In our conversation with the doc, we found out is that each insurance company has different criteria for permitting release following a stem cell transplant. The initial date he gave us was based on his general experience with other companies. My insurance company requires I stay local and in the care of the hospital for 60 days following transplant. So no Easter dinner with the family, and another 20 days here. Not great news, but ya gotta be flexible.
The good news is that on the 20th I'll be able to begin working again from the apartment, and that I won't have to live in the basement for the better part of a month. Contact with cats, dogs, and kids, and the germs that they carry, can be a very real danger. Even touching flowers, dirt, or plants is prohibited. The doc made it clear that these things could send me right back into the hospital. So our original plan was that I stay in my basement since it's possible to keep it relatively germ free. It's tough being immunocompromised. I think that despite missing Jane and the girls, this is for the best.
Apart from not returning home, this has been a good week. Jane came out to visit me on Wednesday, and she returned today with the girls to be with me for the doctor's visit. On Wednesday we walked up Monument Avenue and over to Carytown. Today with the girls we were able to take a walk up to Libby Hill and Church Hill. When I was a kid, these places weren't exactly safe to wander around in. Since then, they've experienced a lot of gentrification, and are beautiful to visit.
Robert E. Lee - Monument Ave.
Jefferson Davis - Monument Ave.
Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Memorial - Libby Hill
On our way back to the apartment, we happened to walk by St. John's Episcopal Church. This is the church where Patrick Henry gave his 'Give me liberty or give me death' speech. The church had already closed for tours, but the tour guide saw us reading the historical marker for the site and let us through the gate to walk around the courtyard, and later the church. St. John's is beautiful. The guide, who was dressed in period garb, took us on a quick tour as he locked up for the evening. There was a plaque in the spot where Henry gave his speech. We also saw the grave marker for the mother of Edgar Allen Poe. It was wonderful getting to spend time with Jane and the girls. It's especially nice when an event like the tour happens spontaneously - it's like getting a little present. It was a good Good Friday.
St. John's Episcopal Church - Richmond
Jane and the girls at the Statue of Liberty Likeness - Chimborozo Park
Hi Patrick! I'm glad that you're doing well, and that your return to Cville is delayed only because of administrative details! It is good also that you are able to visit the tourist sites in Richmond. It's amazing how you can get a new perspective on a familiar place by playing tourist for a while. Good luck with your continued recovery. We all miss you here at work and look forward to seeing you when you return!
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