Getting ready to go home

1. Steve's early morning lab work showed that he was low on potassium. That required an infusion of potassium, which took about four hours over the morning and afternoon. (It was supposed to be six, but because he's receiving medication through his PICC line and burning at the entry site isn't an issue, our sweet nurse moved it to four hours.)

2. He's eaten well, without reflux or aspiration or choking, since yesterday afternoon.

3. We expect to leave the hospital sometime after 4 p.m. today.

4. We've learned that July 1 is the day once a year that teams rotate and residents, interns and fellows move around. Steve's medical team this morning was entirely new, which leaves me a little unsettled. Thankfully, Dr. G's team had everything in place, and we've just been waiting to see if he's able to hold down food and acid. (One of our doctors called July 1 "the scariest day in the hospital." Please remember that when you're scheduling elective surgery in the years to come.)

5. I am equally thrilled and terrified that we're going home. Home will be glorious for obvious reasons. But if something goes wrong, I won't have help as soon as I press a button. I expect to feel more comfortable when we're home, get settled in and visit with the hospice nurse who will be admitting Steve at home today.