Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Update

Here's my most recent email update:
Hello all-
So, a lot has happened since my last email. Shawndra has remained out of ICU, but not out of the OR (operating room). She did have her stints replaced. Then they put in an epidural to try to help with pain. Then she went back in for a 2nd stint to be placed on the Rt side, her better functioning kidney.
Shawndra gave us a little scare over the end of the week/weekend when her creatinine started to increase. This is not necessarily a good sign in terms of kidney function. She was also still having pain. So, they performed a superior hypogastric pain block which has helped some with the pain, but not eliminated the pain yet. Shawndra's pain doctor, Dr. Morgan is so awesome. He is always thinking of something to try to help with the pain and manage her case so well. He is trying so hard for Shawndra, it's so kind.
Yesterday, Shawndra had perked up a bit, smiled, was awake more, made a few jokes/sly remarks - much more the Shawndra we know. She is still having edema in her legs, so not getting up as much as before. Today, she was up/awake most of the day but was starting to have some increased pain some this evening again. The doctors are trying to wean off of most all the tubes and discuss transitioning her. We are still undecided as to the course of hospital stay and then on from there at this time. Lots of things have been suggested, but no decision yet. She and the family will help decide when we need to.
In closing (don't I feel like the president today - Ha!), I want to repeatedly thank everyone for their concern, committment, support, and prayers. I know it's hard to not be able to do anything but pray. But you know what - that is one of the MOST important things that you all can offer Shawndra, Doug, Ella, my parents, Doug's parents, Doug's family, and my family. I am following this with Luke 11:8-10 that was sent to me in one of our pastor's weekly devotional emails. It seems fitting at this point in time. I appreciate all of you who have been supported my emails and who take the verses and follow through with reading and studying them. That is awesome!!

In Luke 11:8-10 out of the New Living Translation, here is what we read: 8 But I tell you this—though he won't do it for friendship's sake, IF YOU KEEP KNOCKING LONG ENOUGH, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.9 "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Lord, may your ears, eyes, heart and door be open today and everyday that we pray for Shawndra. We continue to pray for strength for her, Doug, and our families. We keep knocking asking for Shawndra's pain to be resolved/eliminated. God, we give you the glory for all the successes that we've had and seen in this journey. We ask that You keep showing us YOUR work. We boldly proclaim a MIRACLE in Shawndra's name. Father, we know that this will continue to be an emotional journey and we want the highs to be ever higher and the lows to be less. Thank you for reminding us to lean on you. For some of us are still walking next to you, but we know that you are carrying some of us as well. Thank you for answering our prayers and opening the door as we continue to knock. Bless all the people who read this and who comprise Shawndra's support community/prayer warriors.
In Jesus name. AMEN

In Christ,
Andrea
(Shawndra's sister)

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

I pray that she will be resting comfortably at home soon. Thank you for the updates.

Love, Dustin

Becky said...

I will continue to lift you guys up in prayer and I hope that God will give Shawndra the peace and comfort she needs and some peace for her family.

Anonymous said...

Sending up many prayers for all of you, and for comfort for Shawndra. Thank you, Andrea, for your words and your update. Your sister, and your entire family, remain close to my heart.


Michelle

Anonymous said...

Always are all in my thoughts and prayers~

Praying for peace and precious time with your family Shawndra.

((HUGS))
Deb (LSMO)

Anonymous said...

I am praying and holding good thoughts for all of you...this is so hard for all of you who know and love Shawnra and family...and we who have never met love them also....grasp each moment and let everyone you love feel your love...
~blessings from Illinois~

Anonymous said...

I have followed Shawndras story for a few months, learned of her from Stephanie Vest. I will continue you to pray for Shawndra and her family. You have such a fight that it is turly amazing.

Prayers from STL

Anonymous said...

Shawndra and family,
Sending prayers and love your way! Your faith is inspiring.
Love and Hope,
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Continued love and prayers. I hope Shawdra will be home with Doug and Ella soon.

Anonymous said...

PROCLAIMING A MIRACLE IN THE NAME OF JESUS FOR SHAWNDRA....MAY SHE BE ABLE TO REST COMFORTABLY AT HOME ONE DAY SOON.....PRAYING FOR PEACE AND COMFORT FOR THE FAMILY....I KEEP ON KNOCKING !!!! WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC, MO.....JEN MILLER PS MANY THANKS FOR THE UPDATES.....

Astraea said...

The prayers will not stop. I think of you all constantly.

Anonymous said...

Andrea, thanks for the post. As with all the other readers, I pray for each of you daily. For all the things that are obvious as well as the things we can't yet foresee. As onlookers, friends, fellow Mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters....it is so difficult to find that "magic" offering that will make a difference. But as you said so well, the prayers we can all offer is that Magic. Peace and Love to you all. We love you guys dearly.

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU for taking the time to let us know how Shawndra is coming along.
Like so many others, I thinkof her constantly & pray for you all daily.
I was a nephrology nurse for 10 years before I had my son & went into school nursing last year, I KNOW how important creatnin levels & kidney function are & Im grateful to know that her numbers are coming down.
I hope that they get her pain under control so she can be at home where she belongs. I am still hopeful for her miracle. I loved that bible verse. We'll keep asking!
Prayers & love to you all & comfort & peace for Shawndra, God Bless, Vickie

Unknown said...

May warm thoughts and prayers continue to bless you and your family.

Anonymous said...

peace to you...

Anonymous said...

Shawndra and Family-

Our thoughts and prayers are with you alwasy! Keep Believing! Love You All!

The Mudge Family

Lorna said...

Thank you so much for the update, Andrea. Truly.

