Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Another New Day Tues. 6/4/13

OK. So I will try again today to remember everything I wrote last night, then lost. I really hate when that happens. Yesterday, Lauren was much happier after her bronch. Her oxygen levels were in the mid to high 90's most of the day. They started dipping in the early morning hours and they had to turn her oxygen back up to 85% from 75% There are talks there may be a bronch done today because she has a lot of thick secretions in her lungs that are down too far to be suctioned by the nurse or respiratory. She seems to be ok at the moment. Ryan, Mark, and Gio went home to sleep at Sis and Bruce's last night. I am the only one that can get good sleep in the room with Lauren because I am a very sound sleeper. Nurses can come in and out all night and I don't hear a thing. I think I am most comfortable being right there by Lauren and knowing she is ok. We had a good chat with Dr. Sonnenday yesterday. He said the MARS machine had been approved and it should arrive today or tomorrow. There will need to be some training for the staff. We are very hopeful this will help Lauren. This is the first time any patient has used this machine at U of M so I'm sure many people are excited to see if it is beneficial. Lauren had an EKG last night because her nurse noticed that something looked a little different. I haven't heard anything yet, but I'm sure they will mention it when the ICU team rounds today. Lauren received some cards and flowers yesterday. I sure wish she were awake to enjoy all of them. I will list everyone that sent something and we would all just like to say "Thank You" for thinking of our girl. She would be so happy to know that you all care. So here is a big shout out to:
Ashley and Riley Hess - Get well card and Riley drew Lauren a get well caterpillar! Thanks, Riley!!

Stella d'egidio - A nice card and enrollment of Lauren into the Sacred Heart Spiritual Society where Lauren will have prayers said for her at daily mass.

Marybeth Swift - Beautiful card, donation, and prayer book called Healed of Cancer.

Lindsey Durkos - Lovely floral basket.

Jolene Ricchiuti - A gorgeous floral arrangement that looks like a wedding bouquet. She said she wanted it to look that way on purpose for Wo.

Jacqui and her Dad have worked really hard to get Lauren prayed over by a priest from Illinois that has witnessed many miracles after praying for these people. They managed to get him to pray for Lauren over the phone. He was a delightful man who was 97 years old. We all gathered around Lauren (including her nurse, Kim) and prayed. It was beautiful. Thanks Jacqui and Jeff.

Amit (the transplant fellow) and his entourage were in bright and early this morning. They usually round at about 6:00 am. Some days I am sound asleep and don't even hear them!! He said that Wo's chest x-ray looked better, which is encouraging. Mark just showed up a few minutes ago. Kristen was in around 6:00 am before work. We will probably wait for rounds and then go eat breakfast. We are hoping for a good day or at least uneventful day and looking forward to the MARS machine arriving. Wo has one of our favorite nurses again today. Kim is such a joy and keeps us in stitches with her funny stories. We all love her like a family member. Tiffany is working with her today and the funny stories have already begun!! You might think it is weird that we laugh when Lauren is laying in the room fighting for her life, but she would not want us crying every day all day and laughter really is the best medicine.

Have a great day today and thanks for the support, prayers, and love.

Love,
-Pam

Kristen always looking out for her little sister.
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7 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 4, 2013 at 6:13 AM

    Pam, I actually took the time to read up on the MARS machine yesterday. Very new, I bet they are excited to see and use it. I am sure Lauren's surgery and all the things they have learned from this will be helping so many people in the future! Sounds like she had a healing night and that is great! Take care, Lori

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    1. PamJune 4, 2013 at 8:23 AM

      Thanks, Lori. I think all the men around here are excited about the MARS because they are all so mechanical. I hope that doesn't sound sexist! I hope them using the MARS with Lauren will help many people. Talk to you later.

      Love,
      -Pam

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    2. UnknownJune 4, 2013 at 9:02 AM

      I can only imagine their excitement, hah!

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  2. AnonymousJune 4, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Dear Sweet Pam!!! I just cannot express to you how much I look forward to your updates. I sit here and check all day. Just so worried for you and your sweet Lauren. I know what you mean about laughing...the 9 days Shirley spent in hospice...we laughed almost the whole time. And I know she was laughing with us. There were times in the middle of the night I would lay there and feel guilty for having laughed during the day...but then I realized that if we weren't laughing...we would have all fallen apart. And we just could not do that. It's our duty to our loved ones to be there for them...so we can't fall apart.

    I know that this is the most difficult thing you will ever do in your entire life...but God put you on this earth to be there for your Lauren...and that's what you will do. You are an amazing woman and I admire you more than I could ever tell you.

    Please tell Lauren she needs to wake up. I have made a promise to myself that I must meet her someday. I would prefer her to be awake and smiling :0)

    I love you and and am praying every single minute of every single day.

    Love, Teresa

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    1. PamJune 4, 2013 at 8:29 AM

      See, Teresa. You really get what I am saying because you have been through it. Last time after Lauren had her first surgery, Lauren was only in the SICU for one day and I was kind of offended that the nurses were carrying on and laughing when Lauren was in pain. Now I know that it had nothing to do with Lauren. You have to laugh and have fun sometimes or you will fall down in a deep, dark hole. I now think there is nothing wrong with laughing and having fun around Lauren. She would be laughing too if she were awake. Enjoy your birthday. You deserve it, sweet friend.

      Love,
      -Pam

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  3. AnonymousJune 4, 2013 at 7:47 AM

    Pam & Family,
    I am just so hopeful this machine gets there FAST. Let's let that liver rest some and let it awake when it is prepared to manage Lauren's body physically. I pray that Lauren can hear you all laughing.....as you said, she would want that.
    I cannot say how much I admire your strength and decision making at this stressful time. Lauren enters my mind many times in a day...I can't even count how many times it is. I pray God heals her and I get an invite for tea some day........until then, be strong...stay positive, and HUGS to you and your family.
    Patty Corcoran

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    1. PamJune 4, 2013 at 8:34 AM

      Thanks, Patty. I'm sure it is on its way. We have to have a big CC get together somewhere once Lauren gets better. We would love to meet you.

      God bless,
      -Pam

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