hey! from lauren

it's been 2 months today since my transplant! wahoo! things are going really good. i'm going to the physio gym every weekday and working up a sweat. i am able to do so much more than i was able to at first. we spend every weekday morning at the hospital, getting bloodwork or going to clinic or doing my PFTs/blows (breathing tests) and of course...physio. we have the afternoons off to relax or shop or do whatever...and eat some real food which is awesome. i'm gaining weight, my life long goal. i haven't quite hit 100 yet but i'm close, so close. my stomach aches have gone away and so far i haven't had any serious complications. i do have diabetes now. the prednisone i'm on affects my blood sugar. there is a possibility that it will go away but i might be diabetic forever, but i'm dealing with it, it's just a little extra stuff to do before i eat. it is so great to be able to go out and do stuff. it's been a while since i've been able to have much fun. i've been to a couple movies and done some shopping and i've been able to do stuff when people visit instead of just sitting around. i've even been to church. and my friend kelsey and her mom came up this weekend and i was able to do a lil shopping then we went and watched a movie and ate, talked and laughed. it felt so...normal. it was awesome. oh and if things continue to go well i think i'll be able to come home for christmas!! i'm so excited. i can't wait to see everyone. 

i want to thank every for everything that they have done. for the visits, the phone calls, cards, prayers, absolutely everything. i appreciate it so, so much. and i know my family appreciates it so much too. all the support has helped out so much. when i would have a rough day, just thinking about everyone that was behind me made me so thankful, gave me hope, and helped me feel better. i absolutely love where i live and the community that i'm in because everyone has been so thoughtful and i am very grateful for you all. 

NOV. 4/08

LAUREN IS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL

Lauren was released from the hospital on Thursday Oct. 30 just two weeks and one day after her surgery. She goes back every morning for physical therapy and is getting stronger every day. She has had a bit of a stomach ache but the doctor's say that it is from all the medication that she is on. The last three day's have been better. She has even been able to get out and go and see a few things.

SUNDAY OCT. 26/08

Lauren is getting stronger everyday. She is out of ICU doing great. She is off the strong pain medication and is only on Tylenol and one other pain medication. She had a few visitor's the other day and they were surprised to see her sitting up in bed. She had a couple of ruff day's after they took her out of ICU and that was due to the pain medication that they were giving her. Once she was taken off the medication she felt better. Shauna said that she can see improvement every day. She also said that if every thing keeps going well that Lauren could be released from the hospital in a week or so. Lauren has great will power and determination.

SUNDAY OCT. 19

Lauren is doing great. She was able to sit up in a chair yesterday for awhile and is able to talk. When she talks it comes out in a whisper but that is good. She is breathing on her own with the help of very little oxygen. She is getting stronger each day.

Succesful Surgery...October 15,2008 10:00PM

It is so great to know our Heavenly Father answers so many prayers! Lauren came through surgery fine, the surgeon was very pleased with the new lung and the replacement procedure. Laurens old lung wasn't very good at all! He told the Smiths the next 24 hours are critical to Lauren accepting transplant. The family asks for continued prayers for their daughter, as this miracle unfolds in their lives.

GREAT NEWS Oct.15

A donor came along last night so Lauren is having surgery this morning. We will post an update later today as we receive the news

UPDATE ON LAUREN

After starting out with a rough week Lauren was able to make a rebound and is continuing to improve. On Saturday she walked down to a gathering area where she was able to visit with friends. She is amazing in everyway, staying positive and strong. After a week of the family being tested at this point the doctor’s are leaning on using Rock & Shauna as the donor’s for Lauren. Rock & Shauna’s family is truly united in every way. We all know that as they all prepare for the surgery in November they will continue to grow in everyway. They are a true example of an eternal family. If we could all have courage and strength like they do. We need to look up to them and live by their examples. The surgery is set for the first week in November and Rock & Shauna will both donate a lobe to Lauren. They will remain in the hospital for 5 to 6 day’s as long as everything goes well. Lauren will be in ICU for a while until she is able to breath on her own. Once out of ICU she will remain in the hospital for about a month and if everything is well she will be released from the hospital but will have to remain in Edmonton for another two months for frequent check ups. She is preparing for the surgery being on different medication and tube feedings. She has been able to put on some weight and is slowly building up her strength.

Rock & Shauna

Rock & Shauna were able to go out and enjoy a evening with Delbert, Tara & there family.

