Hey everyone:
A quick update - Tony will be going into the hospital on February 7th. We are estimating that he will be in until the 1st weekend of March. His transplant is scheduled for February 15th and the docs look for his white cell count to rebound about 12 – 16 days after transplant. They’ll wait a few days after the white cells come back and then should release him. Again, once out, Tony will need to go back daily for the first few weeks, then every other day, then every couple of days for the next 2-3 months.
So, needless to say, we are going to need a bit of help from those of you in AZ. Visits to the hospital: Because he will be in for over 3 weeks, Tony will be antsy and visits from people other than me will help entertain him and keep him energized. Also, it will help alleviate some pressure on me to be there every day. Visits to our house: Any time, night or day will work for us! Again, Tony will want a diverse group of visitors so he is not just talking to me all the time.
Tony and I could also use a little stress relief in the form of meals. It helps so much not to have to plan a meal, buy all the ingredients, and then cook it. (This is really something you will be doing for me, as Tony will not be cooking for a while.) Several of our friends have already been doing this in the form of home cooked meals, Costco meals, homemade muffins and home-brewed beer & cider! WHEW- is it helping!!!!! Tony and I are not looking for our cupboards to be stocked and our fridge to be filled, just a little help. You can sign up on a calendar I have created. The link and more info is below.
Notes about visiting: No visitors under 12. // We would love it if Tony would get 2 visits from friends a week. // If you have an inkling of any illness, PLEASE, cancel your visit! // Mayo Hospital, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85054, 480-515-6296
I have created a calendar to help coordinate all of this. Here is the link and login info:
HELPER LOGON: The HELPER logon is used by family and friends that would like to sign-up to help a loved one. To access Tony Childers's personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/101445
and enter the following information in the appropriate spaces:
CALENDAR ID : 101445
SECURITY CODE : 7159
Please contact me at aspentreehouse@gmail.com if you have questions about the calendar or need any help. When you know what day would work for a visit, let me know and I will change the calendar. This is all new to me, so I hope everyone is patient and understanding as I get this going! :)
For all of our loved ones outside of AZ- Just keep sending us your healing thoughts and prayers. Tony really appreciates all the cards and emails, so keep them coming.
This is it, guys. It begins next Tuesday! Wish us luck, send us your love and help as your geography and time allow!!! Love you all – Thank you so much for everything seen and unseen!