Countless people are praying incessantly for Shawndra and your entire family, but I know that at least personally, I don't want to bother anyone right now with a personal email. I realize that you are all fully consumed at this time with Shawndra and her well-being, and that is certainly as it should be.

You're a wonderful sister, Andrea. Shawndra is lucky to have you. And you are both a testament to how your parents raised you. Good people, all around.

With constant prayers and good thoughts,

Lorna Taylor
(a friend of Doug's from before his marriage, who met Shawndra through him)
WriterLorna@Hotmail.com

nancygrayce said...

Praying

Team Piggott said...

Thanks for the update. I am praying everyday that she is comfortable and felling better. I know this is difficult for you and your family but I know will see you all through this.

Love,
The Piggotts

Susan said...

I pray for comfort and pain relief. I also pray for miracles!

God Bless!
Susan

Unknown said...

Shawndra and your entire family are in my prayers regularly and will continue to be. My prayers for Shawndra are always for her to be pain free, peaceful, comfortable and for her to feel the love in her heart of all those around her that care so much for her whether it be family, friends or faithful bloggers like myself. My prayers continue. Thank you for the detailed update and may God Bless you and your family. Leisa

Anonymous said...

Wow, Andrea, what a powerful message. Thank you so much. Continued love to all. Joyc

Anonymous said...

Shawndra & family, just checking on you guys this morning & letting you know you are being thought of & prayed for. God Bless, Vickie

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the update Andrea! You guys never cease to amaze me with your utmost respect for each other and your unwavering ability to hold strong through this journey. Not only has Shawndra been an inspiration, but your entire family has set an example on how to handle tough times.

I am constanly thinking about and praying for you all. This experience, though no where near the experience you are facing, has changed the way I think about life, love and faith and I thank you all for that.

One of many faithful prayer warriors,

Terra Shover

Anonymous said...

I am praying for no more pain for Shawndra! Sue

Anonymous said...

We are continuing to knock at HIS door and our prayers have been and will continue to be answered.

God bless you all

Love

Roswita

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the updates. We are praying for you all.

Susan McRae and family

Anonymous said...

I will continue to pray and HOPE all is well!!!

Sincerely,
Kitty

Anonymous said...

I continue to pray for your family and for Shawndra's pain to be removed. I hope she is able to come home real soon. Thank you for the updates.

Kristen

Robyn said...

Thanks for the update. I will keep praying for a miracle.

Anonymous said...

Wanted to check in and see if Shawndra had home plans for the weekend & to see if her pain is still being controlled.
Yesterday after I wrote, I went back into her BLOG archives, cause its been awhile. I watched the video of her story on the news. It was nice to see her smiling & looking so healthy. I'm comforted in knowing that either way, through miracle or rebirth in heaven, she will look like this again.
She has bared a heavy burden with elegance & grace. I will continue to check on this amazing woman & her beautiful family.

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family. Shawndra, I pray that you are home soon and that your pain will become under control.

Nicole M.

Anonymous said...

Prayers for Shawndra, her family and her friends. I pray that you continue to have the strength and courage as you find your way along this journey.

Hope she can look out and absorb some of the beautiful sun we've been blessed with today or maybe enjoy a few moments with Ella, her own little sunshine!

Blessings

Jennifer

Robin said...

Thoughts and prayers for Shawndra.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you Shawndra and your family everyday. I hope they have gotten your pain under control and that you are spending good quality time with all those you care about that can bring you peace and comfort at this time. I hope you can get home soon!
Deb (LSMO)

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you, praying for comfort and hoping your pain is better.
Melody

Anonymous said...

Dear Shawndra & family, Its Sunday & I wanted to check on you today & was hoping somebody had let us know if your pain was under control or if you made it home? You are being thought of & prayed for today, like everyday.
Your family is being prayed for also. I'm thinking of you all. I will check on you again tomorrow!
God Bless you all, Vickie in J.C.,Mo.

Lynn said...

Shawndra, Doug, and Ella - I'm thinking of you all and hoping and praying that Shawndra's pain is under control and you are enjoying time together.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra & Doug,

Many thoughts and prayers go out for both of you tonight. I cannot even imagine what a difficult time this is for you. I pray that Shawndra is without pain and she is resting comfortably. You are both such amazing, inspiring people. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Jennifer Teegarden

Anonymous said...

I am still praying....
Sincerely,
Kitty

Anonymous said...

Good morning Shawnda and family :)

Just checking in to see how things are going, praying you are comfortable and spending good quality time with friends and family.

If anyone has an update, I am sure we'd all love to hear from you. I know the family is busy caring for Shawndra.

In my thoughts and prayers always.
Deb (LSMO)

Anonymous said...

To all boggers and family

All I just learnt from S's aunt e mail is that Doug went to work the other day and could not be reached by phone.

We all continue our prayers for S's well being , peace, pain free , strength to continue her journey and as once her 94 year old grandmother wrote me" God must have some special plans for her"

What great people you all are.
An example to all of us.

God bless you all.

Love,

Roswita

Anonymous said...

Roswita, thank you for the update, though I did not understand it very well. You posted that Doug went to work the other day & could not be reached by phone?
Is he working out of town? If hes working, does that mean that Shawndra is still in the hospital? Is she home?
I know everyone in her family is probably spending time with her but if anyone hears anything else, could you let us know?
Praying & thinking of Shawndra & her family, Vickie Wieberg in J.C., Mo.

Anonymous said...

Bless your hearts and give you strength to get through this tough time. Your words to us are heard and we will continue to pray.

Mandy Hamlin Featherston