Lovin' on my boys! There's nothing like Friday.
Have a great weekend ya'll!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wanna know something?
Here's the latest from Hunter...
My aunt Nancy, who teaches at Hunter's school, told me that today in chapel, Hunter looked over and said...
"Nance, my neck holds my head up."
Where, oh where does he come up with these things?
The other night when I was putting him to bed, I thought he was asleep and was starting to leave when he rolled over and announced, "I have teeth in my mouth so I can eat." Ha! Yes you sure do!
One of Hunter's cutest expressions these days is when he looks outside in the evening and asks, "Is it trying to get dark outside?" So cute! Yep, it is trying to!
We call Hunter Forrest Gump sometimes because he has the biggest Southern accent. I love it! He draws out his words and gives one syllable words 2 syllables. It's precious. He calls our dogs "Bent-lay" and "Bay-lay" (Bentley and Bailey). Words with -ing at the end are more like -in for Hunter. "Workin" "Playin" "Goin"
He's a hoot!
Today I asked him if the animals had water. What I meant was the dogs. Apparently, Hunter does not think the dogs are animals and told me point blank, "They're not animals. They are dogs." I should have known. He considered ET on the movie an "Animal." I guess if that's how he sees it, the dogs are surely not animals!
UPDATE on Dana.... She has been moved to Fort Worth to begin rehabilitation. We are so excited and know that without each and every prayer said on her behalf, she could not be where she is. God must have something really incredible in store for her. She recalled a dream to me about 2 weeks ago that she had had. She remembered that she was going to get to go to Heaven if she completed 3 things. She had done 2 and just as she was getting to the third task, it was as if she ran out of time and couldn't go just yet. It gives me chills to think about it. I truly believe that God's plan for her is just beginning to unfold. Her testimony has already spoken volumes and so many people have deepened their faith by watching all she has endured. I know I will never be the same.
According to Chris who talked to his dad tonight, someone at the rehabilitation place assessed her today and said he thought she could make a 100% recovery. Wow! God is so good!
I'm on a roll tonight with new posts, so be sure to check out the others that I posted tonight for pics!
What's a post without a picture??? This is what you get when you have a dish towel on hand and a wild 3 year old looking for entertainment while you cook dinner. He's sporting just a diaper because that's how he naps in the afternoon- we have to take everything off!
My aunt Nancy, who teaches at Hunter's school, told me that today in chapel, Hunter looked over and said...
"Nance, my neck holds my head up."
Where, oh where does he come up with these things?
The other night when I was putting him to bed, I thought he was asleep and was starting to leave when he rolled over and announced, "I have teeth in my mouth so I can eat." Ha! Yes you sure do!
One of Hunter's cutest expressions these days is when he looks outside in the evening and asks, "Is it trying to get dark outside?" So cute! Yep, it is trying to!
We call Hunter Forrest Gump sometimes because he has the biggest Southern accent. I love it! He draws out his words and gives one syllable words 2 syllables. It's precious. He calls our dogs "Bent-lay" and "Bay-lay" (Bentley and Bailey). Words with -ing at the end are more like -in for Hunter. "Workin" "Playin" "Goin"
He's a hoot!
Today I asked him if the animals had water. What I meant was the dogs. Apparently, Hunter does not think the dogs are animals and told me point blank, "They're not animals. They are dogs." I should have known. He considered ET on the movie an "Animal." I guess if that's how he sees it, the dogs are surely not animals!
UPDATE on Dana.... She has been moved to Fort Worth to begin rehabilitation. We are so excited and know that without each and every prayer said on her behalf, she could not be where she is. God must have something really incredible in store for her. She recalled a dream to me about 2 weeks ago that she had had. She remembered that she was going to get to go to Heaven if she completed 3 things. She had done 2 and just as she was getting to the third task, it was as if she ran out of time and couldn't go just yet. It gives me chills to think about it. I truly believe that God's plan for her is just beginning to unfold. Her testimony has already spoken volumes and so many people have deepened their faith by watching all she has endured. I know I will never be the same.
According to Chris who talked to his dad tonight, someone at the rehabilitation place assessed her today and said he thought she could make a 100% recovery. Wow! God is so good!
I'm on a roll tonight with new posts, so be sure to check out the others that I posted tonight for pics!
