I'm glad to hear that she is improving.
You are all still in my prayers.
I'm glad to hear that she is improving.
You are all still in my prayers.
That is such good news! Stay strong little Samantha you can do it! :D More prayers on the way.
This is wonderful news!!!:D Sammy continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I just can't effectively communicate how much it means to me that you are following this horror with us. Everyday is either a really, really 'high' or a really, really 'low', and it is exhausting at times. My sister has been like a rock through it all, never faltering, always faithful, though, of course, at times, scared beyond belief.
It is nearly unfathomable, the experience. It is beyond words at times. I am so thankful that the doctors are finally talking about Sam leaving the PICU. It will be a long road to recovery, estimated at 6-12 months in the hospital, alone, then rehab at home.
I am sure my sister and Rob appreciate all the love and support pouring in from around the world. I do believe it has made a significant difference.
Thanks again for standing so strongly behind us.
Love,
Johanna
Johanna,
Sammy is a little girl that has touched my heart so deeply. Though I have never met her, it truly feels like I have. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult this time has been for your sister and brother-in-law, and of course, for your whole family. I won't ever stop praying for Sammy until she is 100% better, and back home, no matter how long it takes. It brings me tears of happiness when I think of her great improvements, but of course, she still has a long road of recovery ahead of her, and still needs lots of prayers. Rest assured that those much needed prayers will continue. May things get better for all of you soon. I can't wait till the day we hear Sammy has returned home from the hospital. That day will be a day of celebration, and we'll all be celebrating for her, here on PT too. Stay strong, and remain faithful!
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
My prayers and thoughts are with Sam always! God has special plans for Sam, I just know it.
Keep faith and hope!
DJF
Dear Johanna,
Sammy has reached out and gripped the hearts of all of us.
The entire situation is so difficult to accept - but it "is" - so we, feeling entirely helpless, can only offer our prayers and reach out to your family.
As I have said so many times, just thinking about Sammy reduces me to tears - either from the sadness of a down day - or the high of reading that she smiled for her Mom - or waved to the nurses.
There are days when it is really difficult to open the care pages to read the latest update. But, then I think of what your whole family is going through and I am filled with guilt - and open it up anyway.
I don't think there is anyone who would not be touched by Jessica's strength. What an example she has become for all of us.
You're welcome Johanna! Little Samantha has touched our hearts!!
We're still thinking about Baby Samantha.
I truly think about Samantha every day. I read her updates FIRST before anything else. I wonder (with awe) how your family is even surviving this tragedy. I pray for you all to be strong, as that is really all you can do.
HOORAY -- way to go, sammy!!
I've not checked in for awhile, it was hard for me to keep checking daily but always prayed/praying hard for her daily.
I agree with poppy, I feelike I've been around the hospital with you guys...wow. I was going to ask if by any chance when sammy will be going home...but johanna answered, 6-12 months!?
you people have a long, long journey to go..we all will keep and be pulling you all along with us!
I only want to hear and hope to see a new thread that she is home very soon!! thank you jessica so much for updating us as much as you could.. :) I know this can be hard but it's getting easier as long as your little super sammy's getting better!
(ps; I wonder how often does sammy and her family check out our thoughts? daily I hope, this helps them!) --
:)
Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 01:54 PM EDT
Sam continues to do well,
and has spent a couple of nights off the vent completely;
in fact, she is off the vent more than on it these days.
The diarrhea is improving; they think it might have been due to the methadone being given in such large amounts at one time, so they are handling that differently, and it seems to help. (Her stool hasn't tested positive for anything at this point.)
Apparently, yesterday was her last whirlpool treatment --
the plastics doc says her skin is looking good.
Sam had a wonderful visit w/Uncle John, Aunt Toni and cousins Jamie and Jordan last night, and was busy today w/OT, PT and speech therapy, where they are mainly working on getting her to eat --
she managed some milk today, and maybe a lick of mashed potatoes.
She was wiped out from all the other therapy,
and really just wanted to sleep.
She will have dialysis again tomorrow, and
that's about all the news today!
Thanks for keeping her in your thoughts!!
Jessica
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WOW!
That's a LOT of Good News for one day!!
GO ~ Sammy!! :)
..
Im glad of hearing that you're doing well, Sammy...
She's a real fighter, and of couse she's in my thoughts
It's so good to hear this great news, stay strong sweetie!
More prayers on the way..
:)
Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 09:45 AM EDT
Sam is still a bit tired, and is taking a snooze
in her bouncy seat as I type. She's gone 4 days w/out dialysis now, and they are going to try and hold off until tomorrow; they will use a couple medications today to control her potassium, as she's a bit puffy from that, but her "numbers," kidney-wise, are stable. They are going to do a 24-hour pee collection to see just how the kidneys are doing in terms of flushing things out.
Her bp is up a little, likely due to increased fluid volumes; she's working a bit harder to breathe, but this is to be expected--she's essentially off the vent now, and going at it on her own. The plan is still to transfer her to rehab, probably next week.
