Latest on Baby Rowan 11.28.07

I thought I would pass this on concerning Caleb’s grandson. We have been praying for him for a number of months and I was struck by all the extra expenses they’ve uncured.

Bill,
I am not sure what to do with this, but maybe it is just something we need to pray about?

God bless,
Caleb

Dear family and friends,

I just want to take another moment to thank you all so much for your continued care, concern, prayers and support over this crazy year. Brian, the kids and I could not have made it this far if it weren’t for the awesome family and friends that God has placed in our life. We count our blessings every day, and you are all among them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You overwhelm us so often with your kindness, encouraging words and offers to help. It is truly amazing how much love this one little boy has inspired and how many lives his story has now touched. His medical issues and hospitalizations are trying on our family and the costs associated with all that he has going on, at times overwhelm us. But we know that God will provide the answers, the reasons, and the glory in His time. For now, we ask that you pray along with us that we make the right choices, regarding Rowan’s medical treatment as well as sound financial decisions and adjustments for our family as a whole.

What some of you do not know is that we also have had an unbelievable string of household repairs, weather damage, and replacement of almost every piece of major mechanical equipment in our home in the last two years. Along those lines, several of you have mentioned throughout this past year, what great candidates we would be for “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” on ABC, and I
usually laughed it off or said that there were people far worse off than we are who need this more. Well, as we’ve had more and more conversations with many of you, and with the increasingly complicated medical issues developing, repeat hospitalizations, and the medical bills starting to pile up, it has started to sound like it isn’t as far-fetched as we first thought. Each household disaster of course just happens to fall just below the insurance deductible preventing us from making an insurance claim, and yet they have come one on top of the other. Currently the roof needs to be replaced or repaired again, and we have ceiling or drywall damage in multiple rooms of the house and garage. These things wouldn’t be such a big deal if it weren’t for the fact that Rowan’s special formula is still not being covered by insurance because it is considered medical food, not medicine, and it costs up to $1000 a month. Then you also factor in my change in work status and income for obvious reasons, and I’m sure you can start to imagine the impact this has had on our families’ finances. Fortunately, Brian’s insurance is great, paying 100% of all covered expenses. But with so many specialist visits and prescription co-pays along with the items not covered- expenses really add up fast. We also just recently learned that at the end of September we maxed out for the year for all medical supplies and equipment expenses. So……. there are a few families who have started the ball rolling and are indeed nominating us for … “Extreme Makeover“. It sounds crazy, I know, but we are at the point now where we are saying, hey, why not? With Rowan’s immune system and the sterile procedures his care requires, a cleaner, healthier home with space for his equipment and care, is a real concern so this would not just improve our quality of life but definitely benefit his health as well. By applying for Extreme Home Makeover, we are not putting our hope and faith in “ABC”. Rather, we are putting everything in God’s hands, and this may be one way He will provide some relief. Or, He may not choose to provide through ABC. So, either way, we will just put it out there, trust in the Lord to provide our needs, wait and see.

The group of people nominating us is going to be working on getting footage and gathering written stories or reasons for nominating us from various people who have been blessed or touched by Rowan and his story. We are not soliciting you for anything, nor will we be offended if some of you have nothing to say, or no time to say it. Please know this from the bottom of our hearts. I just promised the individuals who are encouraging us in this endeavor that we would ask you if you’d like to participate. If you feel led to send an email describing why you would like to nominate and support us or would be willing to be video taped making a short statement, please let me know. We have no expectations, quota, or parameters for this. If you don’t want to participate, no explanation is necessary, and no offense will be taken.

Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not feel bad for us. Our blessings far exceed our struggles, and we know one way or another God will provide and care for our family. Take care and God bless you all.

Carrie & Brian Windham

Prayer Update for Wed. 11.28.07

I received the following requests concerning DOROTHY LESTOURGEON, LINDA SWARTHOUT, ROWAN WINDHAM

From Elinore:
Hi Bill, Dorothy LeStourgeon needs prayers as she has had severe back pain for a week and finally saw MD today and received treatment. She called me to ask me to let you know. Thanks, Elinor Please add

From Sandra:
Dorothy LeStourgeon to the prayer list.  She has been experiencing increased siatic nerve pain in her back and legs.   She received shots in her back today and is looking forward to a better comfort level.   Pray also for Linda Swarthout, she too is having increased back pain.  Linda & Dorothy turned out a record number of Thanksgiving pies and goodies last week. 

