Monday, April 12, 2010

Be Strong & Courageous...

Hola From Monterrey,

To Order Jessica's Journey Necklace, Click On Link :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41687962

To view Jessica on Fox TV, Click on Link Below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_vstm0bS8


As you know, Jessica had a procedure done the day before Dr. Patch Adams arrived. Our beloved Dr. Cantu decided to try a nerve block with an in-dwelling catheter in the right leg. For those first 24 hours it seemed like a miracle, for the pain that she was experiencing in that part of her body was almost gone. All she said she could "feel" was a very heavy leg that felt like it was in a numb tingly sleep. Sort of like how your lip feels during a dental procedure but only on a larger scale. Jessica was so "happy" and it was so evident in her face (she smiled & laughed) and even when she was brought back into her room after the procedure, she was asking to call Dr. Cantu and Dr. Luigi to tell them that the nerve block worked! It was an amazing day that was then followed by another amazing event - the visit of Dr. Patch Adams.

Unfortunately, it was not long lasting and for the past few days we have been dealing with the pain returning to the leg. Dr. Cantu has tried increasing the anesthetics that are continuously going into the catheter and also direct boluses into the catheter, but they are only temporary in giving relief. So today the plan is to remove the catheter, as it can only stay in for 3-5 days, and see what Plan B is. Please pray for Jessica as she is "discouraged". Please pray for Dr. Cantu as he formulates another strategy. Please pray for all patients who suffer with this type of pain - RSD/CRPS.

As her Mom and caregiver, I will say that I have seen a lot since I have been here in the Hospital San Jose Tec. I have seen many patients come and go and return for their boosters. I have "experienced" what they have to face and endure each day. It is not easy. In fact, no one should have to face this. But, they all find a way, somehow, to persevere. They find this "inner strength" and with the pure grace of God and the compassion and wisdom of Dr. Cantu, they forge on, and they take those "small steps"..............


With God's Love,
Sarah Gina (Jessica's Mom)*

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.
Proverbs 35:6
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7
Be strong and courageous.
Deuteronomy 31:6

***To Post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***

10 comments:

  1. We will keep praying for you and your family and all who suffer from RSD/CRPS!

    With love & prayers,
    The Turners

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  2. I am always praying for you Jess and I know that you are going to do great. Stay strong and keep taking those small steps. I'm so proud of you!!! I love you sooooo much.

    XOXOXOXOXOXOX

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  3. Oh Jess don't give up. I know exactly how you feel. The blocks didn't last very long for me either and I'm still paying for them six months later! I will never regret trying them though because I'm not going to give up either.

    When I had my ketamine every day for ten days I got some real relief; like your Mom was saying about you and the block, I was smiling and couldn't believe the pain was so diminished. My family kept looking at me when they didn't think I saw them and they were so happy too but afraid to "break the spell" by saying anything.

    When the every day treatment stopped and I went to boosters, I really grieved the loss of that higher level of relief. I'm grateful for what I have now but it's not like that magic time. But I have to believe that it wasn't God's will for me to trade so much of EVERY day for the ketamine treatments. That He has something else in mind for me that is so much better and that I can trust Him. And I praise Him that the boosters are still working enough to keep me going.

    One of my on-line support group friends was having a bad day and I just had to tell her about you and your Mom. Once she read your blog I said, "Now you see why I can't give up, not while Jessica and Sarah Gina are still fighting." I think it made her want to keep trying too.

    Maybe that's part of God's will for us in our weaknesses and setbacks, is that we learn how to encourage one another in ways that we never could if we had not been there ourselves.

    Hoping for ten victories for you for each setback..
    Linda Pedigo
    West Lafayette, IN

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  4. Dearest Jessica and Gina, I loved Linda's post above. It is so true! When I was having a really tough time last year, and some days were just so hard, I would think "If Jessica can make it through the day, so can I." Jess, as you continue to forge ahead on your journey with persistence and determination, you bring untold others with you. In a very real way, even in your hospital bed, you are a "leader" for us all!! We are "following" your example! And, when you become Dr. Jessica, you will be able to listen to your patients with total understanding, look at them with those beautiful loving eyes, and say, "I believe you. I know what it's like, I've been there. I will be happy to help you." You are a blessing in people's lives. Hang in there, ladies. You are surrounded by unceasing prayer and loving thoughts. Love always, Angel xoxoxoxoxo

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  5. Keep the faith sweet Jessica. What wonderful comments from your friends daily how you are helping them and I know they are helping you too. You have helped me in so many ways Dr. Jessica and nurse Sarah Gina!

    My prayer also is relief from the pain and continued steps towards total wellness.

    You are in so many hearts and prayers and we will fight and win together to bring you peace!!

    XOXO kisses to our Dear Dr Cantu too

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  6. Dear Jessica,
    I am sorry that the positive effects of the block was so short lived.
    You know that Dr.Cantu is always searching for a plan to help you.
    Try to take things in small increments... moment to moment, minute to minute.
    We care about you and we are praying for you.

    Love,
    John & Rosemary

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  7. God Will Make A Way
    Words and music by Don Moen

    Proverbs 3:6
    "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. "

    God will make a way,
    Where there seems to be no way
    He works in ways we cannot see
    He will make a way for me
    He will be my guide
    Hold me closely to His side
    With love and strength for each new day
    He will make a way, He will make a way.
    By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me
    And rivers in the desert will I see
    Heaven and earth will fade
    But His Word will still remain
    He will do something new today.

    God will make a way,
    Where there seems to be no way
    He works in ways we cannot see
    He will make a way for me
    He will be my guide
    Hold me closely to His side
    With love and strength for each new day
    He will make a way, He will make a way

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  8. Psalm 107

    6Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

    19Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
    20He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
    21Let them give thanks for the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

    Psalm 106
    8Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power know.
    9He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;
    he led them through the depts as through a desert.
    10He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
    11The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived.

    12Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.

    44But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry;
    45for their sake he remember his covenant and out of his great love he relented.

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  9. To encourage you:

    Have you seen this website?

    http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lindsay/journal

    It is always nice to hear from those who have gone "through" and are on the other side.

    And the number who have made it through is growing!

    Thanks to our glorious God!

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  10. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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