Shawndra is improving fast. With the help of her sister, she walked the ICU hall this afternoon. This feat provided a huge mental boost. She's already talking about things she wants to do once she's back home; like enjoying spring weather at the lake. Besides having a bit of a problem producing red blood cells, Shawndra is doing remarkably well.
This morning Carolyn, Andrea, Ella and I attended Uncle Les' Sunday church service -- http://trinityomaha.com Les is a wonderful man; and such a motivational speaker. His message today about "hands" is one I think anyone would enjoy. (The audio recording can be found on the website.) Associate pastors Jerry and Dave have been there for us too, and we can't thank them enough. Ella enjoyed playing in the "Advanced Toddler" room. She shot me that great big smile of hers when I showed up at the door. I love it! She's been daddy's little girl the past few days. This morning I made her a promise that if she was a good girl today, she could pick out any toy in the store tonight to play with in the bathtub. So far so good! :) Good job Ella. I'm proud of you!
Ella has been crying for mommy off and on today. Thankfully, she's easily distracted, because it just makes my heart ache to see and hear her long for Mommy. Each time, I tell her we may see Mommy tomorrow. That she's resting and that Mommy loves Ella so much. She loves her "all the time." I hope I'm providing her enough comfort. I just want to spend as much time as I can with her now, because I may not see her much next week.
Okay, enough about me. I told myself ,when Shawndra asked me to BLOG, that I wouldn't make this about me. I'll try to tone it down a bit, and concentrate more on Shawndra.
With that said, I'm hoping, in a few days, Shawndra will be able to personally write a post, or at least dictate one (so that I may write it).
There's really not much else to report. Thanks again for the BLOG comments. Shawndra will enjoy reading them one day soon.
- Doug
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36 comments:
Nice to have a PT in the family for the first walk down the hall, huh? Goooooo Shawndra!!!! That's my cheer...You'll be home before you know it and walking around the block with Ella riding on her "bike." And the weather will be perfect spring weather!
Great job blogging Doug! Thanks for the updates!
Ang
Wow , Shawndra continues to amaze me with her strength everyday- walking and getting around already...amazing due to all that she has been through , many would be content to just lay in bed unless forced out of it, but she is strong and thats a good thing!
I asked Andrea if she is hiding wings somewhere behind her, cause she truley is a angel on this Earth, GOD has a plan for her, and by the success of this surgery it tells us she is needed here on Earth for that job, a Earth Angel indeed!
I pray her cancer goes into remission forever, speedy recovery Shawndra, we all love you and feel you are a part of our family now too!
Thats wonderful news to hear her up and walking around. Our God is good and he is watching over her. God bless you all.
Robin Junker
Keep the good news coming!!! Doug - we like to hear about you and all of the rest of the family, too. Shawndra could not do it without you all. The news this week has been the best in a long time!
Love,
Jan
GO SHAWNDRA GO..........WITH ALL THAT LOVE AND SUPPORT IN YOUR FAMILY DEAR ONE U ARE DESTINED TO HAVE COMFORT AND HEALING ...THEY ARE YOUR ANGELS THE GOOD LORD HAS SENT TO SHARE LIFE AND LOVE WITH U TODAY AND ALWAYS..IT IS A LOVELY DAY HERE IN KC, MO...AS DAY LIGHT SAVINGS HAS ARRIVED AND OUR SUNSHINE WILL BE LONGER IN OUR LIVES...THIS WILL GIVE U PLENTY OF CHANCE TO ENJOY AS U GET BACK ON YOUR FEET....HAVE A BLESSED SUNDAY...WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER, JEN MILLER :) PS DOUG AND ANDREA, THANKS FOR THE UPDATES...I HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS SOMETIMES....SO I WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE NEXT NOTE....
Shawndra,
I am so glad to read about your progress. It sounds like everything is moving in the right direction. Hopefully you can move out of the ICU soon. Continued thoughts & prayers for a speedy recovery!
Jennifer Teegarden MD
Dear Doug,
Of course we want to hear about you, and I have a strong suspicion that Shawndra wouldn't mind one bit! Thank you so much for keeping us posted. I hope Ella has a wonderful time with her toy in the tub tonight! :-) Joyce
Great news about Shawndra! It is amazing how quickly doctors get patients up and moving these days...compared to decades ago when they thought a week of total bed rest was perfect!
As for writing about yourself Doug, it's OK! I think that the caregiver/spouse gets lost and forgotten through all of the medical "stuff" the patient has to deal with. Cancer affects the WHOLE family...even little Ella is missing mama! You are an AWESOME dad and are providing Ella with the love and care she needs! KUDOS to you!
