Monday, January 12, 2009

Maybe an Epidural Will Kick the Pain

Last night Dr. Morgan came back to the hospital to address Shawndra's unbearable pain. He put in an epidural and had her transferred to the ICU for monitoring. I spent the night at home, and took Ella to school/daycare this morning. Around 6:30AM, Ella awoke and called for me. I don't know what was different about this morning, but hearing her say "Daaaaddddyyyy" just made me smile. She really needs me right now.

Arriving to the hospital this morning, I was troubled to find out that Shawndra is still in pain. She's being given Hydromorphone/Dilaudid via her port-a-cath, and Ropivicaine via the epidural. She's built up quite a resistance to opiates. She's pretty much unconscious right now. Wow, what more can I say. I hate to see her suffer.

The ski trip to Snowmass was a lot of fun. Shawndra walked around and shopped the village stores a few evenings. Each year, Gary arranges for a photographer to take photos, quite early. I'll post one soon. I enjoyed snowboarding. Gary, Andrea, Greg, and I spent a lot of time together on the mountain. Thursday was sunny and beautiful.

One afternoon, after skiing, the parents and kids did some sledding. Ella was good for only one run because she and Daddy tumbled over. Shawndra took some video. I haven't seen it yet, but will post it, as well.

We're pretty much in limbo right now. Shawndra's ureteral stints are scheduled to be replaced tomorrow.

One more thing before I hit "save"...

For being only three years old, Ella has flown several times already. The take-off from Aspen (in a prop plane) was real fun for her though. There were only about 15 passengers on the plane. She was able to get all of them to chuckle by screaming "we're going soooooo fast!". Oh... Mommy took a pic of Ella and I on that plane. I'll post that too. Looks like I have some work to do. (Sorry boss... the ports for VPN access from the hospital are blocked, or I'd be doing real work. :)

- Doug

32 comments:

Robin said...

Thoughts and prayers for Shawndra. I hope she gets some pain relief and some well deserved comfort.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update, Doug. I'm praying for all of you. For strength, faith, and a solution to Shawndra's pain.

Anonymous said...

Praying for inner peace and pain relief for you soon sweet Shawndra. I am so glad she was able to make that trip with her family. Food for the soul for all I'm sure.
Bless you all and stay strong :)
Deb (LSMO)

Melony said...

Thanks for the update on Shawndra. I am glad to hear you guys got to enjoy some quality family time in the snow before all of this started. I pray that the doctors will be able to find a level of medication that will ease the pain yet allow her to enjoy her family. I hate to think of her suffering..

Anonymous said...

Shawndra..I am so sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. I pray for you and your family everyday. Oh, and Doug,(im a mom, too) I know that Shawndra will take a great deal of comfort knowing that Ella is so well taken care of.
Love and Hope,
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Thanks for keeping us all posted, Doug! I pray they are able to find some relief for poor Shawndra. So glad you all had a nice time in the mountains. Looking forward to seeing the pictures. Thinking and praying for you all.

Susan McRae

Anonymous said...

Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts your way.

Anonymous said...

Oh Doug, such the funny guy! I know that the puns make for more smiles for all then posting sorrow filled notes. I am am sure that Shawndra B appreciates laughter, even when it appears that it can get no gloomier!
I look forward to seeing Snowmass photos, it is a great place. Hope you all enjoyed that time together.
Our prayers continue to be with Shawndra for no pain, peace and love surrounding her. And with all of the family that they too can find peace in this not so pleasant time.
Gary, Carolyn and Andrea, always know if we can do anything that we are here.
Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Doug,
Like so many, I don't know you, but will pray that you receive the strength you need right now. God will give it to you - and will carry you through this.
I will pray that Shawndra has all of the pain relief she needs to rest comfortably.
Blessings to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Doug,

Please let me know if there is anything I can do. As always, I'm here for all you any time day or night.

Love, Dustin

Astraea said...

Can't wait to see the pictures. I'm praying for peace for all of you. Shawndra has been through so much. Go away pain!

Unknown said...

Many prayers for a good solution to the pain management for Shawndra. I hate to think of her being in pain. I hope a good balance can be found so she doesn't have to sleep more than I'm sure she wants to. It's good to hear your trip went so well. Sounds like you made some precious memories. Ella is quite a card, huh? What a cutie! I've never been to Colorado. But I am going this Thurs. for the weekend and am really looking forward to seeing the snow covered mountains. I'll bet it's so beautiful. Can't wait to see your pics and video. Give my love to Shawndra and let her know that I think about her and pray for her every day. I will be praying that the stent replacement goes well tomorrow and helps to alleviate the pain. God bless you and your family. Leisa

Anonymous said...

I know of two CRC Stage IV patients that seemed to have found some pain relief once the pressure of fluid that had built up in their body cavity was drained. I hope Shawndra finds some deserved comfort once her stents get replaced.

Hold Fast, My experience is that epidurals rule.
Don MacLeod

Anonymous said...

God be with all of you, comfort you and give you strength. We are praying for relief for Shawndra from her pain. I can hardly believe that I just talked to you on Friday night and you sounded so good. You endure such pain but never want to burden anyone with it. We love you all and we are here to help in any way that we can.
In love and prayer,
Kelly, Mark, Kayla and Grant

The Mama Monkey said...

