Father and Son Need Heart Transplants

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 - Clarence's 35th birthday - Conversations with Daddy Part 2 - Zak's One-to-One Time (Father and Son Time, One Heart Transplant patient to another):

Zak was the lucky  one to visit Clarence on this 35th birthday.  He is 8 and his questions for Daddy were different than his little brother's Sutton.  Zak has a lot going on.  He is about to listed for a heart transplant surgery once he returns from his Make-A-Wish trip and his Daddy is very ill and having surgery tomorrow for his LVAD machine (sort of artificial heart) to bridge him to heart transplant.  It is a difficult time for little Zak as he works through the many emotions, feelings, and thoughts going on. He didn't have a lot of questions for Daddy and that was fine.  You can tell he's been a heart patient and his question reflected that:

Zak:  Daddy, are you going to have tubes?
Clarence:  Yes, I"m going to have tubes.  They are going to be coming out of my chest here and here. (Clarence pointed to the various areas where the tubes would be located.)
Zak:  Are you still going to have IV's?
Clarence:  Yes, there will actually be more but as I get better they will begin to take them off.
Zak:  Can I push the buttons on the IV?
Clarence:  No, Zak, that is something only the nurse's and doctor's can do.
Zak:  Ok.
And, then, big Daddy hugs for Zak.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - Conversations with Daddy Part 1 - Sutton's One-to-One Time:

Sutton: Daddy, you know you are not going to die.
Clarence: The doctors here are very good and are going to do their best to take good care of me.
Sutton: Right, you are not going to die.
Sutton: You are going to have a cut from here to here (pointing to the top of this chest and bottom of his chest)
Clarence: Right, it will go from here to here. There will be a tube that comes out, too.
Sutton: Like the one you have now? (Pointing to the wires for the heart monitor connected to his chest)
Clarence: Sort of like this but it will be be a little bit bigger.
Sutton: We can't horseplay or hit it.
Clarence: Right, we will need to be careful.
Sutton: If you die, you will come back to life.
Clarence: Well, if something like that happens, they have machines that try to help fix it.
Sutton: I'm all out of words.
Clarence: Ok, if you think of any more words, you can call me or let Mommy know and she'll make sure you can ask me.
Sutton: I have some more words.
(Walks to Doug and whispers in his ear) Tell Daddy I Love Him.
Doug: You know, Sutton, I think you can say that to Daddy. It's ok.
Sutton: Daddy, I love you. (Clearly wants to hug him)
Nana: Sutton, you can hug Daddy, it's ok.
Big Daddy and Sutton hugs all around.

Sweet, sweet night that is sure to give Clarence lots of strength!

Wednesday, January 23rd - Clarence had another catheterization today and we are waiting for the results.  There has been talk of the LVAD surgery on Friday.  We are praying and hoping he is well enough for that.

Zak has his appointment with the Texas Children's Heart Transplant Team on February 7th.  The initial workup and process will officially begin for the transplant. 

Tuesday, January 22nd - Sad news as the doctor's have determined that Clarence is too sick for a heart transplant.  However, the doctor's have said something must be done so they will put in a LVAD, a sort of mechanical heart, and hope that it helps him get "well" enough to have a heart transplant.  The LVAD is often used as a bridge to transplant.  The care is very similar to a heart transplant.  Clarence must have three caretakers, one primary, one assistant, and one in case the other two are unable to care for him after surgery.  The first 30 days are critical to him and he will not be able to be left alone, not even for a few seconds.  He is too sick even for the LVAD but they hope to do it within 4 days to  2 weeks.

Sunday, January 20th - We were able to see Clarence at the hospital.  The most important part was that his boys were able to see him.

Here is a pic with Clarence and his sons: