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Project Discussions:  Prayers for one of our Farmgirls Daughter  |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
296 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 30 2014 : 5:32:13 PM
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Glad you were able to get updates for us. Helps us to know how to pray.
I have both text and emailed Tammy but I am sure they just need some
peace, quiet, and rest.
Love goes Out to the Whole Family,
Peggy |
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch"
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
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sweettea59
True Blue Farmgirl
1247 Posts
Sherry
Longview
Texas
USA
1247 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2014 : 5:57:49 PM
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| So glad to hear they are at home and resting. So so scary. Tammy still praying all will be well soon. |
Farmgirl Hugs & May all your Wishes come true.
Sherry
Farmgirl #2215 |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
481 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
481 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 10:29:39 AM
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Good Morning Friends!
Sorry it has taken me so long to get on here and post, but it has been a crazy time. First, I cannot thank all of you enough for all of your prayers, good thoughts and love. We appreciate each and every one and I am sure they all helped tremendously.
Our journey began last Saturday when Shea complained that she just didn't feel very well. She was a bit congested and said it kind of hurt to take deep breaths. However, she was eating well and acting pretty much normally. We figured she may be coming down with a chest cold or something as she had no fever, etc. Sunday morning she woke up complaining of worse "chest" pain, that it hurt to take deep breaths, etc. so we decided to take her to our local hospital ER. She has had pneumonia in the past so we didn't want to take any chances. Well, we got to the ER and after describing her symptoms, they did a chest xray, an EKG and lab work. The lab work was what really did it...the heart enzymes were off the chart. The ER doctor came back in and said they wanted to transport her to Childrens Hospital in Oakland as our local hospital doesn't have pediatric specialists. They then said they wanted to transport her by ambulance...yikes, we started freaking out. Then, five minutes later, they came back and said they decided helicopter transport was necessary....serious freak out at this point. From that point on it was surreal. Within minutes we were surrounded by paramedics and the flight transport medical team who hustled her and I into an ambulance and drove us the short drive from the hospital to where the helicopter was waiting on the grassy lawn of a nearby office complex. They loaded her in, strapped me into the passenger seat and we flew the 8 minutes to UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital ICU. When we landed, we were met by a team of doctors, nurses and security who hustled us straight into the ICU. Once there, they began the tests, heart ultrasounds, EKG's, multiple blood draws....Her diagnosis was myocarditis which is an inflammation of the lining of the heart muscle. It was a viral infection. They do not know how, where, when or why she got the virus, and probably never will. On day two, they made the decision to fight the virus with transfusions of immunoglobulins (antibodies that attack the virus). Immunoglobulins are lovely little things that cost $10,000 per bottle (she got 13 bottles over 12 hours)...thank goodness for health insurance is all I can say. The immunoglobulins caused horrible side effects of fever, chills, shaking and then sweating...my gosh. But, they seemed to do the job as her enzyme levels kept dropping with each blood draw. When we were released, one enzyme was normal, the other was almost normal.
Now, we are home resting and still very tired. Even showering and washing her hair makes her tired and winded. However, she is beginning to get cranky about being cooped up which is a good sign. She is on extremely limited physical activity for at least six months...no sports, no hiking, running, dancing, amusement parks, etc. We even have to have a handicapped placard for our car. She is on Naproxen (anti-inflammatory). She will be followed closely by her cardiology team for the next year, but they do not foresee any long term heart damage which is wonderful news.
The miracle of being in the right place at the right time astounds us. My own doctor says that the chances of the ER doctors at our local hospital diagnosing her as they did and calling for life flight transport were one in a million. So easily could they have sent her home with advil, fluids and rest :( I cannot give enough praise to the ER doctors, the REACH helicopter critical care transport team, the doctors and nurses at the Childrens Hospital ICU and all of you for your prayers and love. I know all of that pulled her through and kept us sane!
I am attaching a couple of photos...One of my beautiful, healthy girl, a couple photos of our lifesaving critical care helicopter transport team and a pic of the beautiful flowers sent by sweet Debbie that really brightened Shea's day.
Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers and thoughts.
Much love and thanks,
Tammy, Dave and Shea
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"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
Edited by - tammyc on Aug 01 2014 10:32:48 AM |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 10:58:08 AM
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Wow Tammy...God was watching over her every step of the way! I just know she is going to have a full recovery.
What an ordeal you all had to go through tho. And to think it wasn't that long ago you went through another
crisis with your son. OK... I'm thankful you only have two kids! LOL You all need a nice Vacation from crisis.
"Boring Days" probably sound real good to you about now. Love You Girl and continuing the prayers.
Love and Hugs,
Peggy |
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch"
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
124 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
124 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 11:03:29 AM
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Wow, I was upset reading this I can only guess how scary this whole thing was. I have three daughters and four grand daughters so I was right there with you. So glad that Shea is home. Such a pretty picture of her. Hope you are all feeling more rested now.
