Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Prayer Request

I'm not much of an organized religion kind of person.... but I have my beliefs. One of which is the power of prayer. When I was near death, there were many people praying for me. Complete strangers even. I truly believe those prayers are a big part of why I survived. Along with the love and support of my family and friends, of course. And the excellent care I received from the ICU staff (as opposed to the crappy care that got me there in the first place... but that's another story.)

So I'm asking for some prayers for my Aunt Norma. I haven't mentioned this here as of yet because I was still hoping things would turn around. But she continues to hit one road block after another. It's a long and complicated story. Some of the medical things I don't even understand.

But in short, she's in ICU and has undergone 8 surgeries in the last 12 days. She was on a ventilator but now the doctors have given her a tracheotomy. She's had complications which caused the removal of her small intestine. This means she'll require IV nutrition for the rest of her life through a PICC line. Right now the doctors need the swelling in her large intestine to go down so they can reattach all the other things...liver, bile duct, stomach, etc. If the swelling doesn't go down, she'll be closed with a drain in her liver and one in her stomach. I'm not clear on whether these are permanent or not.

But suffice it to say, she's battling right now. My heart goes out to her because I know what she's going through after having been through a very similar ordeal myself. I know the challenges she faces to heal and recover. Her suffering has brought back a lot of memories for me this week. Bad stuff I try not to think about. It's a really scary time for her and our family.

So if you're the praying kind and I know that a lot of you out there are, I'm asking that you send some up. Because you can never have too many people praying, right? Please ask that the swelling go down in her large intestine so the doctors can reattach the organs they need to. Pray for healing. Pray for strength. Pray for her immediate family who are practically living at the hospital now. Just pray for my Aunt Norma to get through this. I thank you. And I hope to pass along good news soon.

27 comments:

Suzie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Aunt and I will most definitely keep her in my prayers!

When my Aunt was re-diagnosed with cancer I truly believe that the power of prayer worked in healing her. Please keep us posted.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

The power of prayer is truly amazing!! I just went back and read about your near death experience......what a miracle!

I will definitely keep your Aunt in my prayers!!

Lisa

Michelle said...

You got it. She's on my prayer list. It is so hard seeing our loved ones in pain. I'm so sorry.

Anonymous said...

You got it. Thinking good thoughts.

Rhonda said...

Sending good thoughts...

a Tonggu Momma said...

I am so sorry to hear this. She is on my prayer list now. Hugs to you, my friend.

C's Mom said...

In my thoughts...I'm sorry she is having to go through all this difficult stuff and I hope things are much more peaceful for her soon.

4D said...

Hugs, prayers and best wishes.

Keep smilin!

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for healing but more than that I will be praying for comfort and peace.

Lindsay said...

Sorry to hear about your aunt. Prayers and best wishes for you all.

Kayce said...

Will most definitely keep your aunt in our prayers.

Middle-Aged Moi said...

I AM a praying kind, and will definitely say a prayer for your Aunt Norma tonight before I go to bed. May God be with you all.

Unknown said...

im praying

Noemi said...

I am so sorry your Aunt is going through this.

Prayer is truly amazing! She will be in my prayers as well as your whole family!

Ava's family said...

Keeping your Aunt and entire family in my thoughts and prayers.

Unknown said...

Sending good thoughts and prayers.
Donna

~ Alison said...

You got it.

Hoping your Aunt is feeling better soon.

Elisa...life as we know it. said...

She is totally in my prayers.

My prayers to you all as well.

Polar Bear said...

I'm so sorry to read this.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

How scary. Your Aunt and your family are in my prayers.

Donna said...

I am the praying kind and will be keeping her in my thoughts.

Briana's Mom said...

I am sending out a prayer right now...

Catherine said...

Praying for your aunt...and for you too. ((hugs)) friend.

Annie said...

You can count on my prayers for your aunt and you and your family.

Stephe said...

I'm thinking about and praying for your aunt. Bless her!

Anonymous said...

I am Debbie, Krista's cousin and Norma's daughter. I can't tell you how moved I am that all you wonderful people are praying for my mom. You will never know how much it means to me and how much it helps. I cried when I read what Krista put on the blog and I cried even harder as I read your comments and how ready you all were to pray and send positive, healing thoughts to my mom. Thank you all so much. Your concern, good wishes, thoughts and prayers are truly, truly appreciated. You are all very good people.

kitchu said...

oh my god woman, i'm so sorry- i can't believe you didn't say anything on the phone yesterday. i will definitely be praying for her...