Off the escalator at SLC airport...
Some good smiles... with a little bit of "what in the world am I doing here?"...
My apologies for the hiatus… we’re all still adjusting to the temporary changes caused by Elder Hanke’s detour! J
Most, if not all, of you know that Elder Hanke came home on March 1st (one day short of his year mark) due to health concerns. He endured a crazy few days that week, from being told he needed to come home (shock), to the long flight (dangerous!), to the medical treatment (informative – finally), to settling back in at home (mostly adjusted now) – it’s been a pretty wild ride.
Just a quick overview: We found out Garrett was coming home on February 28th, and picked him up on March 1st with family at the airport to welcome him home. After some hugs and tears, we loaded him up in the car and headed straight to the U of U emergency room to finally get a proper diagnosis…. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (i.e., he had a very large clot - calf to abdomen- in a deep vein in his right leg). After about 16 hours in the hospital, numerous consultations, and a meeting with the U of U “thrombosis team”, we left with prescriptions of blood thinners (shots and pills) and headed home to Logan for the recovery process. Keep in mind this all seemed odd to Gar, because he felt just fine, but after hearing from so many doctors how serious his condition was, he realized he needed to cooperate so he could get better. He was very saddened to leave his beloved friends, investigators, and companions in Fiji, all of whom he had truly come to love. He's had serious adjustments to the weather (he's cold all of the time), the food (you call this fresh fruit?), and the people (everyone is white!), but has enjoyed seeing his family and friends.
Garrett goes to the Logan hospital every few days to have his blood tested (INR levels), and that info is sent to the U of U, who will then call me and advise any dosage changes for the meds. As of Monday, he is done with the shots (concentrated blood thinners) which he was very glad to hear (was giving them to himself in the stomach). He will continue with the Coumadin (pill form) until advised otherwise (probably for 12 months); we’ll continue to consult with the thrombosis team to manage this. Things now seem to be under control, his blood has thinned to an acceptable level, which is great.
There are many blessings to be thankful for, from the fact that he has not been in any pain at all, to the sheer miracle that he made it through the 14 hours of flights (12 from Fiji to L.A.) with no complications, as well as many others. He has most definitely been watched over from above; the Lord takes care of his missionaries, of that I am sure.
As of now the prognosis is great, and Garrett has complete intentions of finishing the second year of his mission. We are waiting for additional information from his doctor as well as the Church missionary office to find out where he will be sent to complete his service. Hoping to have this info in the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, enjoy the “welcome home” and hospital pics, and know that he is doing very well! And thank you to everyone for your love, support and prayers – we are very blessed to have such amazing family and friends!
A happy sister and mama!
The welcoming committee...
Trey eagerly watching as Elder Hanke reads his card from the Pike family...
A great smile and a great attitude...
In the E.R. at the U of U - tolerating the curious staff (couldn't believe he just flew in from Fiji) while telling us lots of stories and sharing pics from his Fiji album.
Learning how to give himself shots.
And finally.... reunited with Dad!
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