First stem cell injection
Shawna had her first stem cell injection this morning at approximately 9:30 AM (Tuesday, Oct. 16th). It took longer to get her loaded on the stretcher and down the hall to the Operating Department than it did for the procedure itself. It took only about 20 minutes and Shawna was being wheeled back up the hallway and into her bed again. We had to keep her laying on her back perfectly flat for 6 hours, but she came through it all like a champ!
The only side effect we were told to watch for was a fever; Shawna was actually lower than normal today ... go figure! That is one change we have noticed prior to the stem cell treatment today ... her temperature has been lower than what we have been used to at home. Her normal is usually around 99 to 99.3 F; since we have been here, she has been 36.7 to 37.3 C. Anyway, now we just have to wait and see what changes occur. Her next stem cell injection will be in 2 weeks.
It is so exciting to know that we are now on a countdown towards returning home. Don't get me wrong, the people here are great ... you won't find a more caring, helpful environment, but there's no place like home. To that end, we are one down and three to go ... woohoo!
Sonny · October 16, 2007 12:42 PM
It is good to hear that all is well so far. Hopefully the injections will help Shawna. With the family's strength to back her up, I truly believe that Shawna will recover from this tragedy. I will keep you all in my prayers and hope that you all have a safe journey and return home.
God bless.
Rochelle · October 16, 2007 10:27 PM
i am glad to hear that everything is going well thus far. Im glad to hear that shawnas body has accepted to treatments with out any reaction! im praying for you every day and cant wait to see everyone when they return! I love you.
Rochelle
Daniel Dickerson · October 18, 2007 10:21 AM
Hello,
I wanted to let you know that there are many families with children like Shawna who are reading your blogs hoping for the best for you and your family. The information you provide is invaluable to those of us who are thinking of following in your foot prints. We wish you the best of luck and recovery for Shawna. The Dickerson Family
Valerie Weil · October 20, 2007 10:21 AM
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We hope that this extraordinary adventure to China will provide excellent results, for both Shawna and her family! We love you guys! Keep writing!
Jean Zbozien · October 21, 2007 8:21 PM
I think about you and what Shawna is going through and I think, how strong you are and how you give the words faith and hope new meanings. Wishing you all the best.
Wendy Stabley · October 24, 2007 10:07 AM
I am happy to hear Shawna is doing just fine, I know she is receiving the best of care with mom and dad around. I miss you all. May God bless you.
Fondly, Wendy
Cindy Erisman-Ward · November 4, 2007 6:51 AM
Hello and we miss you!! Shawna the amazing patient is still amazing and so is her family. I am so intrigued and proud of all of you!! Keep up the good work Shawna.Love,Cindy