That's great news! Thanks for keeping us updated Phred.
That's great news! Thanks for keeping us updated Phred.
This is like nothing I have ever known before. We go from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs nearly every day. I am not sure how Jessica and Rob remain so strong and focused, when the rest of us fall apart so easily. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It means more than you can know.
Johanna
What good news. I hope things for Sammy start to turn around for good!
((((((((((((((((((((((Sammy)))))))))))))))))))))))
With love,
From the campers and Sas
Just a big smile here- I also am following that up and down movement.
I am so sorry the littlemgirl needs spinal taps. The ones I had ten year ago were bad enough.
But I'm so happy she recognized her school bus. Some extra hugs to Rob and Jessica :)
So glad to hear Sammy's doing better. Still sending prayers and lots of love to sweet little Samantha. {{{hugs}}}
Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 03:16 PM EST
http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/smile.gif
Sam continues to improve, and we've relocated --
we're over in A6 South,
the same floor where we finished our last tour of duty.
Sam was pretty perky this morning, and is sitting up for longer periods;
she has taken a few bites here and there, and is drinking juice.
They took her off the oxygen this morning.
She is talking a little more, but is still groggy;
it will take a few days, at least, for her to get back to her usual self.
She will stay on anti-seizure meds for a few months, and
will probably have an MRI before she leaves, just to be on the safe side.
The meds are slowing her down a little, too.
The antibiotics will be a 14-day course,
so we should finish a minute or two before Christmas --
and can hopefully go home!!
Thanks,
Jessica
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HOME for Christmas sounds GOOD!!
Keep on Progressing, Sammy!!
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I'm so glad to hear that Sammy is doing much better. More prayers and positive thoughts are being sent her way. :D
New update, new prayers needed:
105 December 18, 2005 at 08:41 PM EST
Today was not a good day; Sam is extremely lethargic and basically not responding to us at all. It appears that the anti-seizure meds are the cause, and they are working on modifying that. She also has diarrhea, a nasty fever blister on her mouth, and a fair amount of discomfort/bleeding from her old graft sites. It's very hard to see her like this and not be able to comfort her at all. Please say some extra prayers for her tonight, in the hopes that tomorrow will be a better day.
Thanks,
Jessica
Oh that poor baby. :( Many prayers for you Samantha, we all need to you stop hurting. I am crying for you and your family, but I am also trying to send you all some strength to get through this.
{{{{{{HUGS"}}}}}
Karen, thank you for posting this. As much as I've been wrapped up with my own issues with Speckles, I've never stopped praying for this little girl in the hopes that she will be home for Christmas. :(
Sending many prayers your way.
Poor Sammy. :( Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent her way.
Ok, Sammy, we all know that you and your purrents and all of us were happier if you could come home- but if you don't there will be a Christmas party in the hospital and we all will be there with you- in our thoughts.
Most important is that you get over that nasty infection and over the meds side effects.
Since laughter is the best medicine and humor cures all ills, I would like to point out that Samantha has PARENTS not purrents.......:D :D Isn't it funny how we "animal people" think?? I have been know to say that I had a vet appointment (when I meant a doctor appointment.....LOL)Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbara
I am not making light of the situation, I am praying hard for Samantha and her family, but I think we could all use a little giggle. :)
Sending prayers on your way, little Sammy...:(
Jen, when you meet small children do you give them head and ear critches? I've been known to ;) Have a better day dear little Sammy :)
Precious Sammy, please get well again soon. :( Sending more prayers, and lots of love your way. God will help you through this as He did before, little one.
Maybe I forgot how that word was written :o
Anyway purrents sounds even warmer and I am sure Sammy girl can need all warm feelings we can send :)
I keep wanting to know more about how she is doing, all the while, knowing that it is taking so much energy just to see her through the daily routine of testing and medicating etc. that that probably leaves little time to sit down and type on a keyboard.
I just cannot imagine the strength it takes to get through difficult times like these. Sammy's parents are so terrific. My gosh.
((((((((((((Sammy and parents))))))))))))))))))))
Merry Christmas you three. I hope Santa stops by and is good to you.
Bless you hearts.
SAS
SAS- there is still no change. Sam went for an MRI this morning, and I haven't heard from my sister yet. :(
Sammy and your entire family have my deepest prayers.
