December 8, 2005

Finally I am able to report on Leah's progress from our home. It feels good to be back. Chloe was quite excited to see us, and gave us all lots of hugs.

We did not arrive back in Denver until around 5 PM. Our trip back from Iowa City took much longer than normal due to the snowy roads. We counted 43 cars in the ditch, and after our trip down to Iowa City last Tuesday, did not try to travel too quickly.

Our morning consisted of yet another chemotherapy lesson. This time it was more like a quiz. There are just so many things to remember that I must admit I am a bit nervous being home. Now I have to be the one to know what is going on. We also got a lesson in administering shots since we will have to do this as things progress. We saw the doctors for the last time, as well as several other people that have been checking on us regularly. Leah got a flu shot she was none too happy about, and we finally gave her a bath and hair wash. James, who brushed the big snarls out yesterday, got the honors of doing so again today. Leah has really bonded with him and while we learned how to give shots, she got to go with James and hang out.

Packing all our things took some effort; our things seem to have multiplied. Even though we were discharged around noon, by the time we packed, took care of last minute details, picked up Leah's medicine, and said our goodbyes, it was around 2:00.

Now that we are home we have so many things to go through, too. Our luggage is slowly being sorted as are Leah's gifts, and we are also working on getting through our mail. The attention is a bit overwhelming, yet we feel support from so many people. I must admit, though, it is strange being home. Our lives have changed completely in just the past few weeks, and it seems odd to try and carry on as though things are normal. Jane at the hospital has encouraged us to try and do so. And, as long as Leah's blood counts remain up, we can be normal-or close to it. Leah seems tired to me, and very crabby and clingy. I am sure she is emotionally overwhelmed, and scared, and confused. And, she has had both of her parents at her beck and call for quite a while now. She really wants to go to daycare tomorrow, and barring any major infection, I may take her for a while.

I am hoping for Leah to return to her happy self. I am also hoping that we have many smooth days without any medical crisis arising. And, of course, I am hoping that the chemotherapy begins to work and Leah is returned to health.