What's a post without a picture??? This is what you get when you have a dish towel on hand and a wild 3 year old looking for entertainment while you cook dinner. He's sporting just a diaper because that's how he naps in the afternoon- we have to take everything off!
Totally 1985!
I decided it would be fun to dress Blake in a true sweatshirt that his Uncle Blake wore back in 1985 when he was born. It's not that easy to prop him up and keep him in the "sitting" position without that big ol belly flopping out. He sported that little sweatshirt Homer Simpson style most of the day! It's pretty special to have gotten to wear it though. Thanks for bringing it over Mom!
When it gets too quiet...
...you better start to wonder.
Yesterday, after a couple of minutes on the phone with a friend, I thought it was awfully quiet in the house. After peeking around for Hunter, this is what I found...
The entire contents of the changing table were shoved into and behind the little house in Blake's room. Hunter was very proud of his work.
Earlier in the day, he was digging around in Chris' closet and walked out in Chris' size 15 tennis shoes and announced that he was "ready to work out." You better believe I helped him onto the eliptical and told him I had to get a picture of him on it. A 3 foot tall little boy in size 15 shoes... that's not something you see everyday!
Check out those shoes!
We are at a very silly age these days and he keeps me laughing and we are never short on pictures!!
Yesterday, after a couple of minutes on the phone with a friend, I thought it was awfully quiet in the house. After peeking around for Hunter, this is what I found...
The entire contents of the changing table were shoved into and behind the little house in Blake's room. Hunter was very proud of his work.
Earlier in the day, he was digging around in Chris' closet and walked out in Chris' size 15 tennis shoes and announced that he was "ready to work out." You better believe I helped him onto the eliptical and told him I had to get a picture of him on it. A 3 foot tall little boy in size 15 shoes... that's not something you see everyday!
Check out those shoes!
We are at a very silly age these days and he keeps me laughing and we are never short on pictures!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Update...
We got back from our 6th trip to Waco since Blake's arrival. Each time we go, the progress Dana is making is amazing. We are so grateful for answers to prayers! God is so good.
She has been breathing without the ventilator since last Thursday. She has a nose canula that brings oxygen to her, but she is doing all the work. On another incredible note, she had dialysis last Wednesday and is still doing well. Her levels are still at a good place and they did not need to do treatment Friday or today as they would have planned. That's a huge blessing! Dana said that days on dialysis are exhausting.
Her white count that measures infection had risen the past couple of days to around 16,000. We are very used to asking about this each day and it is often an indicator of how things are going. Apparently the doctors think that with her off of the ventilator, whatever cropped up will be taken care of without additional antibiotics. Today, it dropped a little, so we are hopeful that Dana's immune system will knock whatever it is out!
She got a visit from her long-time hair dresser this weekend. He came to her room and cut and styled her hair after she got her hair washed. I know we can all probably account that having your hair clean and done makes you feel better. She looks great! We had a really nice visit Saturday and Sunday and I relayed all of the funny stories of the boys lately. She loved them and cannot wait to see them.
Summer and I put together a bulletin board of pictures for her room, so she was so excited to see all of the grandbabies in recent weeks. It's a great addition to her room to see all of their smiling faces.
She has been breathing without the ventilator since last Thursday. She has a nose canula that brings oxygen to her, but she is doing all the work. On another incredible note, she had dialysis last Wednesday and is still doing well. Her levels are still at a good place and they did not need to do treatment Friday or today as they would have planned. That's a huge blessing! Dana said that days on dialysis are exhausting.
Her white count that measures infection had risen the past couple of days to around 16,000. We are very used to asking about this each day and it is often an indicator of how things are going. Apparently the doctors think that with her off of the ventilator, whatever cropped up will be taken care of without additional antibiotics. Today, it dropped a little, so we are hopeful that Dana's immune system will knock whatever it is out!
She got a visit from her long-time hair dresser this weekend. He came to her room and cut and styled her hair after she got her hair washed. I know we can all probably account that having your hair clean and done makes you feel better. She looks great! We had a really nice visit Saturday and Sunday and I relayed all of the funny stories of the boys lately. She loved them and cannot wait to see them.
