Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Updates

So it's been awhile. Overall, Clark is doing great. A few exciting updates -

One of the biggest blessings in this whole experience aside from survival of course is that he has been accepted by Medicaid. Clark surpassed his $2 million lifetime maximum long, long ago. The bone marrow transplant is estimated at $500,000 and the total keeps climbing. Thankfully Medicaid is retroactive back to August 2009, and is long-term through November 2011.

Most of the preliminary testing has been done so we thought that once he was approved for Medicaid, that the BMT would soon follow. It's been over three weeks! The Huntsman says they are waiting for approval from Medicaid and hope to hear from them soon. In the meantime, he receives regular infusions of blood and platelets. Susan, Clark's home health nurse comes out every Monday and Thursday to draw labs but Clark can always tell when he needs an infusion without even knowing the numbers. His platelets have fallen down to as low as 3. He gets Petechiae all over, even on his tongue, and recently, a hematoma on his side that was quite painful. He feels so much better when he's tanked up.

Larson Towers has offered that he could come in to "work" if he feels up to it. They are behind on paper work, all of which Clark knows how to do from being crew chief. It's great for Clark because he can get out of the house, be social, productive, and stimulated.

As for how he passes his time - sleeping, playing Xbox, entertaining Willow, attending church and activities, work, sorting through bills and mail, on the phone sorting through bills, at the hospital receiving infusions, and sleeping.

We all have spring fever and are enjoying the few days of warm weather we've had. Especially Clark since he always seems to be cold. He did mention the other day that with the warm weather coming on, and spending more time outside, that means he needs to invest in some sunscreen!

The concert and the blood drive both went well and were a lot of fun. Thank you to all of you who supported us at these events. I'm waiting for pictures, then will post all about it!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dearest Clark, I am so glad to hear that you have been accepted for medicade. I check for new inputs every day & wondered how all was going.You still are in our prayers daily. Spring is for new growth. Here's hoping you will florish in springtime.We love you bunches.
Blessings,
Bobby & CLaudia Mills (Jennifer's folks)

kate larson said...

Yahooo for positive news......keep it coming!!!

Anonymous said...

Yeah - so good to hear the good news and we keep praying for continued progress. I am so glad that you are able to get out and work a little bit working and having some fun.

Why don't you go to the K-State vs Xavier Basketball game Thurs. night in Salt Lake for me? Be sure and cheer for your Dad's alma mater though!!
Think about you all the time!!
Love Jim and Marilyn Fronk

Stephen said...

So wonderful to read a positive update. Keep it up Clark. Love you.

Janeanne said...

Hi Clark,

Hope things are still going well for you. I think about you often and check the site for updates. I put your name on the prayer roll at the temple everytime I go. I went to a session tonight, so expect blessings! :) Take care!