| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 04 2012 : 05:33:33 AM
Hi All - my 12 year old niece, Sarah, is undergoing open-heart surgery at Children's Hopital Boston. The surgery started at ~ 7 am Boston time this morning and is expected to take ~ 6 - 7 hrs. I would appreciate prayers for her safety, strength, and speedy recovery.
Sarah was born with a defective heart valve. She had valve replacement when she was 18 months old. It lasted this long, but needed to be replaced. Also, when they originally replaced the valve, they changed the direction of the blood flow (I think its called a bi-directional glen) because it would be easier on the valve. Now, while they are replacing the valve, they also plan to change the direction back to "normal" - the doctors think this is a good time to do this. Sarah will probably have to another surgery in her late teens/early twenties - but they are hopeful that it wouldn't be as extensive if they can take care of all of this now.
Needless to say, we are all anxiously awaiting the outcome. We're communicating via email and my sil is keeping us updated. Your prayers for this lovely girl would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 3:48:39 PM
Thank you Cheryl - yes, we were all a bit anxious for a while but thankfully Sarah is doing fine.
As a matter of fact, I saw Sarah and her family yesterday at my mil's house. We got together for my DH's birthday. I meant to take my camera - but forgot. Sarah is doing great - everything went well at the cardiologist and she's back in school - since last week. The only restrictions are no gym classes and no carrying a backpack for 6 weeks - to allow her breastbone and incision to heal thoroughly. She is also on an iron supplement since she was a little anemic. But otherwise, she's doing fine. She has a very light complexion and she's very thin - she looks so fragile - but as we know, she's a very strong girl...
We talked to our other niece, Sarah's 10 year old sister, Emily, about the experience too. Sarah and Emily are very close (22 months apart in age). I guess Emily had a very hard time seeing her sister in ICU - her parents tried to prepare her for what she was going to see, but when she walked in and saw Sarah unconcious with so many tubes and machines, she fainted. She was so embarrassed. I guess she tried again later - but started feeling woozy again. Thankfully, Sarah was only in the ICU for a short time and after she was in a regular room, Emily was much better. Poor thing...
We are definitely thankful for the resillience of youth and the advances of modern medicine. Praise God... Thanks again for all your love and prayers. You're the best!
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Tapestry |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 2:41:11 PM
Just popped onto MJ's and goodness Lorraine what a scary time for your family. So thankful all went well for Sarah and modern medicine is something isn't it? Kids are definitely tough little creatures but then all of God's children are :) So happy for her and your whole family :)
Happy farmgirl sister #353
Look for rainbows instead of mud puddles 
http://pinterest.com/ctapestry/
http://tapestrysimaginings.blogspot.com/ |
| Kim L. |
Posted - Jan 17 2012 : 04:12:51 AM
Lorraine, what great news! Thank you for keeping us updated on Sarah. Continuing to pray for her recovery:)
~Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.~
Mother Teresa
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| laurentany |
Posted - Jan 16 2012 : 8:52:03 PM
Thanks for the update on Sarah, Lorraine. It sounds as if she is making remarkable progress. Continued prayers sent her way!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 16 2012 : 1:36:55 PM
Sarah is doing well. She sees her cardiologist in Chicago on Wednesday. She might be able to go back to school for half days as early as next week. I'll keep you posted. Thank you...
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Jan 13 2012 : 06:18:55 AM
Lorraine,
So good to hear that Sarah is doing better. Continued prayers! What a lovely family you have! Thank you for sharing pics!
Blessings,
Linda
www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
| laurentany |
Posted - Jan 11 2012 : 8:31:53 PM
Very happy for Sarah and the rest of your family. Still keeping her in my prayers that her recovery is a smooth a rapid one!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| Marcy |
Posted - Jan 11 2012 : 09:31:18 AM
So glad that everyone is home safe and healthy. Please keep us updated on how she is doing.
hugs
Marcy
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give...Eleanor Roosevelt
http://marcysworldofcreativity.blogspot.com/
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| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 10 2012 : 12:59:26 PM
Hi all - guess what? Sarah is home! Woo hoo! All is well - although, everyone is exhausted - but so relieved to be home. They were able to catch an early morning flight back to Chicago. My mil is about to drop - she's 78 - but according to my sil, held up very well and was a huge help with Emily (Sarah's 10 year old sister) - Ruth and Tom were able to stay at the hospital without worrying about Em.
I'm still stunned to think all this happened less than a week after such a major surgery. Thanks again everyone - it made me feel so much better knowing Sarah had the power of farmgirl prayer helping her along. Ruth said Sarah's speedy recovery was nothing short of a miracle. Blessings to you all.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| coaloha |
Posted - Jan 09 2012 : 8:41:18 PM
I have just seen this thread. Sarah is such a beautiful girl! Thanks for posting the family pictures. She is in my prayers for continued recovery.