From Caleb concerning Baby Rowan Windham:

I just wanted to take a moment before I update you on Rowan, to say once again- Thank you.

Thank you all for your prayers, your support, and your help over this past 16 months.

You have definitely all been important in seeing us through many difficult days:

numerous trips to the emergency room, multiple surgeries, a dozen transfusions,

and well over 150 days in hospital with Rowan including many holidays and birthdays (Zoe, Ian, Brian and my own).

But, for all the stressful times, there have been just as many miracles and blessings.

We couldn’t have made it this far or remained this strong without your love and encouragement.

At Thanksgiving time, and truly daily, we think of you and your families, not just ourselves and our situation.

God bless you all!

 
 

Colossians 1:3   We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

 
Now, for the update… 
Since leaving the hospital on November 2^nd after the last two week stay for Rowan’s serious line infection and then the gi bleeding, we have been central line-free, feeding Rowan only by mouth partially during the day and by g-tube at night.  This was a trial run, since they had to pull his central line anyway, and we have been trying to see if Rowan would finally grow and thrive without the tpn iv feeds and on a new formula.  Unfortunately, on the Neocate Junior and this feeding regimen, it has not gone as well as we had hoped.  Rowan’s iron levels dropped even lower, he became neutrapenic again, he continued to have diarrhea and belly aches daily and it was very difficult to keep him from being dehydrated.  He also unfortunately did continue to lose weight, losing about a pound and a half since the hospital and stopping tpn.  We are trying a new type of pancreatic enzyme right now with Rowan’s feeds as another attempt to get his digestive system working better, so that maybe he can breakdown his food better and get what he needs from it.  However, both the hematologist and the gastroenterologist have decided that he does need a line again, for blood draws to continue to monitor his labs for the anemia, neutrapenia and bone marrow issues, for the monthly transfusions, as well as in order to be able to start adding tpn intravenous feeds again.  At the last visit to the hematologist they had such difficulty drawing blood that they eventually had to give up.  His veins are just so small and he has so much scar tissue from all the ivs, picc lines, etc.  So, Rowan is going into surgery again tomorrow morning, Monday, to have a new central line placed on the other side of his chest.  We have been here before, so at least it is not something new, but it does carry with it all the same scary concerns and complications as before, especially the line infections.  The doctors all say that unfortunately their “gut kids”, or kids with gi problems are just more prone to these bacterial infections, so we are bound to have them but we need to do everything in our power to prevent as many of them as we can and avoid sepsis.  Please pray that the surgery goes well tomorrow, is free of complications, and that he is able to come straight back home.  We also are praying that the enzymes start helping right away, and that he returns to gaining weight soon.  It has just been difficult to see him going backwards weight-wise after doing so well recently.  He is not on the growth chart just yet, but he is certainly getting closer to that bottom line and had doubled his weight since starting the tpn six months ago.  The hospital called Friday to go over pre-op information and brought up a few concerns.  We discussed how he is probably due for another transfusion now (given his pattern), and we also do not know if his white count/anc has come up yet since the last lab results (about 3 weeks ago).  They said that this could cause a problem tomorrow morning, if it has not rebounded because the surgeons won’t touch him if he is still neutrapenic.  I will have to talk to the surgeons when we get to the hospital early tomorrow morning, but hopefully they can get an iv started, run labs first, and determine that he is ok to operate on. 

