Monday (day 242)

Good day all. Shawna has had a relaxing week at home as she recuperated from the minor surgery from last Monday. The "G-tube" has been started to be utilized today for feeding her. Since she has not had anything in her stomach for almost 8 months it has to be a very slow process. She was fed at 105ml/hr for about 12 hrs per day now we have to cut that back to 20ml/hr (about two teaspons per hour) and carry that for 24 hrs. We have to watch for signs of stress and nausea. If this is successfull for a few days it will be increased slowly to increase the amount of food so she will not loose weight. The target is to feed 450ml at breakfast, lunch and supper to start making feeding times regular and greater amounts than could be done with the "j-tube". Shawna continues to smile and laugh especially when her brothers or the kittens are fighting. The speech and language pathologist and her helper came to asses Shawna for communication and got a bit of progress with her. She seemed to be tired, but when the therapists left her alone with the helper she was again wide awake and trying very hard to communicate and point. It seems when there is too many people she has a hard time to focus on certain activities. After they all left Shawna found a vocal noise she could make and was repeating it for almost 1/2 hour and smiling as she did it. Another operation has been arranged for October 9 to loosen the tendons behind her ankles. Progressive casting and regular physio have not had the desired effect to get her feet back into walking form and thus the operation has been arranged. After the operation She will be casted promptly and recasted several times for a long time. After that she will have special braces and be standing on her feet for longer periods of time. When we look back at how far we have been brought we realize how fragile our bodies are and how beautifully we have been cared for by our heavenly Father. Not one day goes by without me thinking back on the initial doctors meager outlook and their negativism in respect to her quality of life. When I see her smiling and laughing in spite of all that has happened to her (and she knows it) I am very thankful for God's providential care and compassion for us His children. We remain uplifted by the communion of saints around the world and thankfull for your prayers and support. Al, Deb, Shawna and family