Warmly,
Pam
Pam Barnes-Palty
Phoenix, AZ
Farmgirl #1075
Happy member of the Southwest Henhouse
Be distracted by joy |
| laurentany |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 6:02:11 PM
Hooray for Sarah! It really is remarkable how modern medicine is today (not to mention the strength and endurance of a 12 year old!)
SO happy for everyone.
Continued prayers and thoughts of good progress are heading her way!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 5:46:59 PM
That is just WONDERFUL!!!!!! I will continue to keep Sarah in my prayers until she is home. Great news.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 3:53:22 PM
Sunday update on Sarah. Hip hip hooray - Sarah was released from the hospital earlier today. She is doing well. She has a checkup with the doctor tomorrow morning and as long as he says its ok, they are heading home on Tuesday. Praise God. Thanks again for all your prayers. You're the best.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 07 2012 : 11:03:08 AM
A Saturday update for Sarah... Sarah continues to do well, but she was not released from the hospital today as she had hoped. There is a small amount of fluid collecting behind her left lung that needs to be treated with medicine - so they wanted to keep her in for observation while on the meds. Needless to say, she was disappointed. However, the doctors said they were 99% sure she would be released tomorrow. Then she would see the main cardiologist on Monday morning to get approval to fly home either late Monday or Tuesday morning.
She's an amazing and remarkably determined young lady... We love her very much and are so grateful for the advancements in technology, and wonderful doctors, nurses, and hospitals. Thanks again for all your prayers and concern.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| laurentany |
Posted - Jan 07 2012 : 07:17:33 AM
SO happy to read the updated post. I am sure Sarah is ready to run out the door, but I'm with her mom and dad- I would want to stay close and have piece of mind!
Continued prayers for Sarah and your family!
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| Acelady02 |
Posted - Jan 06 2012 : 1:23:57 PM
So happy to hear Sarah is doing well...I will keep her in my prayers.
(((((Hugs All)))))Penny
Farmgirl Sister #3343
God gives Miracles to those who Believe, Courage to those with Faith, Hope to those who Dream, Love to those who Accept, & Forgiveness to those who Ask...
http://ourgeorgiafarm.blogspot.com |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jan 06 2012 : 07:33:20 AM
So happy to hear Sarah is doing so well. I agree on how powerful prayer is.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 06 2012 : 06:40:19 AM
More good news - they removed the chest tube late last night. She said it hurt but she can breath easier now. So all she has is an IV. She was moved to a regular room late last nightand they are talking about releasing her over the weekend. Today will be lots of tests to make sure all is well. Sarah is ready to leave the hospital right away - her mom and dad are being a little more cautious about an early discharge. I think they would be more comfortable about it if they lived locally - but since they don't, they want to make sure she is in tip top shape.
Isn't it amazing how resilient children are? On Wednesday, she went through a grueling 8 hr surgery, on a ventilator and a heart-lung machine. Its Friday morning and she wants to go home...
Thanks again for all the well-wishes and prayers. I said it before and I'll say it again. Prayer is powerful. Farmgirl prayer is amazingly powerful. You're all wonderful.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Jan 06 2012 : 04:49:50 AM
Sounds like a very determined young lady ... she has my respect and prayers,
marianne |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 5:23:25 PM
Such good news! Continued prayers for healing.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Don't go with the flow...you are the flow.
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 4:07:23 PM
I am happy to hear all of your good news. My prayers will continue for you and your beautiful family. Thanks for the picture and for sharing with us.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 4:03:48 PM
Marcy - I haven't had a chance to ask my sil about the comfort shawl. But I haven't forgotten about your kind offer and your lovely shawl. I will get back to you as soon as I can talk with her. Thank you so much for this kindness. I love it that you make them and know the right person will come along. That is such a nice thing to do.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 4:01:03 PM
I have more info on Sarah - and its all good. She was able to sit in a chair for ~ an hour, eating a little, and walked a little this afternoon. The doctors decided to leave the tubes in - to drain away more fluid around her heart - but she will be able to go to a regular room later tonight! She is excited about that. Hopefully, the tubes will be removed tomorrow (she was a little disappointed about the tubes). My sil says she's very determined to get better and home ASAP.
Laurie - I'm not sure which hotel they're in, but I know its close to the hospital. I'm pretty sure they have a discounted rate in association with the hospital. But thank you for the info.
Thanks again everyone for your heartfelt love and prayers.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 12:50:40 PM
Just a quick update - Sarah is doing very well. Still in ICU but that is to be expected - maybe for another day or two. More later - as soon as I hear more from my sil. Thanks again, everyone.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 03:21:27 AM
What a beauty Sarah is and her sister, too. Her spirit shows through in the photo, thanks for sharing. I hope and pray she is resting easy today and continues to grow stronger.
Marianne |
