Monday, December 22, 2008

Are You Kidding Me?

You'll never guess where I'm writing this post from... yep, room 416 of 4 north at St. Josephs Hospital. I'm glad I waited almost all day to write this, cause I was pretty pissed off at the world come 1AM. Ah... but those two days at home were bliss, considering the alternative. (The weekend was also highlighted by the fact that I got to see one of my best friends, Kevin, who, with his wife, and 6 month old baby, were in town from San Diego for the holidays.)

Around 1:00 AM, Shawndra vomited quite a bit of bile, even though the PEG was opened up to relieve fluid and pressure. Thinking the PEG was blocked with a tiny piece of food, or something, I tried to flush her stomach with water, but that made it worse. Not one minute later, she vomited 60ml of almost clear water. And since she couldn't keep any medicines in her stomach, the break-through pain relief (oral Oxyfast) was all but useless. (Dang it! Why didn't we get a prescription for those morphine lollipops! My bad.) So fast forward to 2AM, and we're in the ER for fluids and pain relief. After three litres of fluid, things started working again. So... dehydration? Per the ER doc, it seemed as such, although the lab results didn't indicate that.

Without describing further details, I pray Shawndra can come home tomorrow. That's the tentative plan, at least.

Oh, and if by chance, the police officer from the KCMO or Leawood area remembers a maroon 4-door doing 80 MPH on State Line Road... I saw you do a quick u-turn to pursue, but thanks for not pulling me over. Hey, at least I had my hazard flashers on, right? Maybe I should be a part-time ambulance driver. My job would be to get the vehicle there, then somebody else drives it to the hospital.

Doug @ St. Joseph's Hospital, over and out.

99 comments:

Anonymous said...

Saying prayers that you will be home again for Christmas!
Hang in there Shawndra :)
You too Doug!

Sending lots of positive energy and prayers your way!
Deb LSMO

Anonymous said...

Oh guys, that sucks to put it bluntly and extremely understated! Doug you are the man! I hope for a better time at home for Christmas, exactly what I will ask Santa and God for. Take care all!

Terra

nancygrayce said...

Bless your sweet hearts! I check on your family daily, but don't comment a lot. I just want you to know that my prayers join so many! I'm praying you'll be home tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

OK, aside from the fact you are back at the horsepistol, Doug your commentary is GREAT. At least you can still find humor.....it is the best medicine.
But seriously.....get that girl better and back home. SANTAS COMING! We are down to almost hours until KCTV 5 busts out the santa radar to track the big guys where abouts. Something that was so magical as a child, and is so goofy as an adult.
Thanks for keeping us posted, and we'll keep our fingers crossed that tomorrow you are back home.

Robin said...

My prayers are with you Shawndra to get out of the hospital so you can be home with precious Ella and Doug for Christmas. God Bless You!!!

Anonymous said...

You'll be home for Christmas.

We're all praying for it.

Great humor.

That's the way to take it.

You're such a great guy.

All you know are sending positive energy your way!

Roswita

Lynn said...

Doug, I'm sorry to hear that. Prayers that Shawndra can be home before the "Big Guy" descends upon your household to leave presents for the little princess.

Anonymous said...

Doug.....Shawndra is lucky to have a guy like you. Praying for a quick return home.
Wendy

Paulette said...

phooey but I am glad she is in good hands. Praying for a speedy recoery and back home jiggety jig!!
May you all have a wonderful christmas together at home!
Love ya'll

Anonymous said...

crap. that blows.

doug, i've never met you but thanks for taking such good care of my college friend shawndra. she really is so blessed to have you.

hang in there, and hope you guys get to have a happy holiday with everyone at home.

stassen in frigid MN

Astraea said...

Praying for a quick return home! Hugs to Shawndra!

Anonymous said...

i laid in my boy's bunkbeds tonight, saying prayers, and when it was my turn, i prayed for you. my five year-old inquired about you after the standard "amen"- wanted me to repeat your name- then pondered it for a while. i thought to myself how strange and wonderful this world of technology has become- which allows me to follow and pray for you- me, a stranger in pittsburgh and you, an angel in the midwest? i am a friend of a friend of yours and she told me of your battle and this blog. i will continue to pray for as long as you need it. merry christmas shawndra, doug, ella, and the rest of your family. love, the sombar family (tom judy lily liam ben and seth)

Team Piggott said...

