Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Discharge

The big day we have all been waiting for finally arrived. I hurried to the hospital knowing that Clark would be anxious and nervous about this day. When I arrived he was still waiting for the pharmacist to come with all his meds and a short orientation on each of them.. In the meantime we packed up the rest of his things and straightened his room a bit. Dr. Box and his team stopped by for any last questions and well wishes. I listened to Dr. Box's words very carefully as he said that at Clark's next visit with the bone marrow transplant team, they would discus "IF and when" he would need the transplant. Given his levels, it would be a miracle if he didn't need a transplant but I have seen a few of those over the past months.Only a few hours later than expected, we were ready to leave. But not without taking a trip through all the units Clark had stayed in in the hospital. First was the SICU. I pushed Clark through the doors in a wheelchair but he said that the nurses said that the next time they see him he better be walking. So we stopped the chair and he stood up, walked a few steps, then stopped. We were right outside HIS room when he was in isolation. Clark endured a lot in that room, and now in his place was another man, tube down his throat, cords, tubes, and machines everywhere, loving family at his side. Clark couldn't take the sight and broke down crying, unable even to talk. He said how hard it was for him to see these people and know that that was him only a short time ago.Terri was the first of his former nurses to come running and give Clark a hug. Dave was also there and they both congratulated him, wished him well, and asked him to stop by again. Next we walked through Intermediate care. He wasn't there for long but all the staff remembered him. Last we hit the 5th floor where Clark hoped to see Dallas but he wasn't working.

Earlier, Clark had turned away his lunch because we thought we would be leaving much sooner than we did. Now almost 3:00 we were all hungry and still at the hospital. Clark loves broccoli cheese soup and the hospital makes a pretty tasty bowl of it. Clark asked for it everyday but they never had it. When he looked at the menu of the lunch he sent away, wouldn't you know, broccoli cheese soup. So Clark's first meal after discharge was right in the cafeteria to get a bowl of broccoli cheese soup. Eric and Kate, who were kind enough to watch my kids this whole time, joined us.Finally it was time for Clark to go home. We were blessed with a beautiful November day of sunshine and warm temperatures, although the sun hurt Clark's eyes for some reason. They said he could take the wheelchair out but we graciously refused as the sight we have all been anticipating is to see him WALK out of the hospital doors . . . and he did. Again some emotions came to the surface when he was surprised by his ride home, his own car. Eric and Kate repaired some damage that had been done in an accident just weeks before Clark went in and this was the first he saw it. As he walked toward his car he said, "Ah that looks good!", then buried his head in Eric's shoulder.I looked around at all the people who probably wondered what the big deal was as we videoed and took pictures. They had no idea that this frail, thin, young man had just escaped death and what a miracle that he is alive, walking, and going home. Looking at him you would not call him strong but he has fought harder than most of us ever will, and still has much of a fight ahead. It felt good to drive away from the hospital, this time with Clark riding shotgun.As we drove, Clark commented that he was a little nervous to ride in a car and that everyone seemed to be going so fast. It felt strange for him to see all the cars and people rushing about their day. He talked several times about how anxious he was to go back to work. We made a quick stop at Best Buy to get a game. I offered to get it but Clark wanted to go in. He was a little self-conscious about how he looked with his thin hair and mask and wondered what others must think of him. He said that others would probably look at him as he used to look at people with masks. Again, perspective was gained. We also stopped by the bishop's shop on our way. He was very excited to see Clark and said that he would get him right in to give a talk in church. Last but not least, we went to see his dogs. They were as excited as he was and jumped up on him whining. We visited with the Larson's for a bit before going home.
I'm thankful to have Clark in my home and grateful that I can care for him during his recovery. It was an exciting day, a little bitter-sweet though given the unknown projection for the bone marrow transplant. Clark said he can go though anything it takes, as long as he's alive in the end.

14 comments:

Bart said...

Way to go Clark what a great day it must of been for you. You have a true fighting spirit and will endure all that is thrown your way. If you need or want anything let me know. I am so happy to see you out in the world once again. Keep up the good fight you are sooooo close to total victory. Love Bart

Your Mother said...

I've been so anxious for this post. Clark, you look fantastic! Bishop, you look fantastic with your short hair too. Eric and Kate, thank you for the constant love and care you have shown Clark. I can only imagine how he felt when he saw his car. I also know how much the nurses cared about and wanted the best for Clark. I 'm sure the dogs were anxious to have your near too. The thought of a bone marrow transplant is chilling. But we will do it, and you will survive. Straight forward we will move. Love Mom

Mills said...

This post gave me chills. It's so great to see you out of the hospital doors. You are such a fighter and an inspiration to so many. I wish your story could be shared with everyone!!!

Eric & Kate Larson said...

I'm so thankful that I got to be apart of that day. It is a memory I will carry with me FOREVER. Clark it's good to look at these pictures and see a true smile on your face. You look like a million bucks sitting in your car. Never would I guess by the looks of ya that you just walked out of what you've called home for the past months. We love ya lots and are ALWAYS here for WHATEVER you need or want.

kristina hogan said...

you truely are an amazing and very strong man :) i am so happy to see you are doing better....keep going and never give up!! congrats...

Janeanne said...

Big tears! Imagine how your example has positively affected so many, Clark. Discharge day was a day to remember how much the love and example of others affected you.