Hugs Nancy Jo |
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
481 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
481 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 11:36:34 AM
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Thank you so much Peggy and Nancy Jo! Yes, it was beyond scary :(
But........for those of you who know me, you might get a chuckle out of a couple of these silly ICU moments:
* Shea to me on morning 3 - "mom how does your hair get so greasy after 3 days" :(
* My lovely husband to me same morning - "wow I think this is the first time I've ever seen actual bags under your eyes" ...gRRRRRR
* After smuggling Shea's boyfriend in as her supposed brother....all the nurses harassing her about kissing her brother on the lips....hahahaha
* Me getting caught smuggling in Peets coffee in my purse as it spilled and went dripping out onto the floor (no one is allowed food or drink in ICU except the patient) :/
* Me also getting caught eating Shea's chocolate cake :/
* And, finally, this could ONLY happen to me. We had only been home from the hospital 10 minutes and the phone rings...."Mrs.Cummings?" ....."Yes" (heart racing)....
"This is Kathy your ICU nurse"...."Hi Kathy"....."Um we were cleaning out Shea's room and found your flat iron"....Me turning 50 shades of red because seriously why I packed that I have no idea. Did I think I was going to take a nice shower and do up my hair???? I plead temporary insanity :)
Love to all!
Tammy |
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
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darlenelovesart
True Blue Farmgirl
6003 Posts
darlene
Loleta
California
USA
6003 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 11:37:49 AM
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Thank God for being in the ER room with Shea and the doctors, that is so awesome! Most ER's wouldn't have caught it.
I am glad you are all home now and recuperating, Oakland Children's hospital is good place.
My prayers continue for you all and continued healing and strength for Shea.
Blessings
love
darlene |
Farmgirl # 4943
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for what he has done.
Philippians 4:6
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
481 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
481 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 11:42:51 AM
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Darlene you are so right on both counts. Most ER's would definitely not have caught it, especially in a teenager. UCSF Children's Hospital is supposed to be the best children's hospital and trauma facility on the West Coast, and it was fabulous! Thank you for your prayers.
Hugs,
Tammy |
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
9239 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
9239 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 12:17:01 PM
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So glad our prayers were answered in this way!
Tammy, Shea is beautiful and I will continue to pray for a complete recovery for her.
So glad that you all are getting some rest. Praying life gets back on a normal track for you.
There are so many times when I am awed by the hand of God, seeing that it had to be him with the way all things worked out for you to be where you were when you were and for the particular staff to make the decisions they did. |
Denise~~
Sister #43
"I am a bookaholic with no desire to be cured."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105
www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
3819 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
3819 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 1:15:53 PM
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Glad y'all had some funny little tidbits to bring just a bit of humor to a very scary situation. Only you Tammy would take a flat iron to the hospital, I would have had a curling iron! Hee Hee.
So happy our girl is home resting with a great couple of nurses to watch over her, she will get better everyday and her strength will return.
Continue prayers for all of you, with lots of hugs.
Take care and you rest too Mama.
Love and Hugs,
Debbie |
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018 and September 2022
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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Edited by - Blessed in Colorado on Aug 01 2014 4:18:46 PM |
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treelady
True Blue Farmgirl
1192 Posts
Julie
medina
ND
USA
1192 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 3:51:49 PM
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So happy your beautiful daughter is home now Tammy. Humor is also a great healer, so it is good you can find a few chuckles each day. I am hoping everything continues to go well, a cranky patient is also a good sign she is feeling better!
Hugs
Julie |
A little rain can straighten a flower stem. A little love can change a life.
Max Lucado |
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violetrose
True Blue Farmgirl
871 Posts
Ruth
Epworth
GA
USA
871 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 5:02:50 PM
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Tammy, Praising the Lord for His many answered prayers! What a scary time you all had, I can't even imagine. How life can change in a blink of an eye. The Lord was surly watching out for all of you, especially Shea.
Hope you all are getting some much needed rest. Home is a wonderful place to just "be"! Thanks for sharing your "funnies" with us all, I'm sure that helped lighten your spirits some. Funny what we do when we are under stress or just plain exhausted.
Will Shea be able to go back to school? When does she start back? Our kids go back next Wednesday - crazy isn't it?
Love and prayers continue for complete healing
Ruth |
Farmgirl Sister # 1738
God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us!
St. Augustine |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 8:37:02 PM
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I would expect nothing less from our Tammy...but some funny moments to share. Those little things
that you can laugh about are what keep you SANE at a time like that.