Hon, I'm praying for you everyday. I know how badly you want to be home. Rest and get your strength up. I will call you all soon.

Love you much,
Roseanda

Lorna said...

Doug - I got your last email, and I was so happy that I had made the Turners laugh. Then I read about this lousy development.

Truly, I don't know who's already received the greatest gift this Christmas: You, by being blessed with an incredible wife like Shawndra --- or Shawndra, by being blessed with an incredible husband like you.

Please, keep the blog updates coming. And please, also keep the faith!

Anonymous said...

Oh my dear Shawndra&Doug, you have been through the wringer, I PRAY you are home for Chrismtas Eve, you will be, DEMAND it if you have to..have home nursing if you must, these docs are good,Im not fauting them, but how much of a emotional rollercoaster can you put our prro girl on...get her tubes working right & let her RELAX at home w/the joys of the season..I love ya Shawndra, like a sister, and I pray for your pain to go and sickness and your CHRISTMAS MIRACLE...
Doug if you are reading this, I am Naomi,Shawndra's kooky friend in GA texting her to see how shes doing..I Want to send something from a floral shop, Doug,Shawndra,Andra, a nurse someone let me know where I send it, I lost the home address, I would like it there for Christmas Eve...I love you all ...I am sick today too 83 lbs and losing, Mayo next month,my hubby, also named Doug will be taking med leave for a SHORT time,and our 3 yr old son is coming along..what a wild road life takes us on..but Shawnrda your my angel on this earth, who cheered me along..now MIRACLES HAPPEN and they WILL HAPPEN FOR YOU BELIVE THAT!
((HUGS))) my cell number is on Shawndras phone I also sent it to Andrea someone call me so I can send a Christmas cheer gift

Anonymous said...

I hated hearing Shawndra wasn't feeling well on Sunday, so I hope this trip to the hospital relieved her discomfort and most of all, I hope it is a QUICK trip!
Love you both and can't wait to see you all again soon.

Love, Dustin

Anonymous said...

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH U GUYS...MUCH HEALING AND COMFORT FOR SHAWNDRA...MAY U BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS :) GREAT JOB TO THE AMBULANCE DRIVER....THE GOOD LORD CONTINUES TO SHINE ON U.....WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC, MO....JEN MILLER HOPE SANTA IS GOOD TO MISS ELLA :)

Unknown said...

That's just not fair. Darn it, she just got home. I feel your frustration. I prayer that things are all fixed now and Shawndra can go home for the holidays. I will prayer for just that and that Shawndra is comfortable and pain free no matter where she is. God bless you Doug. You have to make this all so much easier on her being such a wonderful husband. Keep up the good work. You're in my prayers also and your entire family too. Leisa

Melony said...

I am so sorry that Shawndra is back in the hospital. Praying for a speedy recovery and a return back to your home in time for Christmas..

Anonymous said...

Oh Doug, I am so sorry for you and Shawndra! This is NOT fair. I am praying so hard for you guys!!!! Sue

Anonymous said...

Our prayers continue you for you and your family. I know that our Shawndra will come back with full force and be home for Christmas. God is on our side thank goodness and we will continue lifting you up to Him.

Jennifer ♥ said...

It makes me so sad to check into a blog and read news like this (don't get me wrong, I'm very glad you are able to post updates but I wish it was with GOOD news).

Shawndra - I hope you are able to come home for Christmas and spend pain-free time with those you love. You're amazing and I think about you daily.

Anonymous said...

I pray that you make it home to be with your family and friends. Praying for your health this Christmas.

Prayers from St. Louis

Anonymous said...

Dear Turner family, If this HAD to happen, Im glad that it was BEFORE the 25th. Im glad to hear that Shawndra should be going home today.
I bet you guys were upset. Happy to know though that Shawndras pain is being controlled & her " pipes " are working again.
I know you are probably too busy for us, but please try to let us know that Shawndra is home for the holidays!! Thinking & praying for your family, God Bless, Vickie Kruse Wieberg

Anonymous said...

Shawndra & Doug,
We are out of town but Miki let me know you were back in the hospital. Please know you are both never far from my thoughts.
Sending you lots of prayers that you can be home for Christmas, and that they are able to get Shawndra's pain under control.
God Bless you both,
Shelley

Anonymous said...

I don't comment, but check to see how Shawndra is doing often. You and your family is on my prayer list....get you home for Christmas with your family! :) Thoughts and prayers-
Allison 2H CMH

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers are always with you, Shawndra and your family. I'm hoping you're back in the comfort of your own home by now. :)

Peace and love to you.

