Thursday, December 11, 2008

Another Surgery = More Pain

Shawndra is experiencing a lot of pain from this surgery. The doc mentioned that he had to "move things around" to access her stomach. There were many adhesions to contend with as well. Luckily, Dr. Morgan arrived early this morning to change the pain delivery to a continuous drip. An infectious disease doctor visited this evening to address her fever. It spiked to 103 just about an hour ago... arghhh, just another hurdle, but seriously... how much can one person tolerate? True to her spirit, she is a fighter.

For those of you that continue to feed our family, thank you! It's nice to have food readily available. I think I've dropped five pounds this week, mostly due to erratic eating schedules (not depression).

It's highly unlikely we'll be home this weekend, but perhaps early next week. Gary and I had not planned on bringing Ella up to see mommy tonight, but as soon as I pulled into the parking lot, she recognized the building and said "daddy, I want to see mommy". She told me she would be real quiet, as not to wake mommy. She said she wanted to sing mommy two songs: ABCD and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Mommy awakened with a big smile and sang to Ella the ABCD song. Then Ella sang to mommy the other. I hadn't cried all day (first in a week), but that, my friends, was just too much. What a little angel.

- Doug

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a precious daughter you two have....I bet that was the best "medicine" for Shawndra tonight Doug!
So happy you all got to have your time together tonight. All 3 of you are going to look back on this in years to come and think about "that night that Ella's ABC and Twinkle songs made Mommy all better!"
Many thoughts and prayers heading your way!

Paulette said...

I came by to pray over ya'll before going to bed. I am so thank-ful Shawndra got to see her Ella. I know that must have helped her so much, both of them for that matter.
You fight Shawdra! I know you will be home soon.
Ya'll are not alone, your fans are here and we love you Shawndra, Doug and sweet Ella.
Thank ya'll so much for the updates!!

Astraea said...

Ella's sweet singing is probably just the medicine Shawndra needed. The love between a mother and her child is amazing. Please tell her we're still knocking at Heaven's gate!! Miracles are just a prayer away.

Anonymous said...

Ella is definitely the best medicine Shawndra could have right now. I hope the pain comes under control soon and she is home with her family.

Love, Marny

Anonymous said...

There is nothing better than a child (especially a singing/smiling one!) to make you smile and make your day.

We will continue to uplift you in prayer...over and over!

God Bless

Anonymous said...

Doug & Family, I have not commented in a while but come to the blog several times a day to check on you all. My heart is heavy for all of you but your little Ella lifted me up once again with her sweet little spirit. Being with Jan and Jen through all they went through brings me right there in the room with you and Shawndra. I do know where you are, what you going through and pray for peace, no pain and moments of sheer love and adoration for you all. I would say you amaze me with your strength but it's nothing new. You have been the rock since the beginning of this. My prayers are with you and your entire family and wish for you that miracle that will bring Shawndra home to be surrounded by her family and friends at this time of year and to watch that precious little girl for another Christmas. Peace to you all. Melodie Chrisman

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you here in Indiana! I pray that you would feel the Lord's presence during this difficult time; that both of you would have a peace that passes understanding. We are praying for a miracle!
Jen in Indiana

Melony said...

I cried just reading it!! Ella is the best medicine Shawndra can get.. I am praying that you guys have a peaceful & pain free weekend.

Anonymous said...

Although I don't know you, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I check on you several times a day. What an amazing family you have. Keep fighting!!!!!

Anonymous said...

How precious! I would've cried watching that as well. Doug, I admire your strength through this ordeal and I pray that God will give you comfort and peace. And amazing Shawndra, I pray that you will be in the comfort of home soon, the pain lifted or at least tolerable, to spend Christmas with sweet Ella, singing and having slumber parties! Rest up so you can have this miracle soon!

Prayers and happy thoughts to the family and friends that love you dearly!

Terra

Unknown said...

So glad to hear that Ella and Mommy got to see each other and spend some special time together. That's so cute that she wanted to sing to Mommy. I know Shawndra loved that. Ella is just so cute. It has to be precious for her to sing at that age. I hope today brings less pain and lots of comfort to Shawndra. I have been and will be praying for her and your entire family. Leisa

Amberchlopaz said...

You, dear friend, are surrounded by angels it seems, and have an angel soul yourself. Love and prayers..... Joyce

Anonymous said...

May God take away any pain from Shawndra's body and bring her home soon! What a sweet little girl to want to sing to her mommy. I am sure neither of you will ever forget that moment. Even in the midst of pain God provides moments of light!

Praying for you,
Christie in GA

Anonymous said...

Having two children myself I absolutely understand the smiles they can bring to us. I am sure this was exactly the surprise she needed yesterday and a moment you both will always cherish. I pray daily for a miracle,peace and comfort for your family. I don't comment alot but have followed Shawndra's story from the very beginning and appreicate the updates.
Prayers are coming from Higginsville Mo.
Marcie

Anonymous said...

