A side post

This is from Jamie Dad's grandaughter, I talked to Dad about some of kids getting tested and he actually hadn't even thought about it. And when I mentioned this he thought it was a good idea regardless. So if you want to you can contact Jamie to get the details. Here is the post from Jamie.

As much as the doctors say that Grandpa's children and grandchildren are unlikely to be matches, stranger things have happened. I work in organ donation where organs are allocated every day based on many aspects, one of which being antigens. I'm not saying I am an expert by any means, nor am I saying that I know more than the doctors BUT since I work in this field every single day I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of what we are up against. It is my feeling and belief that anyone in the family who wants to be tested as a donor for Grandpa ~or~ to be a donor for someone else in his same situation (believe me, they are out there), I would encourage you to do so. The cost to be tested against Grandpa's antigens alone and done locally in Utah is $355. The cost to join the National Marrow Donor Program to be among the 12,000 U.S. donors is $55. I know money is tight for everyone right now but I can't think of anything that is more important to me. I don't know if anyone reads these comments and I would hope that I haven't offended anyone, I just feel such desperation to find someone to help Grandpa

Not so good news...

Well after having visited with Dad yesterday, the news is not so good. Apparently on top of having unique good looks, Dad also has unique antigens in his blood and they having only been able to find one donor in the world that's right world. It came from Southern Italy and they cannot find this person right now. I offered to go looking for him but no deal. So Dad has said that he is pretty disappointed, he says he feels like in the beginning the doctors really tried to sell him on the bone marrow plan and Dad felt good about it, and now they have for the last week been trying to talk him out of the bone marrow. So we are in a holding pattern to see how he does, his platelet counts are not going up like they have hoped but he is able to get them outpatient at Mckay Dee. He did say he will need to go in next Friday regardless of what happens. But we would ask for your continued prayers. Also even though in the heat of this summer it is hard to imagine but cold and flu season is right around the corner and now more than ever, Dad cannot get sick so please keep that in mind when visiting. Also something to remember is even though it is so natural for all of us, if you could think twice about shaking Dad's hand or even just a put a glove on before you do, (there is some right by the front door and masks too!) It is just such an easy way to pass germs. Thank you again for all your love and prayers and thank you so much to the members of the Layton Hills Stake I took up the guestbook letters and Dad just loved them. Keep them coming he really does appreciate it. Thanks a ton!

Dad is home!

Dad came home today, I don't have much information, but I will update as soon as I see him tomorrow. I am sure he is very glad to be there it has been a while. Thank you all for your comments on the guestbook, I know he appreciates them.

More Update!

Well, Dad is still in the hospital and the word yesterday was that the earliest he could leave was about four days, His platelets are not coming up the way they want them to. Dad has started to bribe and harass the nurses to take him home, but so far they haven't complied. As far as the donor goes, last week someone or somebodies were tested and we are waiting to hear. Dad is still in good spirits as always but he is getting tired of the hospital as we all would. Family members I am sure Gina would like me to remind everyone to not forget to check on Mom, and everyone thanks for everything!! Update more as soon as we know more.

just so you know,

Dad is back in the hospital to get more platlets, the expected stay is 3-4 days, so any of the family remember to check on mom even though she would disagree. I am not sure of Dad's room number but I am sure it is on the 8th floor. Take care all

Platlets

Dad is now being checked daily for platlets (sp?) But he is now able to go up to Mckay Dee to get them, which he really appreciates, he levels were getting down to around 70,000 but they are keeping an eye on him and have it in control. No word yet on a donor but we are still praying it happens soon. Because as Dad says I don't have time for this nonsense in the fall! (Classic Dad!) He continues to feel good so we are so grateful for that. I will update more as soon as we hear anything. Dad was thinking he might have to be admitted at the end of this week.

And Back Home Again!

Clair is back home, probably short term until they check his blood levels again. But we love to see him come home as much as possible. And we know that he is happy to be home. Take care all!