Sometime in the not too distant future Shannon is going to ask for her favorite food. "A Wawa turkey sandwich- just lettuce, skip the mayo, please." She will be extra happy if there are Cheezit's on the side. That's a while off though.
Yesterday Shannon's Neurologist called to tell us he wants us to consider taking Shannon off the ventilator and to allow them to give her a tracheotomy (hole in her throat used for breathing). I was less upset about the procedure as I was about the decision he asked us to make. Up to this point, there was never any "I want you to think about this". Shannon needs something done, so they called to get permission for legal reasons. We weren't going to say no to spine surgery, to blood transfusions, to anything needed to save her life. There hasn't been any "think about it and get back to us". I didn't like it. It was truly uncomfortable having to make a decision for her. I trust all the doctors who have been caring for her because I have been given such peace when I've prayed that they will do what is best for her. Now we had a decision to make without personal knowledge of what needed to be done, about what the best options are. So I called a friend who knows, and he walked me through the pros and cons. Armed with better understanding, Lancer and I decided she was better off with it.
Today Shannon's doctors did the tracheotomy and the procedure went well. We are praying it's not going to be permanent, but know it's what she needs for now. She needs to get off the pain medications she's been on with the ventilator, and also reduce her risk of bacterial infections in her lungs.There have been several complications associated with the ventilator use, including pneumonia. Along with the tracheotomy, she also needed a feeding peg placed in her stomach. I know it's a small thing in the scheme of all that she's experiencing, but it's another blow in our parental eyes, and was another decision we had to make. That Wawa sandwich will have to wait (if you don't know what Wawa is, you are missing out).
Along with that fun news today, we also learned that because of her fever she's back under her cooling blanket. She has a couple infections, including the pneumonia so continued antibiotics.
Her heart condition has improved- her echo cardiogram showed it was rebounding from the trauma. She was also checked for blood clots in her legs and doesn't have any. Small wins.
The big blow for us is that we certainly will not be able to visit her anytime in the near future. There are just too many regulations against it right now, and they can't bend any rules to allow us there. The only exceptions they are making are for end of life situation. So I am grateful that we don't qualify for visiting in that aspect. However, since Shannon won't be on the ventilator, she won't need the sedation; and now we get to watch her via FaceTime go through all of this in a possibly more cognitive state. She isn't currently in a lucid state, but we are of course praying that she will regain all of her mental functions- and with that comes understanding of her situation and condition. Alone. With her family and loved ones no where near her.
We are being watched over by family, friends, angels, and our Father in Heaven. We are so blessed to have people close to us that know about procedures being done and how to handle what's needed- friends like Beth, Shawn and Becca. We feel the love and prayers that are being sent our way, and I won't stop being grateful for that, or stop sharing what we know are true blessings in our lives right now. The more I recognize the blessing we receive, the more blessings that will be poured out on us. We are updating the blog post called "Silver Linings" with all the miracles and blessings we are seeing. You are welcome to go back to it from time to time and see what we are seeing happen for Shannon and for us.
Thank you for your support. Please pray that Shannon will overcome her infections, regain her mental function and understanding, and won't be afraid. That she will feel love and comfort and safety as she begins to become aware of what happened to her. Pray that she will continue to heal, especially all of her vital organs and her spinal cord, and that she will be able to be as healthy as possible.
Thank you for the update. Continuing to pray for her recovery.
ReplyDeleteSaying a prayer for u and ur daughter!❤❤
ReplyDeleteI know others whose mental functions returned over time, following severe trauma to the body. Maybe it's the body's way of protecting itself. Stay strong and remain faithful that Shannon will indeed recover. You have made good decisions all of Shannon's life. Don't doubt that ability now.
ReplyDeleteShannon is receiving excellent medical care, and even better, heavenly care!
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