 
 

Carrie Windham

Harvest Preschool

1270 N. LOOP 1604 E.

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78232

CELL PHONE: 210-573-0118

E-MAIL: carriew@harvestfellowship.org

 
 

 
 

Prayer Request for Sunday 11.25.07

PRAYERS FOR SUNDAY
Birthday Praise:  Brook Ortiz 15th Bday
Anniversary Praise: Bill and Corky Craddock - 62 YEARS!
Praise for what God has done with our Youth Group
PRAISE for Jane Tuner’s recovery!
BIG PRAISE:  Bill Lacey recovery.  We need to continue to pray for his recovery that no infection takes place.
Those Traveling
Ellen Jones:  Jim Jones mother who is having knee surgery Dec 10th in Houston
Judy Moore at home with a head cold
Prayers for the UMW Bizzare… need help setting up THIS Friday at 10 AM
Rhett Word: At home following a serious car accident last weekend and waiting until tomorrow to be able to check into the military hospital to have his injuries conclusively diagnosed.

CALENDAR
MONDAY
7:00 AM   Men’s Discipleship Group at Deer Creek
TUESDAY
7:00 PM  Choir
WEDNESDAY
5:30 PM  VERITAS  (New Youth Group Name.  Veritas is Latin for TRUTH)
7:00 PM  Pastor’s Bible Study  (Revelation chapter 7)
THURSDAY
7:00 AM  Men’s Group in the Cottage
7:00 PM   Ad Council (Last one of the year!)
FRIDAY
10:00 AM  Set up for the Bazaar  (Need help from the men with tables)\
SATURDAY
8:00 AM   United Methodist Women’s Annual Bazaar
(You might want to look up what we ran last year for the bulletin in relation to the Bazaar)

Update on Bill Lacey 11.23.07

I have good news!
Bill Lacey made it through a long 7 hour surgery.  They ended up doing a triple by-pass.  In addition to the by-pass they repaired his aortic valve and replaced his aorta.  Janet said that he looks absolutely wiped out… but that’s to be expected after a 7 hour surgery.  They are going to keep him sedated tonight.  Janet is going to stay with him.  The doctor said that the surgery went well.  However, we need to keep Bill in prayer because recovery from a second by-pass surgery is tough on the body.  Janet wanted me to convey her thanks for praying and ask that you keep it up.

Update on Bill Lacey 11.22.07

Hope your having a GREAT THANKSGIVING!

I just got a phone call from Janet Lacey.  Bill Lacey is scheduled for a 5-way bypass tomorrow morning (Friday) at 8:30 AM at Texsan Hospital.  They are also looking at his aorta and possibly repair it or replace it.   I know you guys are going to be praying and that means a lot to Bill and Janet.

Prayer Update 11.21.07

Jesse Burger was light headed and passed out so they took him to the VA.  I just talked to his daughter (Cammie) and she said that they have ruled out anything to do with his heart.  They think that it was some new medication that he was on… so they’re trying to get the dosage right.  His blood pressure is still low so they’re going to keep him overnight.   Let’s keep Jesse and his family in our prayers.

Bill Lacey is now at Texsan Hospital in SA.  He sounded really upbeat about the care his doctor.  His doctor is still waiting his medical  records from North Dakota… but the way it looks right now… it looks like he’s going to have by-pass and some work done on his aorta.   Bill said that the way it looks right now… the surgery will be on Friday.

Don Bailey called me last night with the latest news about his daughter, Donna Terrell.  He said that the doctors feel that she has turned the corner and is steadily getting better.  She still has no use out of her left side and the doctors say that she will not have a complete recovery from this stroke outside of a miracle.  Don is praying for that miracle… let’s join him.  Let’s also be thankful that it appears she’s out of danger as far as her life is concerned.

Let’s also keep those traveling for THANKSGIVING in our prayers.

Reminder that THIS SUNDAY we are going to be HANGING THE GREENS immediately after the service.  Anna has called a few ladies to bring Sandwich Fixings that will be available in the Fellowship Hall.  Come join us and Help us out!  Many Hands make light work.

Prayer Update 11.20.07

Here’s the latest update with Bill Lacey:
I talked to Janet just a few minutes ago.  They’ve been very frustrated with the doctors at Methodist Hospital.  No one wanted to take charge of Bill’s situation and it seemed the doctors were blaming one another.  It’s been almost a week and nothing has been done for Bill.  As a result… they have moved him to Texsan Heart Hospital in SA.  He’s in room 212.  Both Bill and Janet have been blown away by your love, prayers, and generosity.  Please keep it up.  I’ll continue to keep you update with any information I get.

