Go cells go

I received some very good news this morning, which is that my ANC is above 500! The ANC (absolute neutrophil count) refers to a specific type of infection-fighting white blood cell. Any number under 500 is neutropenic, which means a high risk of infection. Anything above 500 decreases the concern about infections. So while my immune system is still compromised (I'm sort of like an unvaccinated infant right now), it's now safe for me to:

a) leave the room wearing a mask to walk around the floor

b) start taking less antibiotics and other infection-preventing meds

c) begin the process to get me out here to home!

It's still going to be a few days, but the focus is now on preparing me to leave, and that's really exciting!

Not to mention, each day my counts have climbed I have felt better! My mouth healed very quickly, so much so that it's nearly normal today. Other issues are resolving at a more sedate pace, but overall every day brings with it less and less problems and pain.

This is probably by far the most cheerful post ever to this blog. Getting the news this morning has put me in an extremely good mood and I wanted to share with everyone while I'm still excited. Let's hope the next post is about going home.