Prayers for pain relief and wisdom for your medical team to come up with immediate and effective interventions.

Anonymous said...

Glad you had a good time in Colorado..minus the bus ride :) I am praying that you have pain relief immediately and that it continues. Stay strong Shawndra B!
Love ya girl,
Michelle B.

Anonymous said...

Doug - You are doing real work. You are taking care of that precious wife and daughter of yours. Glad to see you can have humor through all these rough patches. Laughter is the best medicine.

I hope Shawndra gets her pain under control some how, some way. I pray for immediate relief for her.

Kristen

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

You are in my prayers.

Jennifer Teegarden

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

Glad you and your family had a wonderful time in Colorado. I remember those good old days we drove out to Colorado for our Ice Skating Competitions! Our thoughts and prayers are with you always! God Bless you all! Keep Believing!!!

We Love You!

The Mudge Family

Anonymous said...

I hope a solution to Shawdra's pain can be found soon. It was nice to read about your vacation adventures. I'm glad you had the opportunity to get away and enjoy time together. Love and prayers to all of you.

Roswita said...

Dear Doug

God bless you young father and husband.
It's so nice you had a quality time all together in Snowmass. You sound relaxed. That's exactly what you all needed.

I can just picture you all.
The last time I joined the Beauchamps, your Shwandra skied down those hills as if she was used to flying.
I just now remembered watching her ice skating performances. Ella will be doing just as cute and fantastic as she did.

We keep on praying the miracle will happen that she'll be pain free.

Take good care of yourself and your two girls.
We learn with you guys to enjoy every minute.
I'm so glad you had the gift of having her home for Christmas, and to be able to go on a family vacation.
We keep on praying there will be more fun times.
Keep your positive attitude. You sound just like Shwandra.

Anonymous said...

We are always thinking and praying for you all. So glad that you got to enjoy the trip even though it started off a little rocky. I really hope and pray that the pain is able to be managed soon. Knowing you and reading your blogs it is great that you have a wonderful spirit like Shawndra's which I am sure has been passed on to your awesome little girl.

Kim & Trey

Becky said...

Oh Shawndra, I am so sorry you are still in so much pain. I will continue to pray for some relief and for you Doug some peace. I hope they will be able to get this pain thing under control soon. We love you guys.

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers your way!!

Anonymous said...

Lord,
Please hear our prayers! Remove the fluid and pain from Shawndra's fragile body. Continue to give this family strength to fight another day. Please fill thier hearts, mind and ears with the beautiful laughter and voice of our inspirational Shawndra.
In Your name we pray!
Amen!!!

I love you Doug and Shawndra.

Brandi

Paulette said...

I cannot stand the thought of Shawndra in so much pain. I am praying fervently for her.
So grateful for the updates Doug, I check often and pray harder.
I am praying for you and Ella as well, this has to be so painful for you as well, as your entire family.
Blessings

Susan said...

Thoughts and prayers are all your way today. I pray for pain relief soon!

God Bless!!

Roswita said...

I just received Andrea's e mail.
NOT SO GOOD NEWS.

S's sister words " S . has an infection that they are trying to fight off with rounds of antibiotics. Her heart rate and breathing ( respiratory rate) are still quite fast. She was pretty sedated. When we ( Andrea and Doug ) visited last night ( 1/12/09) there were a few moments of clarity. We ask that you continue to be invested in S. and her life via prayer."

OUR PRAYERS GO TO YOU SHAWNDRA AND FAMILY

THE LORD KNOWS ALL YOUR NEEDS. RELY ON HIM TO CARRY YOU THROUGH THIS.

LET'S KEEP FAITH UP.

LOVE,
YOUR BRAZILIAN FAMILY
ROSWITA, MARCUS, RAINER AND CARLA

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers are with you as always!

Keep up the fight and continue to believe!

Hoping for a quick turnaround, pain relief, the infection to be gone and more comfort and rest at home with family and friends!

One of many faithful prayer warriors,

Terra

Anonymous said...

Roswita, THANK YOU for this urgent update. I'm glad I checked the comments. Just as things can change so quickly for the worse, shows how quickly they can also change for the better. I hope we are updated about Shawndras condition as some of us who only came to know & care for her through her blog don't recieve updates via e mail and we really worry & pray for her & her beautiful family.
Shawdra, I pray for you & check on you daily. I pray that you are free of pain & that this infection will be cleared up so you can get your stents replaced. Stay strong & know that you are being prayed for & thought of from afar.
Doug & family, I am so sorry that you are having to watch your lovely Shawndra have to fight so hard. YOU are also in my prayers. What a wonderful husband & father you seem to be. Shawndras parents & sister, What wonderful bonds you seem to have. How close you seem to be & how many memories you seem to have made. I am sorry for you also. To not be able to help in this fight must be hard to handle. Please know you are all in so many thoughts & prayers also. God Bless you all, Vickie in J.C. Mo.

Anonymous said...

Praying hard for you sweet girl! Stay strong and may peace be with you and your family at this most difficult time :)

Anonymous said...

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE RECENT UPDATES....PRAYING THE GOOD LORD WILL BRING SHAWNDRA MUCH COMFORT AND FREE FROM PAIN.....WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC, MO....JEN MILLER