First ... Amanda is doing very well and is now sitting up with the assistance of the bed. They have cleared her to leave ICU, but we are waiting for an empty room in the Pediatric Area. Being cleared to leave the ICU already is a great praise.
Last night was very difficult. There were significant problems with pain control. The Acute Pain Team was in here at midnight and again at 2:00 a.m. and have been back earlier today, tweaking the combination of medicines needed to accomplish the overall treatment goals. Today, however, Amanda has been managing VERY well and has spent a lot of time awake and visiting with us and the staff as needed. She has also been doing outstanding on her breathing treatments. The ICU staff are very happy with her progress. We were told the first couple of days would be the most difficult regarding pain, and we are obviously hoping that is the case. It appears to be so. Amanda is looking much healthier today and more alert and in control, and ready to meet the challenges ahead.
By the way ... one of our neighbors and good friends is a former Navy Seal. After reading about what it takes to become a Navy Seal, I used to think they had to be the absolute toughest people on earth. No more. Sorry Miles. :-) You now are in second place.
The absolute toughest people on earth are these kids fighting cancer, enduring the constant flow of chemo poison, surgeries, amputations, needles, radiation, isolation from family and friends, and a hundred other things not mentioned. And they do it all with a spirit of one who will overcome, a resilient warrior who will not be defeated. They endure the pain and sleeplessness of long nights, and yet I literally watch them meet the dawn with a new smile and determination to look into the face of cancer and say, "You will never win." These kids are my heroes.
"Some people strengthen others just by being the kind of people they are."
~~ John M.Gardner
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14 comments:
Amanda,
You are my hero.
We will keep praying for you!
May God Bless You!
-Kim
Wonderful news once again! Now that they have Amanda's pain better controlled, the question is.....are you and Denise getting some much needed rest as well? All of you continue to be in our prayers! Wayne and Faye
Our sweet Amanda,
We love you and miss you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your precious family. Sending lots of hugs & kisses....hope you can feel our love.
p.s. you are my hero as well!
Mrs. Cunningham & family
I think second only to Amanda is the family who loves, supports and watches over her. I can only imagine what you are going through as well. We continue to lift ALL of you up in prayer. Blessings, the McGonagles
It is a wonder where these children get such strength and courage...until you meet their parents. No child should go through what your child is enduring. Yet, as you say, "it is what it is". Thank God Amanda has such devoted parents (and family) who love her unconditionally and who's love is so strong and apparent. She got her strength and spirit first from you. You are my hero, too, as is Amanda.
ALL you McDaniels are "pretty darn special"! Anyone who knows you or observes can tell that what Denise and Larry have done is create a loving family who supports and gives strength to one another... it is easy to see why Amanda is so strong and tenacious when it comes to this battle... she has her family's loving hearts and strong hands to lift her up! You've done a remarkable job with Amanda and the rest of your children! You are ALL my heroes!
Miles yelled from the other room....I have gotten down graded to second.. Thank you for helping him overcome the sin of pride... It will save him from the fall that comes after pride.(Actually I think his back pain does a great job of that) WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!! The prayers are continually being raised up for the McDaniel
Lisa
Continued prayers of thanksgiving and for the pain to subside for Amanda. May God's loving arms surround you and keep you safe....
Now that Amanda has taken Miles' place, just one thing...PLEASE don't think that this "first place" role requires wearing Hawaiian shirts and pants that don't match.
Seriously, we love you guys and pray for you all continuously.
Denise's new best friend
Amanda~
You dont know me but I have been reading your blogs by your amazing mother.I want to tell you that you are a gift from above and that the lord has big plans for you. Your strength is incredible and you are a wonderful example of courage, strength,and hopefullness. Your in my prayers and thoughts through out the day. This means so much to me due to the fact that I just lost my mother to cancer and she never even had a chance 29 days after she was diagnosed with this mystrerious cancer she passed. Never even showing signs of sickness. She was not afraid at all she knew God was on her side. As much as it hurt I learned a valuable lesson and that is that EVERYTHING happens for a reason and if God didnt intend for it to be that way it wouldnt be. So please stay strong and know there are so many people rooting for you and I know the Lords prayer box is over flowing with prayer request for you. God Bless you and keep smiling everyday.
Noelle
Have a great day! You are awesome!
These kids are indeed heroes. Their strength and courage surpasses understanding. Amanda gives us all courage to forge ahead, no matter the battle. She probably doesn't feel comfortable with "brave", but she is that and so much more. She is a cheerleader in the grandest sense! Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with her, her parents, and her siblings at home.
Amanda & family- I do not think that you all know me, but my husband & I attend CF, too. We have not been there in the last nearly ten months due to the hospitalization of our adopted son, Owen. I was happy to read that she is doing so well following such a serious surgery. I just learned about you all through the church newsletter (which I am reading from the Kansas City Ronald McDonald House). Our son is waiting to undergo another surgery. Please know that you all are in our prayers. Owen has already been through four major surgeries in his 9 1/2 months of life. We know how intense hospital 'life' can be on a daily basis. We won't pretend to understand what you are feeling- but we know from experience how terrifying & painful it can be to watch your child fight & struggle. Though, we have seen the sheer determination that you have spoken about in Amanda- Owen has that warrior spirit, too. God bless you all in your journey. If you would like to learn more about Owen, join our carepage at carepages.com- page name is Pray4Owen. In Christ, Shannon Blumenthal
Hi neighbors! It's great keeping up with you guys via your blog. God really knew what he was doing when he put your two families together! It's a blessing watching you guys grow together. Phil and Cathy are dancing and singing up there! Love you guys,
Dixie
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