Thursday / Friday July 3-4

Days 16-17 Hospitalization
Days 7-8 Post Transplant

Thursday 
As if we don't have enough activities to juggle around our house, we have added McKay's return home from the Singapore Mission this afternoon, and celebrated Morgan's 18th birthday. The day was a great day, to have McKay home again, if but for only six weeks until he returns to school at BYU. Also, Morgan turning 18 reminds me that she too, will be off the school at BYU-I this January. To add to this controlled chaos, Casey's husband, Kory, flew in to stay for the weekend, and to meet McKay for the first time. But this blog is not about them, except partly Morgan, so I will return to the primary subject. For the first time since her hospitalization, Camryn did not have a family member with her at the hospital. One of our dear friends offered to stay with Camy while the family went to the airport to welcome home McKay. Our friend stayed with Camy from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm today. We could not have done this day without her help. These are the times where simple service such as this, has far more meaning to those receiving it, than those who provide it. Lee Ann's family and my family are 1,800 miles away. While they would prefer to be helping us, it's just not possible at this time. Their support has come to us in so many other ways. Camryn did great without a family member with her, but became somewhat inpatient as the day wore on, wondering if we had forgotten about her. Of course we had not forgotten her, but Camryn felt that way because her anxieties were heightened since her hair began falling out in clumps overnight and earlier this morning. Of all days to have the hair loss hit with full force, today was the least convenient day, if there is such a thing, for this to occur. Lee Ann and I felt as though we both were juggling 16 balls in the air today, not complaining, just a lot to manage in a day. Being 18 years old, Morgan met the criteria for spending the night with Camryn at the hospital, so she went with Lee Ann to provide support to her little sister who was distraught over losing her hair.

Friday
This morning, Lee Ann sent me some pictures of Camryn. I was a little shocked at just how much hair Camryn had lost in a matter of 24 hours. I am with her tonight at the hospital, and I have to tell you, the girl is handling it all better than I ever thought she would. As part of Camryn's daily routine, she needs to leave her room and walk the halls of the 6a unit, just to keep patients somewhat active which aids recovery time. Before we left the room, I asked Camy if she wanted to wear one of the bandanna we got for her to wear on her head to conceal the hair loss. Camy declined, so off we went. Not once did Camryn display any hint of self-consciousness despite her being seen by people. She has quickly accepted her circumstance and realizes that her hair will grow back. I could not help but appreciate her courage, a trait that certainly is not new to Camryn. Despite the hair loss, Camryn is doing so well; physically, emotionally, and mentally. I forgot to mention a precious moment from yesterday. After we welcomed home McKay at the airport, we drove to Vanderbilt and took McKay up to the 6th floor to myelosuppression unit. He stood outside the doors looking through the window. McKay will not be allowed inside the unit for at least a few more days. Our friend, Jessica, who was staying with Camryn, walked her to the unit doors (opposite side of McKay) where she peeked through the window to see McKay, who she had not seen in two years. To see her little eyes sparkle was as she watched her brother wave to her through the door windows, was just priceless. Next week, Camy will be able to run to his arms and hug him, a reunion worth waiting for.