Melissa (LSMO)

Lisa said...

I drove past the hospital the other day and was thinking about you. Bummer you are back! Perhaps when you crossed stateline he no longer had jurisdiction and had to let you go :-) Glad you made it safely! I'll be praying you get out today...drive carefully in the ice.

Anonymous said...

Well that just stinks big time. I hope and am praying that Shawndra gets home today so she can enjoy Christmas!!

Doug, I am impressed at your ability to through in humor during a trying situation. God Bless you both. Have a great holiday.

Kristen

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

We pray that you will be home to be with your family on Christmas. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always! Keep Believing!!! We Love You!

Merry Christmas Turner Family

The Mudge Family

Anonymous said...

FYI--

http://mail.google.com/mail/#inbox/11e660978a3b624d

Sue

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and praying you can go home before Christmas. Lots of Prayers & love-
Melody

Dan Tutt said...

That's terrible that you're back in the Hospital but that was a funny blog post by Doug. I'm thinking morphine lollipops might be a good invention. Best of luck for being back home for Christmas. We're pulling for you here in Calgary.
Cheers,
Dan

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
I was so blessed to see you in the hospital today, please forgive me for not coming sooner, I just didn't want to bother you or Doug.
You look so good and your spirits are so high, I will stop by the house and see yous. I would really love to spend some time with Miss Ella,if she would like to.
May this Christmas be the best ever for you and your family.
Love you my dear!
Brenda Younger

Anonymous said...

OK....it's the eve of the big day, my fingers and toes are crossed, I've wished upon a star, told Santa, and said oodles of prayers that you are all at home for Christmas.
Perhaps negotiations? Hostages? Begging and pleaing? What will it take to make this happen? The crazed midnight driver to flee down stateline at high rates of speed with you secretly tucked in a laundry bag?
We'll keep on doing what we are at our end and will anxiously await the next post. And if things don't go just as you are hopeing (I am an eternal optomist so that staement went against my nature) just remember the reason for the season. Mary and Joseph didn't exactly have their first choice for accomodations for this evening, and look what they made happen! Peace and Love to you all!

Cathy said...

Wishing u and yours a very Merry Christmas and when we gather at my house tonight we will remember Shawndra and family in our prayer.

Wishing u the very best!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Eve Turner family!
Thinking about you and sending many well wishes your way.
Your blog friend,
Pepper Gerstner
KCMO

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you all! I am thinking about each one of you today. You are in my prayers each and every night, Shawndra! I don't reply much, but I check in a couple of times a day and have for a least a year or more, I'm sure. I'm still holding out for your miracle! Christy in Tampa

Anonymous said...

FANTASTIC NEWS ANDREA JUST E AMAILED .

SHWANDRA IS BACK HOME.

NOW ALL MY CHRISTMAS WISHES CAME TRUE.

HAVE THE BEST TIME.

LOVE,

THE SCHMIEDT'S

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! I am so glad to hear Shawndra is back home. I am praying for a peaceful and happy Christmas for the Turner family.

Christie in GA

Astraea said...

Praying for you to get home quickly! xoxoxo

Astraea said...

Just read the news! Yeah!!! I pray this is the best Christmas ever!

Anonymous said...

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!
I am writing based on the few previous posts. Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Anonymous said...

Awesome news you are back at home where you belong Shawndra!!!
Merry Christmas Turner family!!!
Make it the best ever!
Prayers ~
Deb LSMO

Anonymous said...

Praying and thinking of you all across the neighborhood. Hope you are warm and cozy nestled in your home surrounded by loved ones. Wising you comfort and peace this holiday season. Merry Christmas and hope to see you soon.
The wallace's

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Doug, Shawndra and Ella.

All our love to you!

The Palmer Family

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!~!
May 2009 be the year of miracles! I'm believing it!!!!
God bless,
Jess in Nebraska

Amberchlopaz said...

Oh thank God. Merry Christmas! Joyce

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear you are at home. I am sending all of my love and prayers for the most wonderful of Christmases. You are in my prayers night and day, and close to my heart as always.

Wishing you peace and comfort on this most special of nights.

Michelle

Amberchlopaz said...

