Anti-infection measures continue, and the patient is still isolated. Patients who have responded sufficiently well to treatment may leave their rooms for the first time in four weeks. They are still extremely vulnerable to infection and must therefore wear masks. They may live in a temporary home nearby, such as the nearby Ronald McDonald House, where infection-control measures are in place. They come in to an outpatient clinic, where physicians monitor their progress daily.
Children attend school inside the recovery residence facility.
They resume as many normal activities as possible. When their blood counts are within normal ranges and there is no major complication, they are discharged and may go home. But the biggest hurdle has been successfully overcome, and they can attend regular schools, ride bikes, swim and participate in other normal activities. Last updated July 25, 2001. Copyright 2001 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota.