Sunday a.m. Update

I (kate) was able to see Shannan for a brief moment last night. She was doing well, very tired and weak. Just getting up from her bed for the nurses to change her sheets, sent her into exhaustion. Emotions are starting to set in and she is feel frustrated at how long it is taking to heal.

Kimberly gave an update this morning at church on her current health status. Last night they thought the heaviness in her chest may be Congestive Heart Failure. They do NOT believe that is the case, but are looking at Pneumonia and will do x-rays today.

They may release her tomorrow with out-patient lab tests to keep tabs on her. But we will see what today holds.

Prayer Requests:

*Tim is returning to work tomorrow. As Kim said, he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He needs strength for endurance emotionally and especially physically.

*Darby is having separation anxiety and waking in the middle of the night wanting mom. Pray for caregivers to know how to comfort in her time of need

*Pray for Shannan's mind and emotions. She is wanting to get back home and "do" things. To keep her down will be hard, but she must in order to return to full health.

*Breastmilk to keep coming in. PRAISE: Anna, from house church, dropped off 27 oz.!!! This is amazing. Thank you so much ladies. Keep it coming.

Needs:

**Lots of caregivers this week. For Darby, Shannan, if she returns home, and baby. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If you are able to fill in for a few hours, let me know. It may be that you hold the baby, help give Darby lunch, fold a few loads of laundry or clean up the house. Whatever it may be that is the need for the moment.

**Lawn and Garden Care: The lawn needs to be mowed (when it stops raining) and vegetables in the garden need to be picked and the plants pulled out. Shannan is very worried about this b/c she has worked very hard to create good soil in her garden. If you have a green thumb, please come over. No need to call, just stop by and let them know you will be working in the garden or mowing the lawn.

Financial Donations:

Several have asked if they could give. YES! You can make a check to Tim and Shannan and mail it to Kelly Peterson (she handles their business and personal finances). Unfortunately, the donation will not be tax deductible. We thank you so much for you willingness to serve in this area. Tim and Shannan have this worry very present in the front of their minds, this will help to relieve the burden.

Here is the address:
Kelly Peterson
10122 SE Shady Lane
Damascus, OR 97089

I'll post a weekly schedule this evening to show what's filled and what needs to be filled. THANK you again to all who help. Each time something is mentioned to Shannan, she bursts into tears. They are so appreciative and humbled by your love and support.

Shannan Update-Saturday a.m.

Shannan is staying in room #3108. Remember Visiting hours are between 12-6:30. If you have any indication of getting a cold, please, refrain from going. We understand that it may be hard, but in the interest of this family getting well, we ask for your consideration in this matter.

Here's what we know this morning about her health:
*She is very anemic and it is still up in the air if she will need further blood treatments
*They are testing her hourly to make sure the kidney's are still good
*Her eyes are having trouble focusing
*She is having horrible headaches and lots of shaking
*She is in good spirits, but weak.
*She believes that she will be able to jump back into life when she gets home. Dr.'s continue to remind her that she will not be able to do anything once she returns home and needs ALOT of help.
*She is pumping milk, but having to dump. She is on a few medications that could affect baby.

Here are current needs:
*Kimberly has been at the house almost around the clock. She is returning to work Wed, Thur, and Friday. We need people there all day to help with Darby and Baby.
The shifts are as follows:
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
8a - 1p
1p - 6p
6p - 9p

If you can help with any of these, please comment and let me know. Commenting is easy and the best way to fill in the gaps. You can e-mail, but commenting is best.

Some have been asking about insurance. Tim and Shannan do have insurance, but with a mild deductible and 20/80 plan. You can imagine the 20% will be quite a chunk to cover. For those who have asked to give financially, we are in process of figuring out the best avenue to do that. Check back and we will let you know.

Prayer Requests:
*Shannan's health returning quickly and 100%
*Breastmilk to come in. Amazingly enough, it keeps coming in just at the right time. There is no reserve (formula is there) but without fail, when it runs out, more comes.
*Tim returns to work on Monday. Pray for a sound mind and then ability to focus.
*For Shannan's parents in Coos Bay to somehow be involved. That if traveling here is involved, that they would have a safe trip.

Thanks everyone!!

Good News

Shannan has been moved to the medical ward! Praise God. There was question of doing another kidney dialysis and they are doing blood tests currently. Things are still moving slowly with the kidney's so we don't have an expected departure date yet.

The extra good part... She is currently with baby, Ian Timothy. That's right, he has a name. She is trying to nurse and hopefully going to pump when she can. Her milk has not come in, but she remains hopeful. It's hard to balance kidney function and her body working to sustain the life of another.

She would love to have visitors tomorrow. Here are a few ground rules:

1). Visiting Hours: Noon - 6:30 p.m.
This will give her private time in the morning to see the kids and then the evening to unwind.
2). Keep your visit under 10 minutes. We know there are lots of people that would love to see Shannan, but she is still VERY tired and weak. Your face and kind words will make a tremendous difference in her spirits, but your long stay, may make her more exhausted than need be.

Another praise, lots of women are pumping for Shannan. I know for some this is strange, but to Shannan this means SO much to her. We are thankful and baby is eating great! If you know Tim and Shannan, are nursing and your baby is under a year (preferably 6 months) she will take whatever you can pump.

ONE LAST THING: If you have been trying to comment and are unable, I've changed the settings...you may now comment without being an account holder. Just comment anonymously and list your name in the box. COMMENT AWAY! They would love them!

Thanks again friends. Your prayers, help, cards and gifts are MUCH MUCH MUCH appreciated.

Update on Shannan - Friday, Oct. 2

This morning Shannan is still in ICU.

Last night, they had to perform Kidney Dialysis. Dr.'s will possibly have to do it again today.

Her blood pressure/hyper tension are still very high. Dr.'s are taking her off more meds than they are giving her which is good.

Her red blood cells are depleting faster than they are regenerating. She has been given 5 units of blood so far and will need to do a blood treatment this afternoon.

She will not be moved from ICU until they can regain control of these things. Tim brought her coffee this morning, which they hoped would help the major headaches.

Dr.'s have warned this will be a long haul. Recovery time will not happen quickly. But let's pray that it does.

Prayers right now:
**Tim looks exhausted. He was up with her at the hospital until late and up with the baby as well. Pray for strength, ability to rest, and a way to release all the emotions he has.

**Darby misses her mom. I was over there this morning and she kept asking when mom was going to be home. (I almost burst into tears) Pray for an obedient heart, comfort, and joy.

**Help for caretaking. Tim has been required to leave at a moments notice to speak with Dr.'s which means someone has to be there for the baby and Darby. I'll be setting up a post for people to fill in over the next 3 days until we get a better understanding of when Shannan is going to be home.

**more breastmilk to come in to feed baby.

NEEDS:
Coffee Cards. Tim is taking it to Shannan and he needs some himself. If you are at Starbuck's or Coffee's On and think about it, pick one up.

Bread and lunch meats for caretakers there during the day.