Summer and I put together a bulletin board of pictures for her room, so she was so excited to see all of the grandbabies in recent weeks. It's a great addition to her room to see all of their smiling faces.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Oh, to have joy like a child!
Life is good! Hunter is such a joy and such a constant reminder of the simple joys in life. He has the most contagious laugh and it's hard not to join in when he gets going. His teacher told me that he was cracking up at the song, "This old man, he plays one, he plays knick knack on my thumb..." and that it was impossible not to crack up with him. That's my boy. These are some pictures of the past month or so of Hunter in his typical style...just having a great time!
This is in Waco on one of our trips to see Dana. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express this particular trip since it was the time that she was not expected to make it. Our nephews stayed there too, so for an afternoon activity for the boys, we let them swim in the indoor pool. My sister-in-law's mom went to Target and bought suits for the boys. They were all matching and this was the smallest they came. He loved being the same as David and Ryan and they had the BEST time.
Hanging from the hoop on Christmas night at my parent's house.
Driving his new golf cart on Christmas morning! Watch out everyone.
Climbing on his playground.
Priceless... having way too much fun on his bounce house. Thanks Mimi and Bapa! We can't wait until you can see him do this in person!
My 3 boys... I am severely out-numbered!
Chris and Blake on New Year's Eve! Love my boys. Oh, we made it to 10:30 that night. Party on!
This is in Waco on one of our trips to see Dana. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express this particular trip since it was the time that she was not expected to make it. Our nephews stayed there too, so for an afternoon activity for the boys, we let them swim in the indoor pool. My sister-in-law's mom went to Target and bought suits for the boys. They were all matching and this was the smallest they came. He loved being the same as David and Ryan and they had the BEST time.
Hanging from the hoop on Christmas night at my parent's house.
Driving his new golf cart on Christmas morning! Watch out everyone.
Climbing on his playground.
Priceless... having way too much fun on his bounce house. Thanks Mimi and Bapa! We can't wait until you can see him do this in person!
My 3 boys... I am severely out-numbered!
Chris and Blake on New Year's Eve! Love my boys. Oh, we made it to 10:30 that night. Party on!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
2 months...
Blake and his buddy Luke out for coffee with their mommies! Doesn't Blake look so grown up in his hood? So fun! Thanks Mrs. Owens for the precious outfit!
Can't see me... I'm in camo. Attempt at a smile pic. Chubby bubby!
Blake concentrating on his activity mat. This is a new interest these days.
Precious smile!
Blake hit the 2 month mark on the 17th. He weighs in at a whooping 13 lbs 3 oz!! He's a big 'un! I could just eat him up. Don't you love the smile... and the dimples??
Can't see me... I'm in camo. Attempt at a smile pic. Chubby bubby!
Blake concentrating on his activity mat. This is a new interest these days.
Precious smile!
Blake hit the 2 month mark on the 17th. He weighs in at a whooping 13 lbs 3 oz!! He's a big 'un! I could just eat him up. Don't you love the smile... and the dimples??
Brotherly Love
Yesterday after Hunter woke up from his nap, he came into my room where I was putting up laundry, looked around, and asked, "Where's that other little boy?"
"By other little boy, do you mean your brother, Blake?"
"Yea. That other little boy Blake."
Too funny! How's that for brotherly love.
"By other little boy, do you mean your brother, Blake?"
"Yea. That other little boy Blake."
Too funny! How's that for brotherly love.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Workin' Man
Hunter has informed us, along with many family members, that when he grows up he's going to be "a workin' man." Well, I guess that's a good thing!
The other day, I walked into the kitchen after Hunter had woken up and he greeted me with, "What are you doing up so early?" Ha! Where does that even come from?
Blake is growing so fast! He's already 13 lbs 3 oz at 2 months old. Yikes! He's a big boy! He did great getting his 2 months shots yesterday. He cried while the nurse was giving the shots but settled really quickly. He spent most of Monday sleeping and eating. He did run a low grade fever, but was all smiles when he was awake.
Speaking of smiles, he really is grinning a lot now and it melts my heart. He has the most precious dimples and I'm sure they will spare him lots of trouble in the future! How can you resist a boy with dimples? I know I can't!
