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Day +10

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Free from his IV!
Matt's numbers have started to go up!  We have waited and waited for them to drop, hit bottom and start to rise again.  This means that his stem cells are engrafting and making their home in his marrow.  The doctors predicted that it would start gradually going up and then jump significantly in a short period of time.  Yesterday his white blood count was 0.1 and today it was up to 0.4.  While he still has a ways to go, this is amazing news!  They have even begun talking about discharging him in the next few days.  This, of course, is based on the prediction that his numbers will continue to increase significantly each day.

Another small triumph was today when they unhooked Matt from his best friend, the IV pole.  He was receiving fluids around the clock and today they finally declared him independent of the pole!  Matt has been feeling pretty crummy the past few days as his numbers bottomed out.  He was very tired, fatigued and somewhat nauseous.  He's still been able to eat small meals and get a few laps in each day.  Today he seems to be feeling much better and even got a few reps in at the "gym."  We are hoping his numbers continue to improve each day and he can bust out of here early this week.

We wanted to send out a huge thank you to everyone who has sent cards, posters, and pictures to Matt in the hospital.  Matt received about 10 cards / packages in the mail Friday and loved reading everyone's sweet messages.  His room is now bursting with love from near and far!  Also, a thank you to everyone who has dropped off meals at the house or walked the dogs. These have helped so much by removing a few of the daily stressors so we can focus on the bigger picture.

We will continue to keep you posted as Matt gets closer and closer to going home!

All our love,
Matt & Mandy

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