I love the mental image of "purrents"....I see Samantha's loved ones purring for her....as am I.....
Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 04:16 PM EST
Well, Sam is still pretty out of it, but the good news is that
all the major disasters have been ruled out --
her MRI and additional EEG looked fine, and none of her labs are suggestive
of anything that would knock her out like this,
so we're still probably dealing w/anti-seizure med side effects.
She should come back around within a few days.
While in recovery after the MRI, she did stir suddenly and say, "Daddy."
(Of course!)
We're relieved that all the tests have checked out fine,
but we miss Sam terribly, and are anxious to have her back.
Wake up, Sam!
Thanks,
Jessica
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Yuppers, Time to Wake UP, Sammy!
Hey - you don't want to s;eep through Sandy Paws coming to Town!
;)
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Any new updates?
Anxiously,
A.
Anyway- that's good updates. I think it is obvious that any infection will attack Sammy much much more than any healthy child who has not gone through so much in the last year.
Our thoughts are with you all the time.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 01:41 PM EST
One word yesterday, two today:
"Wiggle" (a Wiggles ad was on TV), and
"Barney," when her "I love you" Barney was singing to her.
She appears a little less glassy-eyed. Right now I have her sitting up,
propped on pillows, and an OT was working w/her, stretching her arms;
PT will work w/her, too, to get her moving around again.
She had a slight fever this morning, so just to be on the safe side,
they're culturing for infection. Immunology came by, and the doc's been
reviewing her blood counts/bloodwork over the last year, and he thinks
something might be up w/her white blood cells -- her lymphocytes,
specifically. They will be sending bloodwork to the lab, and we hope
to know something a little more conclusive within a few days.
Please pray that anything they find is of the minor variety --
Sam has enough on her plate.
Otherwise, we are just watching and waiting.
Thanks,
Jessica
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We're all Watching, Waiting, and Praying right along with you!
Come on, Sammy - Time to Get Better!
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Oh that is something to keep fingers crossed about. I hope so much all these lymphocytes are just a little varying....
"Daddy!"
:)
December 21, 2005 at 04:31 PM EST
Well, three words ... when Daddy came in after work,
she cried out, "Daddy!"
So we have the Wiggles, Barney and Daddy ...
could Mama be next?
I'm going to be upset if it's "Baby Bop."
/s/ Jessica (aka Mommy) ;)
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 07:53 PM EST
Yes, three updates in one day...it's been a busy one.
Around 5:00, Sam started throwing a HUGE fit,
complete w/screaming and flailing.
They had to bandage her stumps, as she was kicking and thrashing
so much, scabs broke and she started bleeding quite a bit.
This went on for a good 30-45 minutes; she was not easy to sedate.
It seemed like fear/anxiety to us,
but she's likely in some discomfort as well.
They wound up calling one of her ICU docs down to take a look;
he suggested blood pressure meds, as her BP was getting a bit high,
lasix, a chest x-ray and a blood transfusion,
as she's been seeping a bit from the wounds.
Hopefully the x-ray shows nothing.
She's quiet now, but not sleeping -- she's huddled under her red
blanket, looking quite mad.
It was a very unpleasant thing to see --
it took 3 people just to hold her down
while a plastics doc bandaged her up.
(We were helping, but it didn't comfort her at all.)
We don't know if this means she's really coming out of it,
and realizing where she is, or if something else is going on;
the ICU doc doesn't think it's any type of withdrawal from sedation
or anything, and neuro says it's not a typical response
to the removal of an anti-seizure med.
So....more waiting and wondering.
Let's hope Sam sleeps soundly and peacefully tonight.
Thanks,
Jessica
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Prayers for a quiet, restful night;
and a Better Day tomorrow.
{{{Hugs}}} for Sammy, Jessica, and Rob.
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How frightening and sad. :( More prayers for you, Samantha.
I get notification of updates via email from the hospital site. I always hold my breath when I see an update has been made that it is a positive one. This had got to be a stressful time for her and the family, this little gal sure is a fighter that has had to endure way more than any child should ever have to experience. Will continue to keep good thoughts and prayers for the days ahead that the doctors will find the answers.
Yes- that sounds frightening. I hope they can do something to get her feel better- and find out what is happening. I am so sorry- I hope Sammy is soon on a better way.......