UPDATE on DANA... We visited Waco again last weekend and were so excited to see the progress Dana had made since last Tuesday. She is completely lucid and can have a true conversation with you. Her memory stops that night that they called 911, which was Nov. 1. She does not remember any of the ordeal until she came out of her fog this past week. What a blessing and truly God's provision that she does not know all of the frightening ordeals that she went through.
They are weaning her off of the ventilator, and she is doing well with that. It is hard work, but she knows she has to do it. One nurse described it to my sister-in-law as comparable to "training for a marathon." Wow! Little by little, she is taking in more food by mouth, but is not really enjoying it since her tastebuds are shot from not being used for these past couple of months.
She continues on the dialysis MWF and has a break Tuesdays and Thursdays. Her kidney levels are getting better by the day. Praise God! Her infection level is down to near normal- a HUGE PRAISE!! This bug she is fighting is a tough one. Apparently, if 3 patients in the ICU were to get it, they would completely close the ICU, transfer the patients out and spend 2 weeks disinfecting the unit. Yikes! We are so grateful to see it responding to the antibiotics. That's a huge blessing.
She is so ready to see the grandbabies... David, Ryan, Hunter, Savanna and Blake. She still has not ever met Blake in person. I can't wait!
She really has come full circle... asking for her hair rollers, making Scott write out a list for HEB knowing we were all coming in town...
We are so thankful for the prayers. Even Dana mentioned to me that she could not have done this without the prayers. She still has a long recovery ahead and we continue to pray that she does not hit any bumps along the road. Many thanks for your continued prayers!
The other day, I walked into the kitchen after Hunter had woken up and he greeted me with, "What are you doing up so early?" Ha! Where does that even come from?
Blake is growing so fast! He's already 13 lbs 3 oz at 2 months old. Yikes! He's a big boy! He did great getting his 2 months shots yesterday. He cried while the nurse was giving the shots but settled really quickly. He spent most of Monday sleeping and eating. He did run a low grade fever, but was all smiles when he was awake.
Speaking of smiles, he really is grinning a lot now and it melts my heart. He has the most precious dimples and I'm sure they will spare him lots of trouble in the future! How can you resist a boy with dimples? I know I can't!
UPDATE on DANA... We visited Waco again last weekend and were so excited to see the progress Dana had made since last Tuesday. She is completely lucid and can have a true conversation with you. Her memory stops that night that they called 911, which was Nov. 1. She does not remember any of the ordeal until she came out of her fog this past week. What a blessing and truly God's provision that she does not know all of the frightening ordeals that she went through.
They are weaning her off of the ventilator, and she is doing well with that. It is hard work, but she knows she has to do it. One nurse described it to my sister-in-law as comparable to "training for a marathon." Wow! Little by little, she is taking in more food by mouth, but is not really enjoying it since her tastebuds are shot from not being used for these past couple of months.
She continues on the dialysis MWF and has a break Tuesdays and Thursdays. Her kidney levels are getting better by the day. Praise God! Her infection level is down to near normal- a HUGE PRAISE!! This bug she is fighting is a tough one. Apparently, if 3 patients in the ICU were to get it, they would completely close the ICU, transfer the patients out and spend 2 weeks disinfecting the unit. Yikes! We are so grateful to see it responding to the antibiotics. That's a huge blessing.
She is so ready to see the grandbabies... David, Ryan, Hunter, Savanna and Blake. She still has not ever met Blake in person. I can't wait!
She really has come full circle... asking for her hair rollers, making Scott write out a list for HEB knowing we were all coming in town...
We are so thankful for the prayers. Even Dana mentioned to me that she could not have done this without the prayers. She still has a long recovery ahead and we continue to pray that she does not hit any bumps along the road. Many thanks for your continued prayers!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Prayers at 3
A special friend of Dana's requested that everyday at 3:00, we all lift her up in prayer. I've been really exploring scripture lately and am reminded that we are to "boldly approach" the throne. We are to pray with expectancy. We are to believe. What a process this has been for all involved. Thank you for joining us in prayer and especially when God lays it on your heart, for sending up a prayer at ANY time of the day. We are forever grateful!
Check out the other entry from today for an update.
