I suppose it's time for a little update. And by a "little" update, I mean a Big update. The past 10 days have been such a whirlwind of emotions that i'm not so sure where to start. October 11th, I wrote a blog titled "Birthday Blues." Yall, birthday blues are a thing. I promise. I was going on about how I was absolutely not excited about being one year older. For what ever reason, The big 28 terrified me. I did not actually post the blog, it was saved as a draft because I wanted to add some pictures of what turned out to be a really great day! Little did I know what would happen a few short hours later would drastically change my view on life. The gift of life. So that afternoon. my sister, Stacy, and I were invited to "Wiggin' Out." (Super fun event, by the way!) My sister's BFF, Beth, picked us up for a night out on the town celebrating the life of cancer survivors and remembering those we have lost to cancer. I had an uneasy feeling at first, because here we are "having a good ole' time" while our mother was at home very sick from her previous Chemo treatment. It is a fantastic cause, none the less, and I was happy to be a part of it.
So, I got the call. Daddy called me to let us know Mama had a traumatic fall, and hit her head. "It's pretty serious, you girls need to get here soon." Beth came to the rescue and drove me and Stacy (probably going 100 mph... shhhhh!) directly to the hospital. Beth is such a Godsend. She was very calming through the whole situation and was there for my family the entire time. Thank you, Beth Davis, I'm not real sure what we would have done without you!!
*Disclaimer: The following information will prove my ignorance in medical terminology. Please forgive :)
So, the waiting began. and we were all an emotional wreck. Daddy was very worried, which worried me even more. Mama was airlifted to LSU- Shreveport. Not only are her doctors in Shreveport, but LSU has the best trauma and critical care doctors. And only the best for Mama!! We met with the doctors once we arrived to the hospital, and learned that she had an internal bleeding brain hemophilia. She needed surgery immediately to relieve the pressure of the blood to the brain, but because of her chemo, her body would not be able to handle surgery at the time. The doctor agreed that we would wait until the morning to conduct surgery in hopes for better results.
Her surgery was Friday October 12th. Her white blood count was extremely low, her platelets were also extremely low; surgery was absolutely necessary, but it was unknown if she would survive undergoing brain surgery. We witnessed our first miracle, She made it through a successful surgery!!! The doctor was pleased. Praise God, for He is our ultimate miracle worker!
I think the most difficult part was not knowing if Mama was going to live or not. The fact that she made it through surgery gave us hope. I could not imagine my life without her. She was finally in a good place, her cancer was shrinking, and she only had one treatment left! Nowhere on my radar was the concept of her not being able to communicate with us because of a brain injury. So having to adjust my emotions from one sickness to another, and realizing everything Mama was experiencing was extremely heartbreaking.
And So we pray, and wait, and pray some more to wait and see if she will wake up. I have never prayed so much in my entire life. God was, and still is, with us every single step of the way. I found comfort is knowing how many people were praying for her, whether they knew her or not. Mama is one of the most Godly women I know, and he understands her pain. Except she wasn't in pain. and I thank the good Lord that she wasn't able to be in pain. I literally pictured God holding her hand while she laid there resting her eyes, in preparation for her body to heal. She is now in a coma caused from her head trauma. I think this was the hardest part, watching our precious mom "resting" and begging her to open her eyes. Just once. I just wanted to see her again. I missed her so much, and I felt helpless. Over the next 5 days, she rested, with very little progress. The doctors were not very encouraging. Emotional does not even describe the situation. We cried tears many tears. Tears of sadness, and fear, and hope. Not only did we feel helpless, because she was in Neuro ICU, we were only able to see her 3 times a day, for 30 minute sessions. With the LARGE and Ultra supportive family we have, we never felt alone. The Scriber and Thomas family came through for us once again. It was such an overwhelming feeling to know just how MANY people love her.