Hugs
Laurie
When I lived in Omaha, I attended Trinity and LOVED Les and his sermons...even now I still get them on Podcasts and listen to them weekly. I miss being there each week! It's wonderful to have prayer warriors like Lescontinually praying for Shawndra!
So glad she's doing such a wonderful job in her recovery...like many others have mentioned, she is so strong and such a fighter!!
We're cheering for you girl!!!!
Many blessings to you all...
Please keep up updated!
P.S. How did the chemo flush go after the surgery? Does that wipe out most of the remaining cancer, or how does that work from here?
Dear, doug and shawndra
it`s great that shawndra is better.God does answer prays.To day at church I prayed for shawndra to get better.and when we got home I got
on my computer and went to this blog.
And read a great report about shawndra!
from,
sally walker 9 years old
Shawndra-
Proud of your accomplishments you are making after your surgery. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all! Keep Believing!!!
The Mudge's
You all are missed here in the hood!! The weather was pretty today and Owen was in your yard looking for Ella. Stay strong Shawndra, and come home soon. Hugs and kisses and lots of prayers....Jenny
Oh so glad to hear of Shawndra's progress!!! Sounds like she is doing amazingly well, so soon out of major surgery!!
Doug, enjoy Ella and take some time to take care of yourself!
Shawndra, you'll be close to my heart as always, my friend.
Prayers to you all,
Michelle
Great news! Continued prayers for that recorvery. Doug, you are awesome. Gary, Carolyn and Andrea you too are in our thoughts.
Shawndra,
It is so great to hear you are getting stronger with each passing day. Walking down ICU Lane?? I'm not surprised a bit. You are so determined and surrounded by people who love you. We can't wait for you all to get back to the neighborhood.
Much love,
Miki
Shawndra, you are one amazing woman! Keep keeping on!
I am soooo glad to hear that Shawndra is recovering remarkably well after the surgery. You are ALL in our prayers and in our hearts!!! May God keep taking care of you and the entire family.
We love you very much!
Carla Schmiedt
Go Shawndra!!!!! Jill R
Doug,
Fantastic news.
I'm so happy for you all.
Great you had a good time with Ella.
Great she gets distracted easily.
Actually my daughter Carla read your blog over the phone to me from
another town.
Ella must feel in her unconscious mind a strange feeling of not being able to see her momy once in a while, but she 's learning how to handle it. We all do learn that the best is to accept, forgive life challenges since they are learning experiences which make us stronger ,and thank God for all the blessings.
You and Ella are a blessing to Shwandra.
Shwnadra's a blessing to both of you.
Make it a good week.
Take good care of yourselves.
We all, who know you all thank Dr. Foster for his professional excellence.
We all, thank GOD for the FANTASTIC NEWS YOU JUST GAVE US.
IN A FEW DAYS, SHWANDRA MIGHT BE WILLING TO PLAY IN THE SNOW AND OR GO SKIING?!!!!!!!
SMILE, AND KEEP THE GOOD NEWS COMING.
WE LOVE YOU ALL,
Roswita
Go Shawndra!!! I remember that ICU walk after my open heart surgery, I remembered thinking I'm alive! They told me the more I walked the faster I would heal.
My prayers are with you Shawndra, God is so in control and I am so thank-ful that he is right there with you!
Blessings Family
Doug, you are doing a great job! And it is about you as well, every bit about both you and Ella and I love hearing from the doting dad!
Yea Shawndra! I'm so glad you are on the road to recovery. You are so strong. I can't wait until you are home and outside enjoying the weather too.
Love, Julie
Shawndra and Doug,
I have been reading this blog for a long time now but have not commented much before. I just wanted to let you know that you continue to be in my prayers. I'm glad the surgery went so well and hope that you'll be back to us in OP soon!
Beth
Dejavu! I feel like I'm there with you. Shandra, you're doing great! Continue to do what the doctors and nurses ask of you, even if it seems too daunting. The sooner you can move around, the sooner your belly will feel better, the tubes will be d/c ed and you'll get moved into the step-down room, which is one room closer to home. I'm so glad you're surrounded by family. That is so important. When they offer you the nutritional"shakes" drink them with gusto. They may taste yucky but they'll do your body good. Remember that your chemo flush left your body feeling like you've run a marathon. Be patient. You will recover from that taxing part of the surgery. Are you all in awe of Dr. Foster? Tell him Jan Velander, Jen's mom, from Blue Springs sends my best. I'm rejoicing that he took your case. You are in the best care here on this earth. He and Dr. Loggie are excellent surgeons and top notch in their field. You're a lucky lady to be in their care. Again, have patience, even though it's hard, let your body heal and mentally rejoice with the news of your successful surgery. God is good. I know my Jen put in a good word for you as ell. :-)
I look forward to your homecoming and giving you a gentle hug.