** Also, she was able to breathe off of the ventilator for 3 1/2 hours today. That's incredible! She is receiving dialysis this week again and is on a strong antibiotic to knock out the infection in her lungs. We are taking it as a great improvement to see her on lowered settings on the ventilator and especially to have been able to tolerate time off of it. I am waiting on a call from Chris for other info for the day. Overall, I think it is a wonderful day for Miss Dana!! Thanks be to God for His incredible mercy! We pray that the days to come will continue to be days of improvement for her.**
Check out the other entry from today for an update.
** Also, she was able to breathe off of the ventilator for 3 1/2 hours today. That's incredible! She is receiving dialysis this week again and is on a strong antibiotic to knock out the infection in her lungs. We are taking it as a great improvement to see her on lowered settings on the ventilator and especially to have been able to tolerate time off of it. I am waiting on a call from Chris for other info for the day. Overall, I think it is a wonderful day for Miss Dana!! Thanks be to God for His incredible mercy! We pray that the days to come will continue to be days of improvement for her.**
Update on the fam
Chris heard this morning that when Scott walked into the hospital room, Dana was in a sitting position in bed, watching TV and said, "Good morning." Then, she proceeded to ask for her hair rollers, her Bible, and a pen and paper to write with. What a wonderful way to start the day!
On another note, here are some pictures of Blake and Hunter recently. Blake has grown a TON lately and is really filling out. He does not look so newborn anymore. He's going in for his 2 months appt. next Monday, so I cannot wait to see how much he has grown. This past weekend, I took an 8 X 10 of the picture of the boys together, and Dana mouthed the word, "Precious" when she saw it. I cannot wait for her to meet little Blake. What a joyous meeting that will be!
On another note, here are some pictures of Blake and Hunter recently. Blake has grown a TON lately and is really filling out. He does not look so newborn anymore. He's going in for his 2 months appt. next Monday, so I cannot wait to see how much he has grown. This past weekend, I took an 8 X 10 of the picture of the boys together, and Dana mouthed the word, "Precious" when she saw it. I cannot wait for her to meet little Blake. What a joyous meeting that will be!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Keeping the faith...
That's basically what we are trying to do. Today, we wake up and thank God for the gift of another day. I just keep thinking of the words, "Great is thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see."
Today, Dana is going to recieve another hemodialysis treatment. Our hope is that these treatments will allow her kidneys a much needed break and that they will resume normal functioning in the next couple of days.
Her "numbers" are good- heart, blood pressure, etc. We ask about these everyday and are getting used to the medical lingo. For those improvements we are so grateful! Her infection level had risen as of yesterday, however they are not able to pinpoint an infection, so it could possibly be a response to this hemodialysis. She is not on any antibiotics at this time, so the fact that they held steady today is a blessing. Hopefully God will spare her the risk of another infection at this time and so we hope it is in response to this treatment.
Our prayers have not changed- we are still holding on to asking, begging and pleading for complete healing as only God can do. She is so incredibly strong and continues to amaze us all. We will plan on being back in Waco this weekend to see her, Scott and Chris' family.
God is good- I know he is carrying her in the palm of His hands. Great is His faithfulness!+120.jpg)
Today, Dana is going to recieve another hemodialysis treatment. Our hope is that these treatments will allow her kidneys a much needed break and that they will resume normal functioning in the next couple of days.
Her "numbers" are good- heart, blood pressure, etc. We ask about these everyday and are getting used to the medical lingo. For those improvements we are so grateful! Her infection level had risen as of yesterday, however they are not able to pinpoint an infection, so it could possibly be a response to this hemodialysis. She is not on any antibiotics at this time, so the fact that they held steady today is a blessing. Hopefully God will spare her the risk of another infection at this time and so we hope it is in response to this treatment.
Our prayers have not changed- we are still holding on to asking, begging and pleading for complete healing as only God can do. She is so incredibly strong and continues to amaze us all. We will plan on being back in Waco this weekend to see her, Scott and Chris' family.
God is good- I know he is carrying her in the palm of His hands. Great is His faithfulness!
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Monday, January 5, 2009
Another request...
Monday was a tough day for us. We are all broken and tired and so ready to see positive change for Dana. I cannot imagine how she must be feeling after 9 weeks of this.
She was placed on hemodialysis to help with her kidney functioning. We are praying again for a miracle and a turn-around with her kidneys. We saw one nearly a week ago with her heart and feel confident in God's mercy and power.