Wednesday October 17th she woke up!!! PRAISE THE LORD! She opened her eyes! The moment she squeezed my hand, I knew God was not finished with her yet. The Great Physician has created another miracle! Tears of absolute JOY this time!! She would not take her eyes off of Daddy. Probably the sweetest thing I've ever seen. When we had to leave visitation, she motioned Daddy to come back, she did NOT want him to leave her side. And that right there, is what you call Love.
Over the next 4 days, she continued to make small improvements. Robin, Stacy, Daddy and I were mostly there the entire time. Talking to her every minute we could, reading her scripture, trying to make her laugh. Research proves that coma patients hear everything. So we made sure to let her know we were not going anywhere. We would keep her updated on our daily lives, as if she were right there living it with us. Every single visitor that came to see her, we made sure to let her know how many people are praying for her to recover.
Jonathan and I spent the entire day at the hospital on Friday. Daddy didn't want to miss a minute, but he needed to get to the house and take care of some things. Each time we went to her room, I saw major progress. She was extubated (removed her breathing tube) and is now able to breathe completely on her own. And it's official, Mama likes Jonathan more than me! Well of course that's not true ;), but she definitely gazed at him the whole time! (probably wondering why he shaved his beard, but that's a different conversation, haha! ) I never knew how much I loved holding her hand until I couldn't do it anymore. My most precious moments are of her looking at my eyes, and squeezing my hand. This is how I know she's going to be Okay. She is going to beat this, just like she defeated cancer, just like she's going to defeat cancer again. She is THE most courageous person and such a fighter. She will never give up, until the Lord allows her.
Sunday October 21st, she was moved from ICU to her own private room!!! HALLELUJAH!! She is steadily making more and more progress. Now moving both sides of her body. Even trying to talk to us! It's actually funny how quickly she has rebounded to some of her old habits, hand motions and such. I can tell she gets frustrated at times because she seems a bit confused, but we are patiently helping her work through it all. She is doing SO well, and her progress continues to amaze me. There is a very long road of recovery ahead, but we pray for continued improvement as she regains her strength and cognitive abilities. Thanks be to God, the ultimate Healer. I have witnessed miracles, and for that I am ever thankful to our Gracious Lord.
So, there's the story. I left out LOTS of details, but there is no way I could have relived some of those memories. THANK YOU to those who have prayed and continued to pray for her healing and progress. I can't even begin to express just how thankful my family and I are for all the love and support. Whether it is those who have visited the waiting room, brought us meals, sent encouragement, the list goes on and on.
We are unbelievably touched by your kindness.
Psalms 62:8
"Trust in Him at all times, you people: pour out your hearts to God, for he is our refuge."
Welcome to the good life, people! Life is too precious to not enjoy it.
MB
Monday, October 22, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Can I get a Hallelujah!?
In the hustle and bustle of school, work, football games, Christmas shopping (wait, what?!?)... The beautiful month of October has finally arrived! I LOVE this time of year! I don't think I'm alone on this one, because this weather is amazing!
So not only is October one of my favorite months, but yesterday, October 1st, was off to a Fantastic start. My family and I received news that my Mom's Chemotherapy is working!!! HALLELUJAH!! And for those of you that know me and my obsession to imitate Madea Hallelujerr!!! (Please don't judge ;))
Mama had an MRI last week to test the progress of her treatments. The results came back that the cancer has already shrunk by 30 % ! This is great news! Considering that she has been extremely sick while enduring her treatments, it was very encouraging to know that perhaps this will all be worth it! Let me get one thing straight, I had no doubt in my mind that she would beat cancer. TWICE. As I've said before, she is absolutely the strongest woman I have ever known. When I received the news, I was unbelievably overwhelmed with joy. While the tears were streaming down my face, all I could say was "Thank you, Lord!" Even when it is has been challenging to always keep the Faith, God has continued to have a lingering presence to give me peace about this situation. I'm not so sure I have ever prayed so much in my life. I am SO very happy for her. She has continued to stay positive and keep her spirits high. But it doesn't stop here, Mama began her 3rd round of Chemo yesterday, with hopefully only 3 more to go. Although the cancer is slowing shrinking, but if at all possible, we need it alllll gone. She will still endure more sickness and all that goes with her treatments, but knowing that she has the prayer support from SO many people in our community is definitely a little bit more encouraging. Both of my sisters, Robin and Stacy, have requested via facebook that if you feel led to mail her a letter of encouragement and prayer to please do so. I would like to extend this invitation if anyone reading my blogs and kept up with her progress. She has literally received hundreds of mail! It has been such a blessing to watch her light up when she reads letters from those who are supporting her, whether she knows them or not! In fact, much of her mail have been from people she has never even met. I've noticed the incoming mail has slacked off because of the "natural cycle of cancer supporters." Apparently it's a thing. I hope I don't offend anyone but from what I understand it goes a little something like this.. Everyone is supportive at first, and everyone wants to rejoice when we get good news, but it's the people who are there in the middle of the hard times that help make it a little bit easier to fight.
