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.