If I ever end up in the Hospital...I'm going to put Tammy on my family list so she can sneak me a cup
of Starbucks in. And some books too. LOL
Love You Twisted Sista...
xoxoxo,
Peggy |
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch"
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
3460 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
3460 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2014 : 9:36:01 PM
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| Tammy, I am so happy for Shea and your family that she was able to receive the proper medical care in her hour of greatest need! It is wonderful to know that she is home and staying stable and able to rest. Thank- you for your updates and will continue to keep Shea and all of you in my prayers for continued healing! |
Winnie Nielsen #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Girl of the Year 2014-2015 |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
481 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
481 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2014 : 10:56:38 AM
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Update Monday 8/4 - Shea is doing very well as of today. She will be seeing her cardiologist on Wednesday morning, so am anxious to hear what they have to say. The more I hear, the more unusual we have found it to be that the ER team thought to perform those diagnostic tests on a teenage girl and have the quick thinking to airlift her to the Children's Hospital ICU. We know that no doubt saved her life.
Again, thank you all for your continued prayers and kindnesses. We appreciate each and every one more than you know.
And, Peggy, my twisted sista, if you are ever in the hospital I am a great "sneaker"! The next cup of Peets was smuggled in my waistband....LOL. When we finally left, the nurses said they would miss having someone to mess with (that would be me...bahahaha).
Hugs to All,
Tammy |
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
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marlee
True Blue Farmgirl
871 Posts
Marlene
DeRidder
Louisiana
871 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2014 : 5:17:20 PM
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Tammy I am so glad Shea is home and the ER people are awesome to actually find what was wrong and taking seriously the symptoms she was telling them and do the tests that they did.
And the funny parts my sweet crafty friend is totally hilarious giving you and Shea a Big Hug.
Hugs Marlee |
Hugs: Heavens Ultimate Good Sign
OCD: Overly Cute Disposition
Farmgirls: Sisters from Different Gardens |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
3819 Posts
Debbie Fischer
Coos Bay
OR
3819 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2014 : 07:58:38 AM
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Glad to hear Shea is feeling better Tammy, how was the Cheesecake Factory, I know it felt good to her to get out.
Anxious too to hear what the cardiologist has to say, I guess they will run another EKG etc. I know you will keep us posted.
Have a wonderful day everyone.
Hugs,
Debbie |
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Farmgirl if the Month for:
September 2012, February 2018 and September 2022
“My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Bryon
When I am old I am wearing Purple. I am Old!!
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
919 Posts
Linda
Kansas
919 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2014 : 06:22:17 AM
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Just getting caught up with posts. Tammy, continued good thoughts and prayers coming your families way.
Sending hugs
Blessings,
Linda |
Blessings, Linda Always a ranch and farmgirl in my heart! Romans 8:28
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/ |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
919 Posts
Linda
Kansas
919 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2014 : 10:49:58 AM
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Tammy, continued prayers!
Hugs,
Linda |
Blessings, Linda Always a ranch and farmgirl in my heart! Romans 8:28
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/ |
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darlenelovesart
True Blue Farmgirl
6003 Posts
darlene
Loleta
California
USA
6003 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2014 : 6:15:24 PM
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Tammy my prayers continue for you and Shea, and thanks for the update and funnies, That was great. God was surely right there when that ER doctor was diagnosing Shea.
Thank you Jesus!
Blessings
darlene
3 |
Farmgirl # 4943
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for what he has done.
Philippians 4:6
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
481 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
481 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2014 : 1:03:18 PM
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Thank you all for the continued prayers and good thoughts for my Shea! They must be working! We had our first cardiologist follow up visit at Childrens Hospital yesterday and they said she is doing very well. Her blood pressure and heart rate are perfect. Her ultrasound was good and her EKG is getting much better. The EKG that she had in the hospital (which prompted the doctors to start the immunoglobulins) was basically flipped, it is confusing, but in essence a normal EKG looks like a series of mountains....up and down....Shea's EKG looked like upside down mountains which is not good!!
Anyway, yesterday's EKG showed that it had flipped back to basically normal but instead of all mountains there were some flat areas with maybe a few small hills. I know this is weird and confusing, but it sounded much clearer coming from the cardiologist :) We were able to visit the ICU yesterday and say hello and give thanks and hugs to some of our nurses which was great. They were so wonderful. We also got a phone call from the ER doctor that did the original diagnosis, called for the life flight helicopter, etc. He called to see how she was doing...he is such a wonderful man, and basically saved her life. I guess it was a pretty big deal there at our regional hospital :/
The good news is that they have cut her medicine in half and cleared her for light activity (basically meaning she can go to friends houses, out to eat, etc.) That is wonderful, because she is getting BORED....LOL. They will see her again in a month.
Thank you all for keeping her in your prayers!
Hugs,
Tammy |
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2014 : 1:13:35 PM
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Tammy...that is Awesome news.
Prayers are powerful!
Love and Hugs,
Peggy |
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch"
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
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Project Discussions: Prayers for one of our Farmgirls Daughter |
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Prayers for one of our Farmgirls Daughter