The events of life make no sense. It's not for us to figure out, only to endure with dignity. You have done that, young man. Congratuatlions, Superman!

Have a great day.

Melissa Roby said...

AMAZING...you are the definition of a MIRACLE Clark. You brought tears to my eyes... God Bless You every day!! :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Clark I am a recent Liver Transplant Patient (Two liver transplants a couple weeks apart actually). I am 29 years old and thought that it would be cool if you and I could talk about our second chance at life. I really don't want to put my phone number on here for the world to see, so if you just contact Dr. Hutson or Alana or Susan, I will tell them to give you my number. My name is Chad and I am the lucky guy who got two transplants in a month. Just let them know that and they will know who I am. We both have been through a lot, from your blog it sounds like you have had a bit more surgeries than me, but we all have our trials that we need to overcome and become stronger. I hope that I will be able to talk to you someday and share our stories with each other. Thanks brother. Enjoy being home!!!

Janeanne said...

Good morning, Clark. Grateful, I am, to Rhonda and Kristin for recording your miraculous journey on this blog. And oh how unpredicatable has been the road you've traveled.

When I first learned that you were sick, I thought the doctors would find some little thing causing your problems, give you some medication, and you'd be all better in no time.

It was such a shock to hear that some unknown "thing" was threatening your life. It couldn't be! This couldn't happen to the healthy, smiley kid who had his whole life ahead of him. No, not Clark!

Through this blog, your experiences became very personal to me. Thoughts of your mother and how unbelievably difficult this must be for her were constantly on my mind. I put myself in her place and felt her pain. It was an easy thing to do, for if this could happen to you, - it could happen to one of my sons. Through this experience, Clark, you've become a son in my heart.

When your mom had to return home, I thought how difficult that must have been for both of you and for Kristin too. Being torn between you and her little children - both needing all her love and attention - Kristin must have been overwhelmed.

But mostly, I imagined how discouraged, scared, and lonely you must have been at times. Most people would not have survived through all the challenges you endured. You have been a warrior!

When your incision was still not closed - an entire month - after your transplant, my heart was so heavy. Surgery, after surgery, it seemed like something HAD to be done. When we all fasted for your incision to be closed, Heavenly Father openly and directly answered our petitions on your behalf. In all my life, Clark, I have never prayed so boldy or directly to Heavenly Father for His blessing. It was a special, personal experience.

Thankfully, all of that is behind you now. Despite what may lie ahead in the future - stay focused on the present. I hope you will enjoy each new day. And, I hope you are rediscovering life on the outside.

For months now, my day has begun by checking in on your progress and sending you a daily greeting. Today's will be my last daily post. You are probably thinking - "Finally!"

I'll still think about you and pray every day for your continued recovery. And, I'll drop you a line once in a while, too.

Remember your doctor's advice - "Just live your life .

Be well! Talk with you later.

Karla said...

A beautiful day to see you walk out and get in YOUR car once again. I'm all choked up for sure!

Hope you're "Juicing" today my friend, and feeling better each day. Of course, I knew Kate would think you needed the "chrome" one!

One of the gals from my old orthopedic medical office wrote to me last night and said her whole office read your discharge blog out loud and everyone in the front office "CHEERED" and cried and laughed. You are very well regarded in the community, my friend.

Love and Hugs and Good Thoughts,
Karla (Kate's Mom-Eric's M.I.L.)

PS~Todays weird word verification is LIVERSTE... go figure!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness...How happy I am for you Clark...you are amazing, I am SOOOO happy for you, I read this blog today and I had tears of joy streaming down my face! Congratulations Clark! You did it! Now you can do anything! I want to give you the biggest hug...I want to travel all the way from WI to UT to meet you...like I said you are amazing! Take care of yourself Clark, and stay strong, keep on believing and fighting! I wish you all the luck in the world!!!! I want to say I love you, but I don't even know you! Ahhh, what the heck, I love you! I love the person who you have become through all of this! I will stay tuned to your blog for future updates on you! Much love your way!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness...How happy I am for you Clark...you are amazing, I am SOOOO happy for you, I read this blog today and I had tears of joy streaming down my face! Congratulations Clark! You did it! Now you can do anything! I want to give you the biggest hug...I want to travel all the way from WI to UT to meet you...like I said you are amazing! Take care of yourself Clark, and stay strong, keep on believing and fighting! I wish you all the luck in the world!!!! I want to say I love you, but I don't even know you! Ahhh, what the heck, I love you! I love the person who you have become through all of this! I will stay tuned to your blog for future updates on you! Much love your way!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Clark! I don't know what to say besides that I am truly amazed! You have overcome so many things and you look wonderful! I am so happy for you! Much thanks to you and your family for sharing your progress with all of us! You have given me a renewed spirit and showed that God truly works in miraculous ways! God bless you Clark! Keep up the good work! You are in my thoughts and prayers daily as you continue to heal! I hope you know what an inspiration you truly are!
Love from SD!
Megan (Simley) Johnson

Kristina Cordell said...

Being able to read your progress and successes is such a privelage, Clark! You are such a strong individual and a daily inspriation to me. What wonderful news that you are out of the hospital and in the care of your family and friends primarily now! We continue to send thoughts and prayers your way that the rest of your healing goes smoothly! Take care!