been discharged, my recovery has only just begun. My main concern now is not catching colds, viruses, fungi or any other baddies that could kick my ass while my immune system is rebooting. Last year I was fortunate, with only a shingles scare. They say that people on their second stem cell transplant are at greater risk of infection due to the additional chemo. You also have to remember that you can't see or feel any of this risk. When you don't have an immune system, you're not branded with a letter "I" on your chest to remind you that you're vulnerable. When people are sick and coughing germs in your direction, you don't see it in the air. As a result, you get very paranoid about going out and taking chances, knowing that a simple lung infection could throw you back into the hospital for a week. The doctors recommend avoiding people for 3 months, and although I will hate the isolation, I have no problem following them on their recommendation.