Thursday, November 12, 2009

Therapy

Clark is getting an early wake up call everyday. Home health comes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Susan draws blood, checks his incision, takes vitals, and makes sure everything else is going well. They run labs on the blood to keep close tabs on his liver levels as well as his red cell, white cell, and platelet counts. Then the transplant team will call if they see anything out of alignment and either adjust his meds or order an infusion. Physical therapy comes every Tuesday and Thursday. Ian is usually here for 45 minutes unless Clark isn't feeling up for the task. If his blood or platelets are low, so is his strength and energy.Clark's weight continues to fluctuate a lot. His appetite is good but he still can't eat a lot in one sitting. I think the commercials in the hospital really worked as they were supposed to because the foods he's craving are mostly from restaurants. He's had Chick Fillet, Arby's, Domino's, Applebee's. Ligia, you're probably cringing right now. We've also been enjoying fresh juices almost everyday thanks to the juicer from Karla! We love it! Also thanks to Janeanne for the BBQ sauce all the way from North Dakota. With out that he might not get quite as much down. He puts it on everything.
Macaroni and cheese with hot dogs. To my credit, one of the first nights home from the hospital I asked Clark what meals he's craving and this was one. He also wanted Tater Tot Hotdish, Chicken Pot Pie, and Chicken Almond Ding. Mostly comfort foods from growing up. At least this is better than what the bishop fed him the other night. He came over with a plate of food from their FHE activity. Bishop opened the bun and there was no burger inside! We all had a good laugh. You can bet he was out the door and came back with armfuls of food. We are thankful for all the thoughtful visitors we've had. They have brought food, treats, services, and conversation. Thank you!

7 comments:

Bart said...

Wishing you Many blessings and good cheer Clark. I am so thankful that you are with Kristin and Family this Christmas. Just talked with Ryan, Fletcher and Wyatt, they are just a few miles away from Salt Lake. Again have a geat Christmas with your family and keep getting better so we all can see you back in SD soon. Love Ya. Bart

The Mills said...

Merry Christmas Clark!!!

Cher said...

Merry Christmas to you, Clark and the entire Kimble clan. Wishing you all a great Holiday and New Year filled with many blessings, continued strength, and great health. Clark, you keep smiling and eat lots of Christmas goodies.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas & hopefully your New Year will be better than this year was. Bobby found out that he has no cancer left in his body.He is into 23 days of radiation. We are wishing for a better New Year too. I hope you & your family Have a wonderful Christmas time together.Our love & blessings to all.
Bobby & Claudia Mills

Anonymous said...

Clark I have been following your progress, and I am soooo proud of you! You are simply amazing! I really hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Anonymous said...

we continue to check the blog often and pray for your recovery. we wish you all the blessings of this season to you and to all your family bob nancy and the rest of the hattrup

Ligia said...

You are funny. I don't cringe. Well, maybe just a little. :o) But I'm glad to hear you guys are doing fresh juices. My newest advice: Make new memories with new foods. The emotional connection we have with foods is so strong. Trust me, i know. But, this Christmas break, I've been giving my Dad Wheatgrass juice every morning because he's on at least 15 different prescription meds for his heart. Most of them blood thinners. The other day he got somewhat lightheaded and when we went to see the doctor, his doctor said, "I don't know what you're doing, but you're blood has suddenly gotten too thin," and so he decided to take him off of two of his blood thinners. He was somewhat pleasantly surprised to hear that the only change we'd made was the wheatgrass and green smoothies. But my dad is still a hearty meat eater. Anyways, the doctor is under the impression that it seems to be helping with his high blood pressure and thickness. Go figure. Anyways, I've been somewhat busy lately. I'll try posting some of my favorite smoothie recipes. But I'm not judging or anything. Please don't think I am. I'm not perfect in my eating habits. Far from it. Love you all. I'll keep you all in my prayers. Here's to hoping the BMT won't be needed. :o)