In reading my bible, I would like to share a verse:
1 Peter 5:6, the bible says “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
The scripture tells us that in due time, God will lift us up. In due time, HIS TIME. His timing is perfect and he will come to you. Remember to wait on the Lord. Trust in Him to deliver on time, for it is His time to give. Timing is everything, and although it is sometimes hard to be patient, trust that God is here. All the time.
Can i get an Amen?!
I hope everyone has an AMAZING week!
Oh, and HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS!?
MB
So not only is October one of my favorite months, but yesterday, October 1st, was off to a Fantastic start. My family and I received news that my Mom's Chemotherapy is working!!! HALLELUJAH!! And for those of you that know me and my obsession to imitate Madea Hallelujerr!!! (Please don't judge ;))
Mama had an MRI last week to test the progress of her treatments. The results came back that the cancer has already shrunk by 30 % ! This is great news! Considering that she has been extremely sick while enduring her treatments, it was very encouraging to know that perhaps this will all be worth it! Let me get one thing straight, I had no doubt in my mind that she would beat cancer. TWICE. As I've said before, she is absolutely the strongest woman I have ever known. When I received the news, I was unbelievably overwhelmed with joy. While the tears were streaming down my face, all I could say was "Thank you, Lord!" Even when it is has been challenging to always keep the Faith, God has continued to have a lingering presence to give me peace about this situation. I'm not so sure I have ever prayed so much in my life. I am SO very happy for her. She has continued to stay positive and keep her spirits high. But it doesn't stop here, Mama began her 3rd round of Chemo yesterday, with hopefully only 3 more to go. Although the cancer is slowing shrinking, but if at all possible, we need it alllll gone. She will still endure more sickness and all that goes with her treatments, but knowing that she has the prayer support from SO many people in our community is definitely a little bit more encouraging. Both of my sisters, Robin and Stacy, have requested via facebook that if you feel led to mail her a letter of encouragement and prayer to please do so. I would like to extend this invitation if anyone reading my blogs and kept up with her progress. She has literally received hundreds of mail! It has been such a blessing to watch her light up when she reads letters from those who are supporting her, whether she knows them or not! In fact, much of her mail have been from people she has never even met. I've noticed the incoming mail has slacked off because of the "natural cycle of cancer supporters." Apparently it's a thing. I hope I don't offend anyone but from what I understand it goes a little something like this.. Everyone is supportive at first, and everyone wants to rejoice when we get good news, but it's the people who are there in the middle of the hard times that help make it a little bit easier to fight.
In reading my bible, I would like to share a verse:
1 Peter 5:6, the bible says “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
The scripture tells us that in due time, God will lift us up. In due time, HIS TIME. His timing is perfect and he will come to you. Remember to wait on the Lord. Trust in Him to deliver on time, for it is His time to give. Timing is everything, and although it is sometimes hard to be patient, trust that God is here. All the time.
Can i get an Amen?!
I hope everyone has an AMAZING week!
Oh, and HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS!?
MB
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