Friday, February 25, 2011

Week One. Meeting after Meeting after Meeting

This week was a real eye opener. PCMC (Primary Childrens Medical Center)
is home. We had meetings Tue, Wed and Thur from 8 in the morning until 3 in the after noon every day. Every one was so nice. They all talked to Clay as if he was there and was a part of his planning. It was nice to see him treated well. I have full 100% conifdence in our choice to have the transplant done here.
Wed was Cole day. He had all his appt that day, so he went with us to the hospital. He learned alot and is happy to risk himself for Clay. That being said I am extremly proud of him. He is a hero to me his brother and the rest of the family. I am so greatful for him and his unconditional love and giving spirit. This is going to be tough for him, He will be out of baseball for a couple fo weeks and the return to school wont be easy. He is going to be sore and tired for a couple of weeks. So far all his teachers are good but only time will tell how helpful they will be. He got a text from a friend on Wed that was awesome news. There was an award assembly at the Middle School and he recieved the award of GatorRiffic Student. I think his teacher nominated him for what he is doing. Well deserved and he is excited to get the award when he gets back next week.
We had some sad news this week. NOT CLAY RELATED. So calm down. hahaha. Tads Grandpan White passed away on Wed. He had colon cancer and was fighting a long uphill battle, Tad had given him a blessing the night before and he went the next day in peace and comfort. The family is all happy to be together and I am glad we were here so Tad could spend some time with Grandpa. This has hit Clay the hardest, of course. He was really sad when he remembered that cancer is what took grandpa. He asked the questions he should have asked and had some normal feelings. Why, what about me, how come the drs couldnt make him better. He was able to sit down with his in patient psycologist and came out feeling much better. I am glad we had Dr Colte that day, he gave Clay peace and hope.
Anyway, back to the crazy week. We saw audiologist, cardialogist, twice, psycologist, twice, nurses, finance team (by the way, I love love love my insurance, Thank you Deseret Industries), 3 different drs on the transplant team, and a bone marrow test. Wow, We get to do that for the next 4-6 weeks. Not every day of course but often.
This is a piture of Clay in the Pulminary Function test. He was so done for the daya and tried to lock himself in the lab box.

Anyway, He is a very patient boy and Cole is the best son/brother a family could ask for.

Love to all, Tabitha

Saturday, February 19, 2011

getting ready to go

Today we are spending the day getting ready for our first week at Primary. The kids are going crazy. I think it is built up excitement/nerves. Salt Lake is expecting snow 3 of the 5 days we are there.
We are leaving Sunday and will be back in Vegas next weekend.
Love to all,
Tab

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Last Day of School/ Start of the blog!!!

I have finally created a blog for Clay. We thought about Caring Bridge but the blog just seems to make more sense.
He and I will try and keep up on it daily or even every couple of days. Im trying to get Clay to actaully write what he is thinking and feeling but he is not a real big talker unless it is It is actaully feeling real now. When he is out of school and plans start getting made for the other kids classes it is real. We aew really getting ready for transplant. All of us are a little nervous. I think it is only natural to be nervous for the un known, the different and the strange. We are entering a new world in the Shurtleff life. The life of Drs, pharmasists, lots of nurses, hospital food, hospital clothes and our new life in our new home. Clay and I will be "moving" to Primary Childrens Hospital. We will be back sooner than we all think. June will be here in no time.

I just hope he tries to have fun and show his happiness. He is a great kid who has lots of friends. He will be missed at Kay Carl, he has sure made his mark on that school.
Thank you Kay Carl, Thank you friends and thank you to all the girls who help me remember why we have unlimited texts.

Tabitha