May God's stength and peace go with you and your family.
Many prayers and much love,
Jan Velander, Jen Ireland's mom
Thanks for the updates Doug and Andrea! And way to go Shawndra! Your strength continues to amaze me! You are living proof that when there is a will, there is a way! I can't wait to read the next post and see what milestone you have hurdled next!
Terra
I'm so glad things are going so well! I hope Ella will get to see her Mommy very soon. :) God bless.
Shawndra,
Praise the LORD! HE is right there with you walking down the hall. HE is lifting you up and making you stronger every day. With HIM all things are possible. The Bible says so, and I know so! You are blessed with such wonderful friends and family. Would you look at these Blog comments! AMEN! Peace, confidence, joy, wisdom, comfort and continued strength be with all of you!
With all HIS love and in HIS Holy, Blessed and Precious name I will continue to pray,
Diana (Victoria Turner's friend)
Please call if you need anything 913-461-9999
GoodMorning Doug Shawndra and Family
Just checking in this morning to see how Shawndra is feeling? I hope she gets moved to step down today and out of ICU.
Cant wait to hear another update, we are all praying daily for you and are blessed to know you Shawndra!
We all send our love and prayers.
((hugs))
So glad to hear that things are going well. Shawndra is in my thoughts and prayers
Robin - Ontario Canada
So glad to hear that Shawndra's healing process is going well! You all are in my thoughts and prayers always...God is Good and He is working hard for Shawndra!!!
I wanted to share a quick inspirational story with you...my 7 month old nephew was diagnosed in Jan 2008 with a rare genetic disease that we are unsure of the prognosis but we are praying with all our might that God heals little Carson and gives him a miracle. I pray so hard everday and one day as I finished up my prayers while driving to work, a car pulled onto the highway in front of me with the license plate
"N2GODRU" I took that as a definite sign that God is listening as always.
Keep praying and fighting hard Shawndra! God is at work...working His amazing powers to heal your body and keep your fighting soul here on Earth so that you can teach so many others!!!
God bless and many prayers.
http://carsonbowman.blogspot.com
Becky
Olathe, Kansas
I'm so happy to hear the great news about Shawndra!!!
Doug -- sorry to hear about your grandfather.
~Jennifer K.
Shawndra is able to rest and recover because of you Doug. You're a wonderful husband and father!! Sue
The Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church is praying for Shawndra, Doug, & Ella, their family members and the wonderful medical staff.
Rev. Andrew L. Cullen
Shawndra
I don't see any further news, March 10 at night.
I hope you slept alot, did not snorl to wake up the whole hospital, and recovered your energy to soon be able to head home.
Love,
Roswita
Every day brings new achievements! Don't underestimate your value as Ella's father. Yes, she loves her mom, but she is used to spending more time with her. You are just as capable as showering her with the same amount and quality of love - you are a great father Doug!!
Looking forward to more great news...
Love, Dustin
Hello Doug and Shawndra,
We continue to remember you all in our prayers. We pray that Shawndra's recovery from the surgery is swift and that you all have many springs together at the lake.
Shawndra's strength is remarkable. Little Ella's got a light that shines through her, as does Shawndra. She comforts us and provides strength in spite of her own suffering. This, among other things, is why so many of us in blogland follow your story and remember you in our prayers.
Thank you for letting us share this journey with you. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers.
In Portuguese we have a saying that doesn't translate well into English: "pedra mole em agua dura tanto bate ate que fura", but it means "soft water hits hard rock consistently until it makes its way through". Your strength and persistence will succeed. May your faith and love of God, your family and friends continue to inspire you and us in the miracle that we know is possible and will come through. Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't yet, it's because it's not yet the end. Psalm 128:2 says "For thou shall eat the labor of thy hands: happy shalt thy be, and it shall be well with thee". Keep at it. He is with you. You deserve eternal health and happiness my friend. Hebrews 6:10 "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them". We are always thinking of you, your amazing strength and most loving family. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us! Thank you Andrea and Doug for the fantastic after surgery news and keeping us posted. We will always be here for you. Can't wait to continue hearing the good news. With love, Rainer and the Schmiedt's.
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