I get good-morning and good-night kisses from her (plus the million kisses I force upon her in between!), and when she's not napping, she's fairly alert. She's working very hard to get out of the ICU (though we will miss the amazing staff),
so keep the prayers coming for her continued strength!
Thanks,
Jessica
--------------------------------------------------------------
Keep up the Good Work, Sammy! ;)
Keep staying strong, Sammy! I know you can do it! :D More prayers on the way.....
Awww, those kisses sound SO SWEET!!!! The prayers continue for little Sammy. I am thrilled to know she's doing so much better now.
It is so great to see that the steps are getting a little bigger. So much love in these kisses- I am glad for you both:)
:)
Friday, July 01, 2005 at 01:24 PM EDT
Sam's a bit more awake today;
she had dialysis late yesterday afternoon, and is finishing up a session now as well. They think her electrolyte balance may have been off (due to fluid overload), and that may have been causing her excessive drowsiness.
She vomited a couple times overnight, so they've stopped her feeds for a while and will change tubes again, and stop directing the feeds straight to the belly to give her a rest. They are also checking for anything like pancreatitis, in case that's causing the vomiting.
In other news, she had both OT and PT this morning, and did very well.
She now has a hip splint as well as hand splints, to keep all positioning correct, and to aid in flexibility/mobility later. Overall, she continues to do fine, though, so we're still hoping for rehab next week.
I also plan on taking some pics of Sammy soon, and maybe Aunt Johanna can put them in the photo gallery, so everyone can see how pretty Sam's looking these days!
I may not have PC access until after the holiday,
so please send prayers Sam's way for a good weekend.
Thanks,
Jessica
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Prayers that Sammy, and the Whole Family,
will have a Happie 4th of July Weekend!
Oh yeah Sammy- we still keep our fingers paws and tails crossed- this time for a happy 4th of July weekend:)
On this very special Independence Day weekend, let's all pray that Samantha and family can have even a bit of independence from pain and worries and be able to celebrate the birth of Sam's hopefully new wellness track :)
Prayers that Sammy does well over the long weekend, and I can't WAIT to see pictures of her sweet self!
Prayers that she does well over the long weekend. (((hugs)))
She's our own Pet Talk firecracker, may she have a happy Independence Day, and a healthier and healthier holiday weekend! Welcome to your first July 4th in America, Sammy!
ahhhh, Karen - I could not say it better. Bless you and all...
Yes, Karen, this little one has so many aunts and uncles just on Pet Talk that are pulling for her.
I think I will have to speak to Amberlee who was good about organizing a quilt earlier.
I think it would be a great idea if we were able to make a special quilt for Sammy from all of the Pet Talkers that have been praying so hard for this baby girl.
Sammy - I send you kisses and waves this special holiday.......we all love you!
I just saw the new pictures of Sammy up on the care page. What a CUTIE pie, and looks like she has been through so much. What a trooper!!!
:)
Here's our little Sammy >>>
http://www.carepages.com/usr/G26254/P180637_FS.jpg
Pictured with her "Favorite Nurse" ~ Katie ;)
Next time we'll try for a Sammy :) *Smile* ...
but I guess it's hard to *smile* all the time
when you're stuck in a Hospital :(
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Daddy Rob assisting Nurse Katie >>>
http://www.carepages.com/usr/G26254/P180639_FS.jpg
Notice who Sammy has her eyse on ~ Dad!
----------
Photo Credits to Auntie Johanna - THANKS, Joh!!
Awwwwwww!!! Hi Baby Sammy!!!
*kiss kiss kiss*
Woohoo!!! Next time there WILL be a smile!
Hi baby, Sammy! :)
Just got done visiting the care site again and Sam is looking good:) All of the updates have sounded so good.
She's such an adorable little girl!
Needless to say, more prayers coming her way in hopes that that little body of hers heals fine.
What a sweetie she is! I'm sooo very pleased to hear the strides she's made lately. Keep them up darling Sam!
What a cutie pie! and about as tough as they come. You go, little girlfriend!
Sammy, you're so cute! I will keep you in my prayers sweetie.
Many prayers still going your way, sweet Sammy, with best wishes for better and better days coming soon.
I love those pigtails. :D What a precious little girl.
Prayers still coming that Samantha continues to get better each day.
Stay strong little one as you have come a long way so far. :)
Hi Sammy- what a pretty little girl you are with your pigtails. They show the right direction- looking up:)
Awww! Look at our precious girl!! She's such a cutie with her piggy tails!!! (((((gentle hugs Sami)))))
Continue getting well, sweet girl.
Best wishes, little Sammy.
Gini -- miscommunication somewhere. I coordinated a crocheted afghan for a PT baby, and supplied quilting squares to Corinna for a couple PT quilts. Unfortunately, I don't quilt, just crochet. And I think Corinna's got a lot going right now...