Johanna (Cataholic) & Sister Jessica continue to Request Prayers for young Samantha

[catnapper]

What fabulous news!!!! Continued prayers coming their way that she gets to finally go home!

[krazyaboutkatz]

This is wonderful news!!! I hope that everything works out.

[Barbara]

Of course we need updates when Sammy will be home!

And now for another finger cramp regarding those kidneys. They simply must work!

[Albea]

Great news about beautiful Sammy!
Prayers and get well wishes will continue going to her for a complete recovery at home.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 04:12 PM EDT

The word is still Monday, and the countdown has begun!

Sam continues to be her sweet self, jabbering away, singing, dancing
and making up for lost time, in general.

The word on the kidney front is no dialysis for now, but it may be necessary later; her kidney function is not normal, but she's able to skate by at this point. As she grows, though, or if she gets taxed by an illness, they might give out; we'll just have to pray they last as long as they can, and in a worst-case scenario, go the transplant route.

We need to focus on the here-and-now at this point, though, and keep positive.
It's a miracle and a blessing that she will soon be home.

Another future challenge will be getting her to eat again, and getting that feeding tube out. Hopefully, a home environment will be helpful in meeting that goal.

Today is three months to the day that Sam arrived at Children's;
we never thought we'd see the day we'd be bringing her home!

Thanks for the continued prayers!
Jessica

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Hold that elevator ... we're almost ready to leave!



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[popcornbird]

Its almost time to celebrate! Can't wait till the big day!

[sasvermont]

Light at the end of the tunnel, at last.

Such a sweet child and such a wonderful family and such great friends.

[anna_66]

I couldn't be more happy this morning to hear such wonderful news! We'll be counting the days

[gini]

There is no place like home............and I know Sammy will thrive once she is back home.

This is the best news!

[NoahsMommy]

WONDERFUL news!!!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 12:24 PM EDT

Sam continues to do well, though the vomiting is still an issue.

She has a demo wheelchair to practice on,
and she really likes it, and does quite well with it.

She also ate some of Dad's BBQ pork rind chips the other night --
yes, they're gross, but she actually asked for them, chewed and swallowed them, w/no coughing or vomiting. Go figure.

The care conference was fine; we discussed plans for kidney care (check-ups once a week, here), home care (nurses will come by the house to help w/the feeding tube and other stuff), and rehab (either at home or at the Eastgate satellite office). She's keeping her one access line on her arm (the one they were going to take out yesterday), so when she has weekly labs drawn for the kidneys, they don't have to poke her a million times to find a vein. The dialysis catheter will stay in, too, just in case.

It's very overwhelming and a bit frightening to think of her away from the safe hospital setting, but at the same time, we want her back home so much. Of course, w/things being subject to change, we might still be here after Monday... I've already heard the phrase "if she actually goes home Monday" tossed around a couple times by different docs, so there could very possibly be a delay. I'll try and post again Monday as soon as I know anything for sure.

Thanks,
Jessica

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So now it's "Homeward Bound ... maybe?"?

Life wouldn't be nearly so much *phunn* without a lil uncertainy!


Give 'em till 3:00 pm or so to "let" you go home ...
Then *GRAB* Sammy an make a run for it!!



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[popcornbird]

Sammy is going HOME today!!!!!!! H-O-M-E!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!! Gosh I have tears in my eyes...

August 15, 2005 at 10:47 AM EDT
WE ARE GOING HOME TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! It will likely be this afternoon sometime, as we tie up loose ends. Sam is happy and more active than ever, and says a big "thank you" to all of you for your love & support. I will update this page as much as possible from home. Please continue to pray for Sam through this next transition, and let's hope that home sweet home is just what she needs!
Thanks,
Jessica

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I'm all awash in tears!!

WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS INDEED!


Prayers will continue for sweet Samantha and family!!!

[Albea]

Those are the best news I heard in a long time!!!
Prayers and healing thoughts are still going your way, lovely Sammy.

[sasvermont]

You will be in my thoughts dearest Sammy and family. Gosh, such a long road and lots of it behind you!

Bless your little soul.