Thursday, December 22, 2005 at 04:13 PM EST
Late last night, the decision was made to monitor Sam closely
in the ICU for a couple more days;
her BP remained high, and her breathing seemed a bit labored.
Both issues were resolved overnight,
but she'll remain in ICU until at least tomorrow.
Nothing is growing out of any cultures so far, and
they did another cat scan last night, which was normal.
It's possible that her kidneys aren't getting enough acid out,
which could cause some of her symptoms, so they are addressing that.
She's a little more alert today,
and we're trying to get her to eat and drink,
as that's one of the criteria for discharge;
if she's unable to eat by tomorrow,
we'll have to consider a feeding tube again, at least temporarily.
I've gotten a couple smiles out of her today,
but she is not happy to be here at all.
Please keep her in your prayers.
Thanks,
Jessica
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A "couple smles" is better than none.
We'll make sure Sandy Paws knows where to find you on Christmas Eve. ;)
Little Samantha is remembered every morning in my prayers!
Bless you little one!
Aw! Poor lilttle Samantha. Your in my prayers. Good luck!
Friday, December 23, 2005 at 11:40 AM EST
Sam continues to be a bit more alert each day;
she's been laughing and giggling a lot today, mostly at Daddy.
The main issue right now is nutrition;
because she's been drooling constantly and unwilling to swallow,
it's assumed there might also be a sore in her throat.
Until that heals and she's ready to eat again,
she'll go back on a feeding tube;
it doesn't make us happy, but it's a necessary measure, at least temporarily.
We're still in the ICU, and there's no word yet as to when
we'll go back to A6 South, but I suspect it will be soon.
The immunology doc stopped by to collect more blood samples, and
said he might have some more information for us later today.
He did say that her immunoglobulin assessment was normal -- but
he didn't go into specifics, and he's testing for a lot,
so I'm not sure what that means at this point.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support,
Jessica
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Santa will *find* you no matter where you are Sammy ...
we just wish it was going to be at Your House this year.
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Friday, December 23, 2005 at 11:40 AM EST
Sam continues to be a bit more alert each day;
she's been laughing and giggling a lot today, mostly at Daddy.
The main issue right now is nutrition;
because she's been drooling constantly and unwilling to swallow,
it's assumed there might also be a sore in her throat.
Until that heals and she's ready to eat again,
she'll go back on a feeding tube;
it doesn't make us happy, but it's a necessary measure, at least temporarily.
We're still in the ICU, and there's no word yet as to when
we'll go back to A6 South, but I suspect it will be soon.
The immunology doc stopped by to collect more blood samples, and
said he might have some more information for us later today.
He did say that her immunoglobulin assessment was normal -- but
he didn't go into specifics, and he's testing for a lot,
so I'm not sure what that means at this point.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support,
Jessica
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Santa will *find* you no matter where you are Sammy ...
we just wish it was going to be at Your House this year.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Have never stopped praying for this precious baby. You are right Phred...."Sana" won't let her down.
I'm there with you- thinking of Sammy and hoping they'll find soon how they can help her. And that everything what turns out NOT to be normal is only a little bit of something- and nothing serious.
I am so full of admiration that giggling and laughing is still a part of Sammy's life. Kids and cats are better in dealing with things you can't influence than we are.
Friday, December 23, 2005 at 08:57 PM EST
It looks like we won't be relocating during the holiday weekend,
so we'll be in the PICU for Christmas.
The feeding tube experiment was short-lived;
Sam vomited shortly after it went down, so we're going to
try to get her to eat & drink over the next couple days,
while she still has a line in to receive basic nutrients.
It really seems like the mouth sores are responsible, so she's on a special mouthwash
to help numb the areas, and maybe then -- hopefully! -- she'll be willing to swallow.
In other news, the preliminary immunology bloodwork showed
nothing abnormal, but he's still checking a few things;
let's hope the rest of it comes back okay, too.
That's it for now, as we head into the holidays;
I know Santa will find a good little girl like Sam wherever she is!
Thanks,
Jessica
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Maybe PICU is the best Home away from Home for Christmas -
Sammy has LOTS of Buddies in there that worked with her before ...
We'll Pray she *perks up* and can enjoy Santa a bit.
{{{HUGS}}} to the whole Family!!
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