As of Monday evening, the hemodialysis was able to remove a good amount of fluid out of her body, thus giving her kidneys a chance to rest. Our hope is that after this process, she will be able to do the work on her own effectively. We need this to happen!
A prayer request for today that you can join us in is for her kidneys to respond favorably and to start to do better and better with each passing minute. This is critical.
Many thanks for your prayers.
She was placed on hemodialysis to help with her kidney functioning. We are praying again for a miracle and a turn-around with her kidneys. We saw one nearly a week ago with her heart and feel confident in God's mercy and power.
As of Monday evening, the hemodialysis was able to remove a good amount of fluid out of her body, thus giving her kidneys a chance to rest. Our hope is that after this process, she will be able to do the work on her own effectively. We need this to happen!
A prayer request for today that you can join us in is for her kidneys to respond favorably and to start to do better and better with each passing minute. This is critical.
Many thanks for your prayers.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Prayers Needed!!
Prayer Warriors near and far...
Dana's journey continues with her ongoing sickness. We are just in amazement that it has been 9 weeks in the ICU with her being so sick. This week especially has been a test of our faith.
At some point, I will update the blog on the entire illness, but past entries can fill you in on the details.
We traveled to Waco from Friday-Sunday after Christmas. Dana was holding steady at that point. We got home Sunday night and woke up Monday morning to some bad news. Her white blood count had increased which showed worsening infection. Also, her heart was having trouble and was weakening. Chris traveled to Waco shortly after lunch and I headed up behind him with the boys.
I stopped along the way to pick up my mom at the lake and got there around 9. I was able to see her and tell her how much I love her that night. Tuesday morning, we were woken up by a phone call at 3:45 from Chris' dad saying that the time was near. We rushed to the hospital and were able to talk to her and love on her. She was lucid and able to respond to us. It was a very difficult time as we all thought that the end was nearing. At about 7, we were told to go back to the hotel and rest. We did not know how much longer things could go on.
Dana's cardiologist mentioned that one possibility of her weakening heart could be a toxic reaction to a drug she was on. The other doctors highly doubted this and thought that she was tiring out.
Around 12 noon on Tuesday, we were called back to the hospital. Her heart had weakened further and was very irregular. This time, we read the Bible, sang her favorite hymns and talked and comforted her. She was sedated most of this time so that she would not be anxious or worried.
Around 2:30, we started to see a change on the monitor. The heart was increasing in regularity and strength. We were witnessing a miracle. The tone in the room changed as we began to encourage her to hold on and fight. We saw before our very eyes how God worked a miracle on Dana at that moment. She was hanging on when doctors felt it could not be possible.
The 6 reported cases of this particular drug being toxic left a VERY small chance that that was the case for her. However, as her heart began to turn around, it was evident that she was the 7th case of this. She was doing better.
Tuesday night, a friend of the family and a confirmed "prayer warrior" visited Dana's room to symbolically wash her feet and annoint her with oil. The next morning, she came and met the entire family around her bedside to take communion and pray over her.
Chris and I left for the lake Wednesday afternoon. We felt comfortable with her status at that point and knew she needed to rest.
Thursday brought continued good news. Her heart was holding strong, her infection levels were down a bit and she was resting. The main concern was an increase in her kidney levels, so they were watching that. At that point, the cultures were not showing any infections. This was great!
Friday morning, Chris received a phone call that her infection levels had risen, her kidneys had worsened and he decided to head back to Waco. We spent the day once again in constant prayer. We wanted so badly for God's timing to be NOW- to start the healing process NOW!
Today, the news was better. Her infection levels have dropped- GLORY TO GOD!! They still cannot culture anything, so we are grateful and hopeful that God has taken those stubborn infections and gotten them out of her body for good. The issue of most concern is still the kidneys today. If she absolutely needs to, they will start dialysis, but we hope this will not be the case. We are hoping that they will begin to work more effectively without the need for dialysis. The cardiologist has said today that he thinks her heart is still holding strong. How amazing!!
We are so confident in God's power to heal and we believe with our entire heart that he will. She has great work to do for the Lord and we feel that He will heal her to allow her to do just that. What an amazing witness of God's power, strength and goodness. We have witnessed a miracle firsthand watching her heart recover from the toxin. She has persevered and has the will to continue the fight.