Merry Christmas, Shawndra, Doug, and Ella. Love, Joyce (thinking of you today)

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!! Love you guys!!
Ang

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you made it home for Christmas Eve. Thank God! Enjoy your Holidays with your family & friends. God Bless you Turner/Beauchamp families.

Anonymous said...

Doug and Shawndra- You have been on my mind and in my prayers. Yesterday at church our pastor (Adam Hamilton) spoke of a friend of his who has cancer. "Cancer will not get the last word" was the message. May the Lord wrap His arms around you and Bless You. Shawndra- if there were ever a time to consider a morphine pump- I hate the thought of you being in pain. Let me know if you need an "in" with a pain doc who could do it- he is great. We have a little something for Ella- I hate to bother ya'll as I know your time is precious. Maybe sometime when Doug is at work. Hope you are home! Many hugs and kisses. Adriane and the boys

Astraea said...

Merry Christmas! I pray it was the best one EVER! xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I hope you had a Very Merry Christmas with your family... and the very cutest Ella!!! But if it didn't turn out that way Ella will take Christmas any day...HOPE ALL IS WELL!!!!Doug you are doing a great job...as hard as it is!!!
Shawndra is so beautiful from the inside and out!!!
Happy 2009!!

Sincerely,
Kitty

Anonymous said...

Doug, Shawndra, Beauchamps and Taylors:

We are praying for you and continue to send our love and friendship from our corner of the world. Thank you for sharing your journey, your amazing faith, and your love for one another with us.

What a gift you have been for so many people.

Sending you love, peace and prayers,

jg in CA

Melony said...

I hope that no update means that you are at home and are busy with Christmas traditions and not still in the hospital. I pray that where ever you are, that you had a wonderful Christmas and that you are feeling better.

Anonymous said...

I just wanted you to know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Stay Strong. Sarah

Paulette said...

Shawndra and Doug,
I prayed for ya'll on Christmas, I hope Shawndra is ok. I have been coming to check often. My prayers are being sent up for you Shawndra!
Love you guys

Calebs Mom said...

Doug and Shawndra
Praying for you and hoping Shawndra is doing well surrounded by family. Will continue checking for updates and praying for you.

My best wishes,
B Turner

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

I hope you are enjoying the holiday with your family. You are all in my daily thoughts and prayers. Please call if you need anything.

Jennifer Teegarden

Anonymous said...

Just stopped in for an update, praying all is well for the turner family! :)

Sending prayers and positive energy you way always....

Deb LSMO

Astraea said...

Just checking for an update. I hope you're just too busy spending time together to worry about the blog. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi,

All, All who know you all,Beauchamps and Turners

are praying for your well being.
We pray you're having a peacefull holiday with Shwandra at home.

Love,

Roswita

Anonymous said...

I am praying for all of you, hold each other tight and feel the circle of love all around you.
Donna

Anonymous said...

Just checking in on you before heading off to bed. Praying like crazy that you are home and feeling better. Lots of love to you and your family...

Anonymous said...

I've been checking back often. Hope you are enjoying time at home together. I have thought of you many, many times this holiday season.

Anonymous said...

Like everyone, I am checking often, hoping and praying for the best..... Love, Joyce

Robyn said...

Thinking and praying for you-we need an update. Hope you are home and well.

Anonymous said...

Would love to hear how Shawndra is doing, praying that all is well. :)
Deb LSMO

Anonymous said...

Just a quick note to say hello and let you know that our prayers continue. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to 'know' Shawndra. You're not so bad yourself, Doug ;)

Seriously, though, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. Our thoughts, prayers and love are not nearly enough to repay the gift of Shawndra's perspective on life.

xxxxxxx,

jg in ca

Anonymous said...

Hoping that no update means you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season with your family. Many thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Susan McRae

Astraea said...

Shawndra, I might offically be considered a stalker! Hehehehe!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Shawndra, Hi Doug, I just wanted to drop you a line to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers today and everyday. Enjoy some of that sunshine!!! Donna

Anonymous said...

Just to let everyone know that (as mentioned in previous comments) Shawndra is home and was home for the holidays, she's just tired and probably not up to blogging right now. Remember no news is usually better than no news.

Anonymous said...

Oops, I meant no news is better than bad news.

Anonymous said...

