A post away from hospital talk

So a couple of days after the diagnosis when things were looking pretty grim I was able to catch a moment between two grandsons of Clair that a thought was worth sharing. Caden and Brody were on the farm with Dan taking care of some of the business that has to happen there and I looked out my window and was able to sneak out and capture the pictures below and the words of Caden that brought tears to my eyes. Here we all are us grown ups feeling helpless on many different levels. And the kids don't understand why or what is happening but out of this was these two little boys who adore their grandpa trying to do something.

As these two were cleaning off the back of the truck, Caden turned around to his Dad and said "Look Dad we are helping Grandpa!" I know that at least at that moment they truly helped me get some perspective and hope! Thanks Boys.

Waiting to see how it worked.

Tests have been run on Dad to see how the chemo worked, they have to wait nine days to test it and see how the cells are growing, Please don't quote me on any of this but I think that it is the jist of it. Dad still feels okay not great but just a little ill and he STILL has his HAIR!! I should tease him that he needs to get sick or lose his hair so I would have something to post on here. But really I am happy he is doing so well. He was a little hoarse yesterday, probably from yelling at the Jazz.
Also some of you have wondered if Dad has seen the blog or the guestbook we are printing off the guestbook signatures once a week and taking them to him. Also his daughter Karen was going to take her laptop up to the hospital so he can see the blog. And it just occured to me if anyone in the family has blogs or family websites, I would love to post them at the bottom of this blog in an attempt to help keep the family close and informed. I know Jamie Newman has one and I will post hers and mine but that is all I know so far, I will also put on there how you are related in the family i.e. Clair's grand daughter, Dee's daughter etc., so don't be shy you can email me the address at shannon@bankheadwoodworks.com Love to you all and thank you for all your prayers.

So Far So Good

Well Clair finished his first round of chemo last night and stills feels pretty good. We are all hoping that it last and as of last night he still had a full head of hair, but as I am writing this, this morning he might be waking up to no hair. But he is in good spirits and except for getting tired he feels good I told him to do something so I could post more, but as of right now No news is good news. Keep those prayers coming it is definitely working.

Who Needs HAIR???

Well Clair is doing really well, all things considered. He feels really good considering the chemo is pumping through him constantly. He has not however felt sick at all. He tires easily but he says he feels good right now. However, that big beautiful head of white hair is about to leave him shortly. They told him that Tuesday or Wednesday it would start falling out and they will take care of the rest for him so he doesn't have a bunch or stragglers. So here is our chance to give him some cool hats, his niece Michelle already sent a ST. Louis baseball cap that I'm pretty sure Dad could use if he ever takes up a Rap star career. Anyway Dad really appreciated and got a kick out of it. He also is getting quite a few pictures from grand kids and great grand kids. Thank you for all of your well wishes and prayers. We know that is why Dad is doing so good so far. I took him the messages from the guestbook today and he really loved reading them.

A very special visitor

Clair had a visitor today that truly touched his spirit.... of course how could you not be spiritually touched by Henry B Eyring, he talked with him and expressed the love of the prophet to Dad. What wonderful men these men are to stop in and look after our Dad. Plus anyone who sees Dad in the next week will hear this story I PROMISE!! Anything to lift his spirits right now.

Moved to the Penthouse

Clair was moved today from one room to another and the nurses told him, that it is the best in the whole unit. Nothing less for our favorite guy!! He said that he feels pretty good and hasn't felt any side effects yet. Hopefully this will continue. The new number for his room will be,
801-408-3854. Be sure to drop him a note in the guestbook if you would like to.

Chemo here we come!

Clair has decided to go through with the chemotherapy and will start it immediately. This is a very aggressive chemotherapy and will likely make him quite ill, so please keep that in mind when visiting. He will also be very prone to infection which is really not good for him. If you would like to send a message to him or let him know how you feel you may sign on the guestbook to the right of this screen and we will print them off every couple of days and take them to him. I am sure he would love to read and hear them. We really appreciate all the love and support we have recieved thus far to Clair and Mary Jean and the family. We continue to hope and pray and ask you to do the same.

Update

I know many of you were waiting to hear what Clair had decided yesterday but they are still collecting information on his condition, he has some lumps in his face and neck which has somewhat stumped the doctors, so he doesn't feel confident in making a decision until he has all the facts. And in true Clair Bankhead fashion he would never rush into anything and make a hasty decision. So as soon as we know more I will update the blog. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, it really does help.

Waiting to hear.

I wasn't going to post anything yet but I just thought I would do a quick update on what is happening for those that are wondering. Dad has to make a decision about how he wants to deal with the disease. So we are at a wait and see period. For the rest of you who are wondering Mom is doing okay right now, well as well can be expected and she is a true blue awesome woman that she is, we are all in a state of shock right now, because as my daughter put it, "Grandpa was just feeding cows the other day?!" I will update as much as I can. Keep praying!