OCT.1/08

UPDATE ON LAUREN

Lauren has been doing for the past week or so but on the weekend things started to go down hill very fast. At that point the doctor’s said that they needed to start to prepare things for a live donor. Sunday and Monday were really bad days for Lauren but today she has done a little better. With a few phone call’s to Tyrell’s mission president they were able to get Tyrell released a couple of month’s early as the whole family was needed to be tested to see if they were a match for Lauren. At this point 4 of them are a match and will go through another set of tests over the next few days. If everything goes well Lauren will have the transplant in the next two to three weeks. The family is hoping and praying that a donor’s lung will come in the mean time. They are enjoying there time together as a family while they are waiting. Shauna said that all that is needed at this time is for the prayers for Lauren & the family. They appreciate everything that everyone has done for them and give there thanks.

Lauren, Katie & Jen

This is a picture of Lauren, Katie Johnson in the middle and Jen Sorpold. They were going to go to a dance together so they the day together doing each other's hair and dressing up. Jen said that they had a fun doing this.
This picture was from Jen and she said :
"Lauren's an awesome girl and I know she'll pull through!"

What a

beautiful

girl

Lauren & Friends Having Fun

Pictures of The Family

Who ever is looking at this blog I am in need of pictures of all
the family members. It doesn't matter who is in the picture
with them. So friends and family please email other pictures
to deltara@shaw.ca The family really enjoy's looking at them.

Nicole & Lauren

Lauren Looks So

Healthy. That day

will come again

Lauren & Nicole Decorating The Tree

Are they really helping or
are they taking things off.
They look a little guilty

This Is What Friends Are For

Nicole, Lauren,
Tessa, Jillian,
Janeen, Madison
& ???
Who is the other
friend ?

Lauren & Nicole

Hanging Out At Pizza & Cream With Friends

Nicole Peters

Lauren Smith

Tessa Merrill

Jillian boyson

Janeen Dittmann

Madison Nelson

Sept. 8th Update on Lauren

They moved Lauren out of ICU and onto the respiratory floor today. We've been able to take her for walks today in the wheel chair. It amazes me because it was only 2 weeks ago today that they rushed her to Edmonton, not sure if she was going to make it.

Thanks Again For Everything

Smith Family

The Work Is Getting Done

It actually was quite a site. The pictures don't really do this justice, it looks like a bunch of busy little ants out there all over the fields and hay moving like crazy. There are probably 7 or 8 tractors and more trucks.
It goes to show all the love for the Smiths and especially Lauren.

Mountain View & Leavitt Community

Sunday Sept. 7/08

Lauren keeps improving.
The lung specialist came to see her on saturday and was amazed at how well she was doing. She has been able to sit up a bit and is glad for this because she is very tired of the beds and can't get confortable, and because of this she hasn't been able to sleep very well at night. She was aloud to have broth, juice and jello yesturday. These are very small step's but we are greatful that she has come this far.
Thanks for everything
The Smith Family

UPDATE ON LAUREN SEPT. 4/08

Lauren has made an amazing recovery so far.  10 days ago, they said she wouldn't get off the ventilator until after her transplant.  Yesterday they said it would be at least four more days.  At 1:30 today they took the ventilator tube out.  she is only on oxygen.  She can talk and is looking forward to eating, but they have to make sure her swallowing muscles are working first.  Now her wait until the transplant will be much more pleasant.  Her doctor is amazed at her sudden turn around.  I know everyone's prayers have been heard.  Please keep her in your prayers, because she still has a long road ahead of her.

Thank You All

The Smith Family

Update on Lauren September 1, 2008

Friday evening they found another hole in her lungs, they had to put a tube into her chest cavity to extract air. She has stabilized again. Thanks to our MLA, Mr. Broyce Jacobs, the Smiths have a place to stay for a time. It is going to be along go for Lauren and family, lets hope and pray for a transplant soon. 

Smiths, Beazers and Peters enjoying St. Marys River 2002. You may notice Rock has his F.B.I. shirt on! It stands for Female Body Inspector. We all had a good laugh, he quickly turned it inside out. Double click on image to enlarge and see everyone clearer.

Smiths and Friends Rafting

Smith Friends having fun

Lauren's update

FRIDAY AUG: 29

she is sedated, but has times when she can communicate with us. She is still very ill, but has improved considerably since last Monday. We really appreciate all the prayers on her behalf.
Love, Shauna

Lauren & Nicole Peter's who have been friends for many yrs. Nicole now lives in Nebraska and tries to come for a visit once a year.

Moroni's Quest 2008