HOPE ALL IS WELL....PRAYING U ARE SAFE AT HOME ENJOYING TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY....THIS PRAYER WARRIOR LIFTS YOUR NAMES UP FOR PEACE, COMFORT AND LOTS OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER.....WITH CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC,MO.....JEN MILLER

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update from who ever you are :) We're just all concerned, but you are right, No news is usually good news.
Glad you are at home Shawndra, rest up and enjoy your family!
Thanks~
In my prayers.
Deb LSMO

Anonymous said...

Glad you made it home for the holidays! Pray that you are getting some much needed rest, family time and peace to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones!

Cheers!

Amberchlopaz said...

"Shawndra was and is home." Sweet words, and thank you. Blessings, Joyce

Anonymous said...

TODAY, DEC. 29TH SHWANDRA'S UNCLE TIM EMAILED ME.

SHWANDRA IS HOME.
AS WE KNOW SHWANDRA, SHE'S THE STRONGEST PERSON WE KNOW.

AND SHE'S GOT THE BEST HUSBAND EVER.

YOU'RE SUCH A LOVELY COUPLE.

HOPE YOU CAN READ ALL YOUR FRIEND'S NOTES HAVING YOUR ELLA AROUND, AND PEACEFULLY RESTING FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD.

WE GO ON PRAYING FOR YOU.

ROSWITA

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking & praying for Shawndra ALOT through Christmas & I was away from a computer & got back & went right to it to check on you guys. GREAT to read that she was home for Christmas with her beautiful family.
Im so grsteful to the people posting what they know as Im sure the family is just too busy enjoying the holiday to think about this blog. So, THANK YOU all that posted updates.
Praying & thinking of your family, will continue checking for those uplifting, humorous blogs!! Happy Holidays, God Bless, Vickie Wieberg

Paulette said...

Shawndra,
I came by to check on you. I hope the quitness of the blog means you are enjoying a great Christmas. I am praying without ceasing for you. I hope you are ok.

Anonymous said...

I am continuing to pray for you. I am another one of those that always reads, but never posts. I do hope that someone can post an update because we are really worried about you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Turner family,..., just checking & praying. Hope no news is still good news!! Praying for you all in J.C. Mo. Vickie Wieberg

Anonymous said...

Oh, I sure hope that no news is good news! Please post an update.

Anonymous said...

I am still praying for you Shawndra and hoping your Christmas was wonderful.

Christie in GA

Anonymous said...

Enjoy the New Year, Shawndra, Doug and Ella!! :)

Melissa (LSMO)

Anonymous said...

Hey Doug,
Just checking in on you all. We have been praying for you. The Storey Family

Anonymous said...

Shawndra & Doug,

You are both in my prayers, along with Ella and your extended family. I am praying that you are enjoying the holiday season at home with all of your close family and friends. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or if there is anything you need.

Jennifer Teegarden

Anonymous said...

Praying you had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas at home with friends and family and that the new year brings you even more miracles!

Happy New Year to you all, and may 2009 be even better!

Terra

Unknown said...

Shawndra, Doug & Family, Just stopping in to let you know that I've been thinking of you and praying for you often. We hope you enjoy ringing in the new year together this evening and have many blessings in 2009. Take care, Leisa

Anonymous said...

Shawndra & Doug, May you ring in the New Year with lots of M & M's - Magic & Miracles - May 2009 be your year of healing & joy.
You are thought of & prayed for daily. Happy New Year, Vickie in J. C., Mo.

Anonymous said...

Still praying that all is OK...and you are enjoying all the comforts of home with all your loved ones!!!

Sincerely,

Kitty

Anonymous said...

Happy New Years Eve Shawndra, Doug and Ella!!! Praying the new year will bring all the miracles your heart desires!
Lots of prayers and positive energy coming your way!

Deb (LSMO)

Roswita said...

I just received an e mail from Andrea, Swhandra's sister.

Our Shwandra - -- copying Andrea's words----Has an outpatient procedure to switch out the PEG tube that is in her stomach for another one--- today, the last the of the year.

Let's keep our prayers going.

She keeps on fighting for her life.

Hope you all give you the best at every moment.

We learn with you Shawndra, every moment is a Gift of God.

Love to all

Roswita

Anonymous said...

Thank you Roswita for the update - please continue to keep us updated.

Calebs Mom said...

Still praying and thinking of you Shawndra and Doug, I hope you are doing well surrounded by your family Shawndra. Stay strong and keep up the good fight. May the new year bring you blessings and many miracles. Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
I pray your procedure can keep you free of pain, and able to enjoy precious time with your family.
God bless you.
- Kim