Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Devree’s Day to Wake-up


Devree resting after being up for awhile.


Devree asleep after surgery


Today Devree will hear about everything we shared with you yesterday. The doctor wanted her to have time to fully recover from her surgery, so they have kept her anesthetized overnight.

She has been sleeping peacefully in PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). She will continue to be asleep while a full MRI is done of her entire brain. They want to closely look for any other nodules.

When they are done taking the MRI, they will let Devree wake-up. Shana and I felt numb when we heard the news from the doctor. We expect that Devree will feel the same way. Please pray that Shana and I will be able to help her through that difficult time.

We want Devree to know that her Heavenly Father still loves her, and cares about her. The Lord has blessed us this far. Devree has genius doctors that brought her through a delicate brain surgery safely. Please continue in your faith and prayers for Devree. It is within our Heavenly Father’s ability to heal her. This is where we want to focus our faith.

We love you all!!!
The Hamblin’s
***
Yesterday Shana and I were up by 4:30 AM. Sitting in the surgery waiting room is emotionally draining. So when Devree's doctor came in with her news... the picture of uncomprehending blinks, is a good description of how we felt.

There was no energy left for any feelings. So we just found a quiet corner. Just to let it all sink in.

After some rest, we have better spirits. Now we are excited to talk with Devree, and we know that will happen sometime today. Its so hard to see our little girl hooked up to so many tubes and such. All we can do is hold her hand, we want to talk to her.

Karen, our RN, told us that we can put Devree’s IPOD in her ears. So now, Devree is styling with her IPOD, listening to “The Jonas Brothers”.

Our other neurosurgeon came by and he said that they would fit Devree in for another MRI sometime before noon today. They want to see how things are going after the surgery, and then they will let Devree wake-up. He said that she will wake fairly quickly after they stop giving her the anesthesia.

He said that when Devree comes to, she will want to take out her breathing tube. She will have to keep it in for a while longer though. They want to run her through tests to see how she is doing. The most important test is to have Devree swallow. Then she can take out the breathing tubes.

The RN assigned to Devree in PICU told us that there are no available times for an MRI, but that can be changed by the neurosurgeons (They have their ways).

We just found out that Devree’s MRI is tentatively scheduled for 11:00 AM this morning. I was jokingly told by our RN that “tentatively” means it will happen sometime between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

An intern passing through said that he would be back by with Dr. Edwards later on. We will let you know what he says.

Love,
Todd
***
Hi Everyone,

Devree finally woke-up!!! Shana and I are so excited! We have been waiting all day long for this. The big worry is that Devree would be able to swallow. She can swallow. She can also breath on her own and recognize us. She was really groggy, but able to squeeze our fingers, wiggle her toes.

She is coherent and talking to us, but she is talking very softly and sometimes it is hard to hear her voice. When she had a chance to look around and take it all in, her first questions were:
1. Where am I?
2. What day is it?

Her first comment about how she feels was, “All these tubes and wires are lame”. I think we can all understand how she feels. She also doesn’t like these balloon things on her legs that squeeze every so often to make sure she doesn’t get blood clots in her legs.

The physical therapist just showed up and she is having Devree suck on an ice cube. Now she is swallowing, we so happy she is swallowing. She will need to stay in PICU for one more night and then she will be moved to a regular hospital bed.

We are so glad that we don’t have to deal with “Other News”, like Devree not being able to swallow or speak. But she can swallow, and she can speak. I know I’m repeating myself, but we’re pretty happy.

I’m going to visit with Devree a little!

Love,
Todd
***

17 comments:

PaulaShawn said...

After the initial kick to the gut news, my overwhelming thoughts were, "be still and know that I am God." I know that Heavenly Father is more than mindful of all things that are happening. Countless seen and unseen miracles will continue to bless Devree in this process. She is a remarkable young woman who takes every opportunity to testify of her Savior. I pray that his peace will continue to be with her.

We all need a dose of Devree. . . she helps others feel confident and serene with what is happening.