Children are a never ending source of amazement. Even my grown children bring tears to my eyes. That visit from Ella had to be the highlight of Shawndras day......Ella knew what she was doing! I hope that today will be a bit easier on Shawndra pain wise and that the fever vanishes. We need that girl to be on her way home, Santas coming soon!
Hang in there Doug, there are lots of leaning posts along this road you're traveling, don't be afraid to use them. We are here when and if you need anything.
And all the B's....you know we love you guys, always have, always will.

Anonymous said...

Aw, that was such a beautiful post. I'm sure there are too many people out there that wish they had that kind of love- from a wonderful husband & a beautiful child.
That post was touching. It really pulled @ the heart strings!! It must've been a beautiful moment.
I pray for Shawndras pain to be controlled so she can gain her strength for walking & being @ home to put up those Christmas decorations while her & Ella sing more songs.
God Bless you all, Vickie Wieberg in J.C.

Cathy said...

Shawndra,
Remember how u felt after the Heated Chemo? Seems so long ago but I remember my pain and Dr. Loggie telling me how everything was 'misplaced' inside of me and had to find its way back home. He was right.

Doug please keep us posted and sharing the wonderful
Ella stories.


Next step...home for the holiday!

Anonymous said...

That is absolutely precious. Kids are just so wonderful and can cheer the spirit instantly. I am sorry to hear Shawndra had more pain this time around. I hope the docs can get this under control for her. Bless her heart she has been through so much. Hopefully this weekend will be uneventful and Shawndra can get ready to come home next week.
God bless you all!

Kristen

Anonymous said...

Doug,

I am so happy that Ella seems to have gotten over any fears she may have had about seeing Shawndra in the hospital. I'm glad you had your family together yesterday.
It pains me to hear that Shawndra isn't feeling well. I hope that everything improved overnight, so that she can rest peacefully as she recovers.
As always, don't hesitate to call. I'm available all weekend.

Love, dustin

Anonymous said...

Shawndra and family~
My prayers continue for you every day. Your Ella is absolutely darling. I hope the new drip has eased your pain and that you are able to return home very soon. Many, many prayers and well wishes to you all.
Sincerely,
Tricia (CMH)

Anonymous said...

My dear, you are such a fighter,GOD bless you my sweet friend, and you are in my prayers, I know you arent gettin' your cell right now, Adam (my lil 3 yr old) and I left you a voicemail, I sent it only as a voicemail, in case you did have your phone on I didnt want to disturb your sleep or rest.
Just recooperate from this sugr. and you'll be home in no time..we're pullin for ya sweetie..Im so sorry about all the trials you face, but GOD only tests those strong enough to take it who have the spirit and faith to pull them through, I love ya like your my sister, and I miss hearing from you my dear.
Just rest up and call me when your up to it...In my prayers in GOD name and BLESSINGS!
Naomi

Anonymous said...

That little girl of yours is truly an angel! I bet Ella's visit was a huge boon to Shawndra's spirits. (By the way, I'd like to point out that it's obvious that Ella is the light of both your lives from the way you write about her. Such love in your home!!)

To say that Shawndra is strong is an understatement, but the same applies to you, Doug. You are ALL nothing short of amazing.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers,

jg in ca

Anonymous said...

ELLA IS YOUR ANGEL RIGHT HERE ON THIS EARTH....THANK U SO MUCH FOR THE UPDATES DOUG...BUT PLEASE TELL SHAWNDRA I SURE MISS HER POSTS....I CAN FEEL THE TWINKLING IN HER WORDS EACH TIME SHE WRITES....SUCH AN INSPRIRATION TO ME....MAY THE GOOD LORD BRING U ALL A PEACEFUL AND LOVING WEEKEND...WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC, MO....JEN MILLER

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

We hope you get to feeling better! Ella you sure are adorable. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Keep fighting Shawndra! We are fighting for you! Keep Believing!!! We Love You!

The Mudge Family

Jean said...

Wow...what a tender, sweet moment. May you have many, many more. We are praying for all of you.

e-hugs from Blue Springs
Jean

Anonymous said...

God bless your family. I cried too imagining Shawndra and Ella singing to each other. What a precious moment! I will keep praying for that fighting spirit to prevail, and for Shawndra to be able to come home quickly!!!

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, I know I haven't written you in a very long time. My bad, but know that you have always been in my prayers. I am in the Holy Land right now, staying in Bethlehem for a few weeks with the other seminarians from my class. I am praying for you at the Holy sites. We'll have to plan a time to catch up when I get back to KC in the spring.
Love and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

I was so sorry to read Doug's recent post about your increased pain. I hope you are feeling better this afternoon and your pain has been manageable. You are such an amazing person with such a fighting spirit! I am continuing to pray for you and thinking about you often throughout the day. Keep the faith; miracles do happen!

Jennifer Teegarden

Anonymous said...

