Day +10 Discharge Day
I don't even know where to begin. The day started out like every other day here with the doctor coming to take Ronnie's blood. We hopped in the van and headed for the clinic, hopeful that Ronnie's white blood count didn't drop too low and he would be ready for his Rituximab. We waited anxiously for Dr. Ruiz to come into the room. Great news, Ronnie's white cell count was blown out of the water. It was up to 25,000. Dr. Ruiz said this is a great sign that his bone marrow is producing enough cells for recovery. He said Ronnie is in the top 10% of patients who see results right away from the treatment. He can move his right foot up and down (he hasn't been able to do that for quite a while because of drop foot) and the sensation down the back of his spine called Lhermitte's is gone.
He said HSCT has been successful and he is discharged to go home. Ronnie cried, I cried and Dr. Ruiz teared up as well when Ronnie thanked him for giving him the opportunity at a new life free of MS. We know he has to be careful for the next 6 months. Take his meds, stay away from raw food, stay away from germs (don't be around large crowds of people) wash his hands a hundred times a day and keep his hands away form his face. He will also need a lot of physiotherapy to get his strength back in his legs. The MS attack did a number on them.
He has lost quite a few pounds as well. But I'm pretty sure a few weeks of pizza and pasta will take care of that.
I don't think he would be where he is today after all this treatment without the amazing support of everyone back home.
Dr. Ruiz says 30% of recovery is in your attitude. His positive attitude comes from not wanting to let anyone down that has been rooting for him. Your prayers and messages have and will stay in our hearts for ever.
Our beautiful Melanie, don't know what we would have done without her. She was our liaison between the doctors and Ronnie.
Me pinning Niagara Falls on the map
Ronnie with his parting gift from the Clinic
Laura, Lupida and Paco, the best nurses in Mexico.
Dr. Ruiz, Ronnie and I saying our goodbyes
Thumbs up, HSCT is over and Ronnie kicked MS to the curb!
5 comments - Day +10 Discharge Day
Happy trails to you as you head home. Stay strong for the next leg of your journey.
Susie..you have been a tremendous support for Ronnie that has allowed him to concentrate on getting better,
xx
Today is May 20th you are heading HOME!
You paid your dues.
The major step is done!
What a great team work to accomplish the goal, the amazing goal!!!
Now it is time to take a deep breath and let the recovery begins!
Whenever you are ready... can't wait to see you soon even though you sounded strong and same Ronnie as always on the phone, but seeing you both next time will be different!
Or may be not!
Same loud sensitive caring Ronnie!
Great job Susie!!!!
Cheers!
With grateful heart,
Meeae, Wayne, Eli, Katrina and Brett