Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Tuesday Evening Update 5/28/13

Hi! No, I didn't forget about all of you. My Mom and Dad came to visit today and are staying until Thursday!!! I am so happy to have them here with us and I know Lauren loves it!!She had her eyes open tonight and seemed to look at us more than right through us as she has done before. Still not moving her arms or legs yet. She is resting quite comfortably right now under this thing called a bair hugger (implying that it means bear hugger.) It is a plastic blanket that has a hose connected to it. It blows up and circulates warm air around Lauren to keep her warm. She didn't have it on for a short while today and got cold with goosebumps. She has a hard time staying warm because the dialysis is removing her blood and pumping it back through which cools down and makes her cold. Lauren is usually hot blooded and always hot, so it is quite weird to see her under a hot blanket and covered with blankets! It makes her room really warm too, so we are all a little warm. Kristen stopped off after work for a visit and ate dinner with us. Bruce was on call again.We got some nice cards today from our neighbors, Ron, Dee Dee, Haylie, and Colton and from Jennifer (the daughter of a wonderful lady I met through Facebook and cc.org that also has Cholangiocarcinoma named Patty). The McCaskey's have got to be some of the nicest people we have ever met and their son Colton has been mowing our lawn while we are away. Thank you for the card and the generous gift. Jennifer wrote such a heartfelt message to us that was so sweet. I see she takes after her awesome Mom! Our friends, Debbie, Jim and Jill sent Lauren a beautiful floral arrangement. We keep telling Lauren to wake up so she can see her flowers. Thanks for being such great friends. Lauren had a rough night last night. She had six units of blood and many units of platelets and plasma. Her hemoglobin and hematocrit went low and the docs were worried she was bleeding. They could find no signs of bleeding and thought it might be weeping from inside. She is better today. She had a bedside abdominal ultrasound today and Dr. Sonnenday said that it looked like everything was ok. That was a relief. He i such a kind man. He always comes into the room and asks how all of us are doing and asks me if I am getting enough rest. You can tell that he cares so much about people and his patients. Well, I am going to go dig out a fan because I feel like I am sitting in the tropics while Lauren is snug under her bair hugger. Take care and pray that she wakes up tomorrow.

Love,
-Pam


Our family three weeks ago. Can't wait until we can see Lauren awake and having fun again.

9 comments:

  1. I am praying for Lauren and I am following your blog! I found you on cc.org. My husband was recently diagnosed. I can't wait to read that Lauren is talking to you!!! What a beautiful girl!
    Carrie from Atlanta

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    1. I'm really sorry to hear about your husband, Carrie. Hopefully, Lauren will get better soon and I can talk with you more on the cc site. Best wishes to you and your husband.

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  2. WAKE UP LAUREN!!! WE all miss you!!
    Lots and lots of hugs, prayers and cool breezes Pam!!

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    1. Cathy,

      It actually wasn't too hot last night. I must be getting used to it!

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  3. Pam,
    Lauren is a special young woman who has touched the hearts of many. When you consider everything since Lauren’s last surgery it definitely seems she is becoming more alert and aware! The word survivor is thrown around frequently, but Lauren is truly a survivor and your family has supported her every step of the way.
    You have shared this painful, but loving journey through your blog and I’m sure it’s helped many. You should feel proud of how your family has stood tall when facing difficulty. You are the good example of how to be a kind and decent human being.
    The day Lauren is released from the hospital I believe you will have enough knowledge to be awarded an honorary medical degree. They should also hand out a special certificate for successfully maneuvering through the U of M parking garages without incident!
    Praying Lauren has a full and complete healing.
    Hugs, Cathy and Heather

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    1. Thank you, Cathy and Heather. That is funny about the parking, although I haven't been leaving much. It sure is a scary thing to maneuver a big SUV though. Love to you both.

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  4. Pam,
    It sounds like Lauren is getting better if even by baby steps, it is in the right direction. While Lauren is fighting to get better, I hope you are not holding everything inside of you. You are such a strong momma bear. I plan to paint Lauren an 8 X 12 watercolor this evening and try to get it into the ail to her. Put it on her ceiling or somewhere when laying on her back, she can see it. I am thinking bright pastels....I never know what it will end up as the finished project but I hope she enjoys looking at it. Stay strong, stay positive and let your faith carry you through this. Lauren is definitely a fighter!! Many hugs, thoughts, and prayers coming your way!!! I talk to my whole family and you and Lauren and they ask for updates...we all love you from Illinois!! Patty

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    1. Dear Patty,
      Thank you so much. We would be honored to hang one of your paintings in Lauren's room. Your daughter, Jennifer sent us a note on one of your cards. It is so beautiful. Thank you so much for your kindness.Love to you and your beautiful family.

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  5. Pam and Family,

    My heart aches for you and your family. Keep the faith, Lauren will wake up and beat this. As hard as it is, try to take care of yourself. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers always,

    Love,
    Lynn Chase

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