Nothing better than your kids to bring you comfort. Continue to feel better and get home Shawdra. We're all crossing our fingers and praying and sending lots of love. Be well.

Anonymous said...

What a precious story about Ella and Mommy (and Daddy).


Jeanna in AR

Anonymous said...

This post just brought chills up and down my spine and a tear to my eye. So precious - you're daughter Ella.

Your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Melissa

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear Shawndra is having more pain. Shawndra, you are such a fighter I know you'll be out of there and back home in no time. It brought tears to my eyes thinking about you and Ella singing. Please God, show us that miracle we all know is possible!
Love and prayers, Julie

Anonymous said...

There is just nothing better for lifting spirits then having your children with you. I am so glad you had that special time with Ella. Hope you feel better really soon and are able to get home!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

The McRaes

Becky said...

Ella being the best medicine for Shawndra. I continue to lift you guys up in prayer.

Anonymous said...

I can just picture Ella singing her song. It doesn't get any sweeter than that. Keep fighting, Shawndra! You are so strong. I am thinking and praying for you every day!
Love, Hill

Anonymous said...

Doug-

You have two amazing girls. Always praying and thinking about you all.

Kim R.

Anonymous said...

Just a quick note to let you know that we continue to send prayers and good thoughts your way!!!

I hope the doctors are able to help control Shawndra's pain, and that she is home SOON so that she can enjoy Christmas with her little Elf.

The way you support one another is beautiful, and a reminder of the true spirit of family and love. You live your faith more than many people I know, and you have helped inspire faith in people you will never meet or know.

Sending many prayers and hugs,

jg

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you lots this weekend Shawndra. You and your family are always on my mind and in my prayers. Hopefully the pain has subsided some for you and you can come home very soon. Keep fighting girl, you are so brave.

Kristen

Anonymous said...

Poor, poor Shawndra..my prayers are with you and of course your beautiful family...Sue

Anonymous said...

Hey Shawndra B! Thanks for letting me hang out with you this am! I'm glad we got to go outside and get some fresh air before it got cold!! Super refreshing...I feel like your really close to getting out of that hospital-things seem to be working better! Just remind them you have lots of medical-type friends and family to help you out...Get some good rest tonight and hopefully you'll feel more awake tomorrow! See you again soon.

Ang

Astraea said...

Hope you're healing and feeling less pain everyday. You're in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Still praying and hoping you get to go home soon.
Melody

Anonymous said...

I have been praying that they have been able to get your pain under control this weekend Shawndra. I lift you and your family up to our Great Physician and just remember that with God All Things Are Possible and miracles DO happen!!!

Anonymous said...

Pray for you all and hope Shawndra will be home soon,

Viola

Anonymous said...

Doug, Shawndra, Ella, Gary, Carol, Andrea and all your family members

Roswita, Marcus, Rainer and Carla are always praying for your strenght to ease your pain.

All our love from your Brazilian family in Florida

Anonymous said...

pray for you all and hope Shawndra will get home soon

Viola

Anonymous said...

I don't know you guys but I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you, praying for you and expecting miracles! You have such a beautiful family and I will continue to come back for updates and continue to hold you all up in prayer. Keep fighting Shawndra! God bless y'all!

Tina in Texas

Anonymous said...

Continuing to pray for you all...hoping to hear an update that Shawndra is HOME able to enjoy the holiday season at HOME! :)
Blessings,
Jess in Nebraska

Anonymous said...

Turner family, Ive been thinking about you & praying for your comfort & strength to improve so you can be at home with your baby. Just wanted you to know that I'm checking in & hoping to hear some really good news from you or Doug soon. Thinking of you in J.C. Mo., Vickie Wieberg

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, Doug, Ella, Andrea, and anyone else who loves and is praying for Shawndra and this family:

our prayers continue!!! We pray that Shawndra's pain is under control and that she will spend Christmas at home with her family.

There are so many prayers and so much good energy surrounding you at this time. I hope you can feel this, and I hope it helps sustain you all as you continue to fight this battle.

In awe of all of you.

jg

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
It has been years since skating at Foxhill! I happened upon a social network page of your sister's and found your blog from there.

I can still visualize you as the spunky feisty little skater zooming around! I wonder where Ella gets it?! Ha Ha!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Keep fighting the fight!

Love always.
B. (Baranczuk)Brubeck

Anonymous said...

Doug and Shawndra-
Just up and couldn't sleep, thinking of you and hoping you are getting some rest- so hard in the hospital yet oh so needed. I pray Shawndra is feeling better- fever makes you feel terrible and I'm sure it is the least of it not having eaten in a long time. I hope she is more comfortable and healing. Many thoughts and prayers to you both. Ella is precious and such a blessing. May the Peace of God be with you both. Adriane

Anonymous said...

Keeping you in my prayers always!!!

Kitty

Anonymous said...

I hope you guys are catching up on some much needed rest.....if you can do that in the hospital. LOL I continue to lift you up in prayer and hope that no news is good news.