Please join us in praying for her full recovery. Pray the God's timing would begin NOW. She has been through such a long ordeal already and we are begging for each day to be better than the last. God has been so good to us and to her already and has shown us so much in the last 9 weeks. His Word has been so powerful and filling to us as we lean entirely upon Him for wisdom and understanding. We give all glory to Him for each and every step of this journey. Thank you all for your prayers.
Dana's journey continues with her ongoing sickness. We are just in amazement that it has been 9 weeks in the ICU with her being so sick. This week especially has been a test of our faith.
At some point, I will update the blog on the entire illness, but past entries can fill you in on the details.
We traveled to Waco from Friday-Sunday after Christmas. Dana was holding steady at that point. We got home Sunday night and woke up Monday morning to some bad news. Her white blood count had increased which showed worsening infection. Also, her heart was having trouble and was weakening. Chris traveled to Waco shortly after lunch and I headed up behind him with the boys.
I stopped along the way to pick up my mom at the lake and got there around 9. I was able to see her and tell her how much I love her that night. Tuesday morning, we were woken up by a phone call at 3:45 from Chris' dad saying that the time was near. We rushed to the hospital and were able to talk to her and love on her. She was lucid and able to respond to us. It was a very difficult time as we all thought that the end was nearing. At about 7, we were told to go back to the hotel and rest. We did not know how much longer things could go on.
Dana's cardiologist mentioned that one possibility of her weakening heart could be a toxic reaction to a drug she was on. The other doctors highly doubted this and thought that she was tiring out.
Around 12 noon on Tuesday, we were called back to the hospital. Her heart had weakened further and was very irregular. This time, we read the Bible, sang her favorite hymns and talked and comforted her. She was sedated most of this time so that she would not be anxious or worried.
Around 2:30, we started to see a change on the monitor. The heart was increasing in regularity and strength. We were witnessing a miracle. The tone in the room changed as we began to encourage her to hold on and fight. We saw before our very eyes how God worked a miracle on Dana at that moment. She was hanging on when doctors felt it could not be possible.
The 6 reported cases of this particular drug being toxic left a VERY small chance that that was the case for her. However, as her heart began to turn around, it was evident that she was the 7th case of this. She was doing better.
Tuesday night, a friend of the family and a confirmed "prayer warrior" visited Dana's room to symbolically wash her feet and annoint her with oil. The next morning, she came and met the entire family around her bedside to take communion and pray over her.
Chris and I left for the lake Wednesday afternoon. We felt comfortable with her status at that point and knew she needed to rest.
Thursday brought continued good news. Her heart was holding strong, her infection levels were down a bit and she was resting. The main concern was an increase in her kidney levels, so they were watching that. At that point, the cultures were not showing any infections. This was great!
Friday morning, Chris received a phone call that her infection levels had risen, her kidneys had worsened and he decided to head back to Waco. We spent the day once again in constant prayer. We wanted so badly for God's timing to be NOW- to start the healing process NOW!
Today, the news was better. Her infection levels have dropped- GLORY TO GOD!! They still cannot culture anything, so we are grateful and hopeful that God has taken those stubborn infections and gotten them out of her body for good. The issue of most concern is still the kidneys today. If she absolutely needs to, they will start dialysis, but we hope this will not be the case. We are hoping that they will begin to work more effectively without the need for dialysis. The cardiologist has said today that he thinks her heart is still holding strong. How amazing!!
We are so confident in God's power to heal and we believe with our entire heart that he will. She has great work to do for the Lord and we feel that He will heal her to allow her to do just that. What an amazing witness of God's power, strength and goodness. We have witnessed a miracle firsthand watching her heart recover from the toxin. She has persevered and has the will to continue the fight.
Please join us in praying for her full recovery. Pray the God's timing would begin NOW. She has been through such a long ordeal already and we are begging for each day to be better than the last. God has been so good to us and to her already and has shown us so much in the last 9 weeks. His Word has been so powerful and filling to us as we lean entirely upon Him for wisdom and understanding. We give all glory to Him for each and every step of this journey. Thank you all for your prayers.
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