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3.17.2011

Another Turn

Lucy had a wonderful night last night and was great when she woke up this morning.  She was talkative, happy and seemed to be pain free.  She ate a big breakfast and then while watching cartoons started screaming that her head hurt.  Where she was pointing, there was little doubt what was coming next.  We called the Resident in to look at her, but not being too familiar with her case he suggested that we just wait and watch it for a while.  I immediately went over and started checking her back and head.  When I got to the top of the incision in her head I noticed a rather large bulging area.  I signaled Erik over and we instantly knew.  We literally started packing up the room before the doctor could even come back in and talk to us.  I had placed a call to Le Bonheur and was talking with Neuro in less than 3 minutes.  I swear we had that room packed in less than 15 minutes.  It was crazy.  So, off Lucy and I go in the ambulance back to Le Bonheur to the 7th floor.  I know I said I was homesick last night, but I didn't really mean I wanted to go back.  But honestly I knew deep in my heart that Lucy would have to have a shunt eventually.  I just praise God that we had not started radiation and then had to stop for the shunt to be placed.

I'm not writing a lot tonight because honestly I am exhausted.  I need to sleep to get ready for Lucy's big day tomorrow.  She goes down for a MRI tomorrow morning at 7:30.  If there is no sign of infection, they will immediately take her over to the OR for her shunt placement.  The goal--if everything goes well--would be to stay through the weekend here at Le Bonheur.  Hopefully discharge Monday and go straight to St. Jude for medicine training.  If we can learn to give Lucy her antibiotic through her IV, she will be discharged to our house.  We would then pick right up where we stopped at St. Jude with our pre treatment planning with radiation scheduled to begin on Monday, March 28th.  This is one week later than we originally had set for treatment to begin, but considering the bumps in the road we will be fairly pleased. 

(placing a shunt is not a big surgery.  however meningitis throws everything for a loop.  unfortunately there is no easy answer for us.  we are taking a chance no matter what we decide.  we are just praying that if we should not place the shunt God would make this very, very clear to us.  the last thing we need is for an infection in the shunt mid-radiation)

Please pray with us that tomorrow will go smoothly and God will make himself known to Erik, me, Lucy and the surgeons. 

"if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."  Matthew 17:20

If mustard seed faith is all it takes, then Erik and I should be well covered!
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23 comments:

  1. I love that mustard seed passage. When I was a teacher someone put it in my mailbox my very first day teaching. Now I am an attorney and have it prominently displayed in my office so I can see it and always remember it because it is so very true.

    Praying hard for Lucy, your entire family and the nurses and doctors providing care.

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  2. Will pray for rest for you tonight, and wisdom all around, and God's presence to be known.
    Paige

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  3. Praying for you and your family!

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  4. Praying that God guides you and the doctors each step of the way. Praying His healing hand upon sweet Lucy!

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  5. i am praying and i will be praying for you at 7:30 am tomorrow. for crystal clear wisdom and peace that only comes from our Lord. tonight from our trolley stop, I could see the red heart on top of LeBonheur. i told the twins that the bravest little 5 year old girl and bravest parents I've ever known were on the 7th floor. praying that tomorrow & for the rest of your "treatment" days you are covered in the full armour of God.

    jennifer wilson thompson

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  6. Hi from Australia
    Each post I read brings out 2 emotions/thoughts.
    One how heart wrenching to go thru all this and how difficult this is for you. But over that is the second thought that God is so truly with you and writing thru you. You may not want to be used in this situation - as in who wants their child and family to suffer in such a way, but you Kate are shining thru. Not that its from you - but God is shining thru you, otherwise you wouldnt be able to keep going. You encourage me in ways you dont realize in my simple easy life compared to what you are all going thru.
    May God continue to bless and work thru you as you willingly allow Him to shine thru you.

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  7. Kate - I thought of you (as a Mom, specifically) when I saw this earlier today... And an almost unbelievable reference to meningitis. Hang tight.

    "Suddenly I realize that the sheer intensity of my love cannot protect this child from the perils of life. Spinal meningitis, Playground tragedies, Traffic accidents. God, I cannot stand it. My chest contracts with unborn grief. My breath comes quickly. To risk love is to risk loss. Shadows stretch across the living room and across my mind. And then I hear it. The still, small voice saying gently, deep inside, "You're not a proud new owner. You're a trusted caretaker. This is MY child, and I've lent him to you. Love him dearly, but hold him freely. Trust me for the days ahead."