Have peace and love in your hearts today, is our prayer.

Staci said...

I was thinking the same thing the Heussers were. 'Be still and know that I am God'. He is mindful of all things and especially what your family is going through at this moment in time. Our faith remains strong for you both and Devree. And our prayers will not cease.

Today is a gift. The Lord loves you and your family.

And so do the rest of us at home.

Ky and Tammie plus 7 said...

Yes, miracles happen every day! Devree is strong, healthy and a beautiful young women. Heavenly Father is looking out for her this very moment, never doubt that! We love her and we are praying all the time for her.
You are in our hearts.

Shana Hamblin said...

Hi Heusser's,

Can you comment with a link to that Ensign article that you printed for Devree. I never got a chance to read that.

Thank you so much for your words. Yesterday Shana and I were up by 4:30 AM. Sitting in the surgery waiting room is emotionally draining. So when Devree's doctor came in with her news... the picture of uncomprehending blinks, is a good description of how we felt.

There was no energy left for any feelings. So we just found a quiet corner. Just to let it all sink in.

After some rest, we have better spirits. Now we are excited to talk with Devree, and we know that will happen sometime today.

Our other neurosurgeon came by and he said that they would fit Devree in for another MRI sometime before noon today.

The RN assigned to Devree in PICU told us that there are no available times for an MRI, but that can be changed by the neurosurgeons (They have their ways).

Love,
Todd

PaulaShawn said...

Hi. The link for the article by Elder Holland's Broken Things to Mend is :

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=2e89e2270ed6c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

I'm ready to bring your boys over for a visit. Tomorrow? Let me know and we are there.

Arianne said...

We love your family so much. You know there is an army of people just begging to help, as soon as you have your action plan.
Heavenly Father will bless you. We are praying for peace for your family today.

Shana Hamblin said...

We really appreciate all of your comments. Today is better but the emotions are still rollercoasting. I just want Devree to wake up and respond. She doesn't have to speak but that would be really nice. If she swallows that will be better. We are hoping for just the little things right now.

Deborah said...

Todd,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your
family during this difficult time. I know our
Heavenly Father is looking out for Devree in her time of need. You could not be at a better
medical facility (I know from experience), they
are miracle workers.

Deborah White
MVIT

tammyella said...

oh thank god she's alright!!!!!!! for whoever reads this, tell my darling Devree i love her, and i knew she'd be alright. she's such a fighter!!!!!

Julie Bum said...

Devree has constantly been in my thoughts and prayers since she shared the news with me last week. I am glad that she came out of surgery ok and passed all those tests. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at anytime and please let Devree know we are thinking and praying for her!

soggycheerios said...

Hooray, welcome back Miss Devree, hope they get those tubes out soon!
Connie O

Ky and Tammie plus 7 said...

Yippie, Skippie!! Good Morning Devree! I love to hear she is talking and sucking on an ice cube!!!!!
We love you Devers.
Uncle Ky and Aunt Tammie

Copper Hills Sams said...

I am new at this blogging stuff and have lost my notes to you three times now. I hope I can get this one to you so you will know how much you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. I know that Heavenly Father does not give us more than we are able to deal with so you must be strong. We will follow your progress and look forward to seeing you when you come home.
Love, Pam & Gary

Bina said...

Hi Shana & Devree- Great news so far! It's fun to read your blog and see the progress. Our prayers are with you!

Christina Owen
Palo Alto 2nd Ward
Relief Society

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
tammyella said...

goodnight Devree dearest. i wish with all my heart i could have been there beside you today when you woke up, and they had to tell you the news.i was very scared and uneasy when i saw that pic of you with that tube. :( but i love you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!! lol talk to you in the morning babe!!!!! sleep well

Shannon said...

Dear Hamblin Family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you. Please know that we are thinking of you and will do anything we can to help! You are a wonderful example of faith to all of us. Keep smiling Devree! We hope you get home soon.
Love,
The Fowler Family