I'm sure most of you already know, but for those who don't, our beloved Lauren Patrice went to heaven today at 11:37 am. We are all heartbroken that she is not here with us, but happy she is no longer in pain. I know many of you question how this happened because she was fairly stable for a few days before yesterday. That is true, but it was the ventilator and all the meds she was on that was making it look that way. After the MARS on Friday, she was ok, but on Saturday morning the nurses flipped her from her tummy to her back and her oxygen level plummeted again. The attending on duty decided to bronch her again and it didn't help. They then turned her back on her tummy and she wasn't doing very well. They turned her vent to a maximum setting, but it was very hard on her. Dr. Sonnenday spoke with us and said he didn't think she was improving and wanted to know what our wishes for her were. We said enough is enough and decided that Sunday morning her vent settings would be turned to a minimum setting and that she would be disconnected from the dialysis and all her ivs. The nurses turned Lauren on her back and we gathered around her and told her we loved her. She was still on pain meds and sedation. She had not moved her hands or feet for almost three weeks. She had not opened her eyes for a few days. Once she was on her back, her eyes opened as if she was telling us goodbye and saying she was ok. She then shut her eyes and her breathing got more shallow until it stopped. It was very peaceful and beautiful. We left the room and the nurses cleaned her up and took all of her lines out. She looked like an angel when we came back in the room. Dr. Sonnenday stayed in the room with us the entire time and shed tears for Lauren with us. What an incredible doctor and man. He told us that Lauren really contributed to the fight against Cholangiocarcinoma and they learned a lot from her case. We are so proud of her. We arranged to have her brought back to Uniontown and we will be meeting with the funeral director tomorrow. I will post the date and times for her service and calling hours once I find them out. God bless all of you for your thoughts, prayers, cards, meals, and gifts. We feel so lucky to know such wonderful people. That is about it for now. I am totally exhausted and sad as is the rest of the family.
Love,
-Pam
 |
| Our precious girl, Lauren Patrice Kunklier 3/6/86 - 6/9/13 Rest in peace Wozer Girl. |
My heart hurts for you and your family. Though I don't comment, I've read every update you've posted since my dad was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma in August and I found this blog.
ReplyDeleteYou are all in my thoughts and prayers. I find comfort with you that she's no longer in pain, but I grieve with you for your loss of such a beautiful and wonderful person.
Lots of virtual hugs and warm thoughts your way.
Having had CC myself I have been following this for a while now. I am so sad for you all, I wish there was more to say but there isn't.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs from the uk x
We are aching for all of you; thank you for opening up your heart to so many people through your writing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteRod & Kathie Covey
I am so sorry for you all. I have been reading your blog for the past year since my mum was diagnosed with the same terrible disease. I was really hoping your beautiful Lauren would beat it. My mum passed away 5 weeks ago. I know she will find Lauren in heaven and look after her. Much love to you all at this very sad time xo
ReplyDeletePam my heart is hurting for y'all so much today. Your blog has been beautiful. Stay strong dear friend, but let the tears come when they want to come. I will never miss someone more, that I have never met face to face, than Lauren. I look forward to the day I can give you a hug in person. Blessings, Lori Vogt
ReplyDeletePam,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I know what you are all going through, Know that I am here for you if you need anything.
Gob Bless you all,
Lynn Chase
Pam- My thoughts are with you and your family. I'm so sorry to read about Laurens passing and she gave it quite a fight and was surrounded by so many loving and supportive people. My prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Lauren with all of us. Sending love to each one of you and praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteI prayed that I would never have to read this post on your blog. I was in denial I guess thinking that this would never happen to this beautiful girl. I always dreamed that someday I would get to meet her...maybe go to her wedding...and meet the wonderful family that surrounded her. My heart is broken. And I cannot ever imagine the heartbreak your family is feeling. There are no words right now. I love you and I'm sorry. Love, Teresa
ReplyDeleteLAUREN I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU FOREVER !!!!YOU MENT THE WORLD TO ME YOUR SO BEAUTIFUL ... MY HEART IS BROKEN AND I WILL ALWAYS TALK TO YOU JUST LIKE WE DID EVERYNIGHT I AM STILL HERE BABY !
ReplyDeleteI LOVE YOU ALWAYS
-GIOVANNI
-BUBBY
Pam, Gio and everyone else who knew and loved Lauren. I too have followed all the posts and updates and kept hoping for the best. My thoughts and prayers were and still are with all of you. No words can ease your pain, but know there are many out here who got to know and love Lauren and all of you. Try to take some comfort and strength in knowing that she is now in a better place, no longer suffering or in pain.
ReplyDeleteLots of Love & Hugs,
Darla
Pam, family and Gio,
ReplyDeleteI’m deeply sorry for the loss of precious Lauren. You did the very best possible under the most difficult of circumstances. Lauren is at peace now and I’m sure she will forever remain in your hearts. She had a million dollar smile and was such a beautiful young woman that touched many with her courage.
My prayers are with you.
Hugs, Cathy and Heather
Pam and Family,
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain but take comfort know Lauren is in heaven,cancer free and pain free.She gave it one hell of a fight.I will continue to stay in touch with you and pray that your family will get the rest you all need to get through these difficult times.Deanna
I am so, so very sad to read of Lauren's passing. I found you on the cholangiocarcinoma.org website, and started following your blog. My dad passed away on April 7, 2013. He was up and around 2 weeks prior to his death and then it went downhill for him so quickly. This brings it all back for me and I am so sad for your family. Your family is so filled with love, I am amazed by it. Lauren was a very lucky woman to have had all of you as you all were lucky to have her. My prayers are with your loving family. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteI didnt know Lauren. I merely started following after seeing blog updates on a friends facebook page.
ReplyDeleteMy heart and prayers go out to your family. I know how bittersweet it is to finally say goodbye (especially knowing they arent in pain anymore.)
May God bless your family.
My heart and prayers go out to your family and extended family. Many blessing during this difficult time and continued prayers!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!
Cathy Charles Duffer
PAM and Gio; my heart goes out to you and your family Lauren was a very special lady I worked with her at Cintas and she was very friendly and the sweetest girl I;ve meet we both would just talk about our brownees manly JOSH CRIBBS , she will be missed dearly but she is at peace now; I know it;s not what you want to hear now but she is with all the angels and watching us!! God bless Shirley Croston
ReplyDeleteI worked with Lauren before she became ill. I didn't know much about her but I followed her fight through being FB friends with her. She was always smiling and very beautiful. I am deeply sad about the loss of such a beautiful young lady. I am sorry to all her family,friends and fiancé. RIP Lauren. :(
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathies go out to family and friends of Lauren. I went to high school with Lauren and will always remember her beautiful, warm smile- one that lit up an entire room. May God and Lauren be with you.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to the fsmily and friend and Gio of Lauren....Lauren and I were never close but we went to high school and had some classes together.. Lauren was very intelligent.. beautiful..and kind hearted and hand a laugh that was soooo contagious.... Heaven sure did gain an amazing angel .. she will forever be in our hearts. God bless
ReplyDeleteI have never met you or your daughter...the only common thread we share is the CC forum and my husband--who also battles this cancer. My heart is broken for your family. Sending love and prayers to your family for healing from heartache. Dorien & Kyle Nielson
ReplyDelete