    -Sandra Bernlehr Clark, In a Mother's Touch

    I told myself I'll always say a prayer for Lucy when Praise You in the Storm is playing on K-LOVE. Wouldn't you know it... I swear it's been the most played song for the past two weeks. At least it's on virtually every time I'm in my car. Through your hardship, MY faith is tested. I hope I turn out as strong as you have proven to be.

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  8. Way to take action, Kate! You have to be your own Doctor in these situations as I have learned over the years. So sorry that Lucy has had to be shuttled about from hospital to hospital and now the shunt. I've had several friends that either they or their children had needed a shunt and they worked beautifully. Hate this meningitis!! Wish it would clear up just to eliminate one problem. Every time Lucy feels pain I ache emotionally and for both you and Erik as well. Here's to praying for this hurdle to be cleared and on to the next step. I hope that writing on your Blog has been cathardic for you because I just hang on your every word and look forward to the next post. I don't think I have ever prayed so hard for anything in my life as I have for little Lucy. And I assure I will not stop!

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  9. I am blessed that God has brought me here to pray for your sweet Lucy. I cannot imagine how difficult this road must be for you all. Cling to your Heavenly Father .... and remember you are engraved upon his palms Isaiah 49:16

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  10. As Friday is awakening Finland I'm thinking of your family and praying for a smooth Friday to you all! Wishing you strengt!

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  11. I'm praying constantly for Lucy today... and for you guys, as well.

    I've also put a link on my blog so my blogging friends can pray.

    I can't wait to come back this afternoon and read about how well Lucy's surgery went! Our God is an awesome God! :)

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  12. Hope you got some rest last night. I am praying for Lucy and all of you today. Please take care.

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  13. Kate I love the mustard seed passage. When we were waiting on Ema patient of mine (he was paralyzed and in his early 30's with 3 or 4 kids) gave me an index card with that bible verse on it and he taped a mustard seed to it. I had it in my car where I could see it daily. You have the faith. That is obvious in your post. You amaze me everyday! We are still praying at the Richardson house!

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  14. PRAYERS x100! I am so glad that you followed your gut and checked Lucy when she was in pain! You're a wonderful mother Kate! I am praying for Lucy as she undergoes a big day, and I pray that you guys can all have a restful afternoon and night! I sure hope that she is able to be discharged home after all this... I am sure it would do all of you so much good! Continue to stay strong and know that you are the hero to so many, but I'm sure especially to your kids! :)
    xoxo
    Toni

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  15. Hi Kate..the boys and I are out of town this weekend but I just had to check on Lucy. How amazing is it that God has brought all these people from all over who would never had a chance to cross paths, let alone pray for each other and join together to lift you & your family up every time you cross our hearts. Today, I am praying for discernment and clarity and an unmistakable answer from God for you & Erik. So are my boys...my Dalton just sat next to me so he could read and see how Lucy is doing today. (He is 8). He is praying so hard for her. He has said it would be fun sometime for all the kids who are praying for her to have a great big party when she is all better. (When she is all better...I think sometimes God speaks to us thru our children..maybe that's His form of email? :o)
    I prayed for Lucy every time I thought about her or you yesterday while we were driving. I think I'm going to start to pray for everyone on this blog too...we are all in one accord that Lucy can be healed and used according to His will. You are my hero and I pray for strength & peace & wisdom for you each day. Lots of hugs for you and Lucy ... Laura

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  16. Praying night and day, I find myself returning to you over and again. Morning begins by checking your blog and bedtime comes with one last look. So many are lifting up Lucy. I know she is one special child. May all you ask be given this day. Thank you for telling us specifically how to pray. That helps me and probably others, as well. "He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, and covers it there with His hand." You clearly are in that place. My heart and prayers are with each of you. Godspeed His love. Cynthia

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  17. Praying for you today. I'm finishing up a little gift for Lucy and will get it in the mail this weekend or next week. We don't know you guys, but are praying hard! My Hannah is 5, and she is praying, too.

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  18. Praying for your sweet family. I discovered your blog last night and am heartbroken to read about darling Lucy's struggles. However, your faith is amazing and inspiring. May God truly bless all of you and lay His hands on sweet Lucy's body to cure her.

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  19. Good Morning Sweet Lucy! It's Miss Tina Anne! I sure hope you and your wonderful Momma are having a blessed day today! I sure hope your doing better and God heals you! We are praying for you sweet girl and your sweet family. Just know you are loved by so many people you know and so many you don't know. In Jesus Name I pray for you! Tina Anne - Eads,TN

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