Here’s the latest with Rhett Word:
I just heard from Alice, Rhett’s mom, and wanted to update you.  Rhett’s dad and sister arrived safely at the hospital yesterday afternoon.  They are still having difficulty getting detailed info about Rhett’s condition.  The surgery that was performed on Rhett Sunday night to repair a perforated intestine was in vain.  The surgeon found no hole, nor any other reason for the internal bleeding, so they just sewed him back up.  Rhett is very upset about that, but the good news is that the bleeding has apparently stopped.  Praise the Lord!

The biggest concerns at this point are that Rhett may have both C-spine and L-spine fractures.  A neurologist is supposed to see him today. Please pray for positive results for this 19 year old young man.

Thanks very much for everyone’s continued prayers for this family.
Barbara

Also, Carolyn Penland left a message on my answering machine and said that the surgery with her granddaughter, Stephanie went well

Prayers for Sunday 11.18.07

Prayer of Joy of having the opportunity of worshiping with our Baptist brothers and sisters tonight.  The service is at 6:00 PM and the POTLUCK is immediately after.  If you wish to make an offering… cash/can good… it will go to the food pantry that the Baptist Church runs.

Barbara Walters just called with someone for immediate prayer.  Wret Word stationed somewhere around Fresno was involved in a serious head-on collision with the another car.  It was the other car’s fault and the driver of that car didn’t survive.  Wret has multiple broken bones and perhaps some internal bleeding.  His passenger received some head trama.  Wret is the son of Terry and Alice Word.  Please pray for Wret and his entire family

Bill Lacey:  Talked to Janet a little while ago.  He had a yet another scan. CAT Scan this morning… in addition to the MRA scan he had late Friday night.  Nothing conclusive… but Janet said that it sounds like the doctors might be leaning toward putting in stints. Their youngest daughter is flying down today.  Also Janet asked me to put Robin their daughter in law on our prayer list.  She is home and just a little worn out from all this… she cares a great deal for Bill and Janet.  (Isn’t it just like Janet to be thinking about other people more than herself.)  Let’s keep Janet in our prayers as well.  Their youngest daughter is flying down today.

Sunday morning prayers:
Donna Terrell:  Recovering from stroke
Susan Patterson: Breast Cancer
Randy Boysen: Leukemia
Continued prayer for Taylor Dabney and all our service men and women everywhere.
Bill and Janet Lacey
Jane Turner
Pam Keese
Chubby Chandler
Harold Bausch
Traveling blessings for all those traveling over the holidays
Blessings for all loved ones unable to travel home for Thanksgiving.
Those missing their loved ones this thanksgiving.
Robin Lacey for strength

Prayer Update 11.17.07

No change with Bill Lacey.  He was able to keep food down today, which is a big praise.   They haven’t got the results from last night’s MRA Scan yet.  When they do, the doctor’s will have a consultation and lay out all the options.  Janet told me one of the reasons they were talking about possibly flying Bill to Houston was because the Heart Surgeon was going on vacation next week. Janet is going to call me with any change in status.  They told me to convey their thanks for praying for them!

There has been no change with Don Bailey’s daughter… Donna.   She hasn’t had any seizures following her stroke which is good.

Don’t forget in addition to our usual morning service… we have a joint Thanksgiving service at 6:00 PM at the Baptist church followed by a Pot Luck

Update on Bill Lacey 11.15.07

Here’s a prayer update on Bill Lacey.

He is at Methodist Hospital in the CICU.  They are going to be doing a test this afternoon to see if there is a blood clot along his GI Tract.  If there is not… they are going to shock his heart to try to get it to beat normally.  The thought is that he perhaps has some type of arrhythmia, but doctor’s are still uncertain.

Bill was admitted yesterday after having incredible pain in his mid-section.  Both Bill and Janet are in good spirits.  I asked for a quote from Bill to pass on to the prayer group and he said, “I’m ready to get back to work.”   Let’s continue to keep Bill in our prayers especially this afternoon.