To NY on Wednesday

Well, the black spot is off. Having to cut off the tissue of the black spot was quite gross, but The Lord was with me. We are going to NY Wednesday morning and flying back that same night. Dr. Rose and I will discuss what to do next regarding the top of her head and the next surgery date. I started school with Lina yesterday. She seems to be enjoying it, and so am I. I taught my last class at Shapes yesterday, and I'm happy to be into a schedule. Thanks to all that have called, offered to help, and commented on the blog. Your encouragement is appreciated more than words can relate.

Every day is a gift

Lina and I are going to NY this Thursday to meet with Dr. Rose. The "scab" on her head has not completely fallen off yet, but he wants to see her. We will see what happens from there. At first I thought it a waste to go up for one day, but her head is just awful looking, so I'm glad he is going to see it first hand. I cry everytime I clean and medicate it. I'm so happy it isn't hurting her. I've spent the last hour reading over this blog and all the comments from our friends. It just brings tears to my eyes. I am so blessed! To all those that knew me before salvation, did you ever think this is what I'd be doing with my life? The last 4 years with Lina have been a challenge and I know there will be more challenges, but I am so Happy to be a part of her miracle. I have stated many times in this blog how amazing Lina is, more so though is the strength God has given to her. Tonight at dinner I said something that made Lina crack up, her little head started to bleed. After I cleaned her up, I thought about just how precious each minute of everyday is... I have spent too many moments "wondering why this, why that" I hope not to do that anymore. I write this to remind myself in future visits to NY, each day is a gift... Worshipping God is the most important thing I can do, and I want to show my love for Him by loving others
Mom and Dad thanks for supporting me...emotionally and financially. Love you both too much!!! Shelby congrats on your beautiful baby boy-Lina can't wait to hold him.

3 showers a day

Well, the top portion of the flap is looking awful! I think we will have to fly to New York sooner than October. It looks as though her skin is detaching - when they said it would crust over and fall off, I didn't expect it would look like this. Her back is healing well, so is her leg. She needs to take 3 showers a day, and then I apply ointments and bandages. She developed a low grade fever yesterday, so she is back on antibiotic. Again they say this is very normal. I don't like the way her head looks--She continues to be a trooper, full of life, joyful, and happy to be home. Please keep praying.

Home Sweet Home

Lina and I got home this afternoon. We rested at the hotel, went to the doctors and to every medical supply store! I think I could open my own pharmacy--all joking aside, Lina is doing wonderful. We may need to go back to New York in 2-3 weeks for her to receive a graft on the top portion of the flap. The bandage came off her leg and back and she got the ok to shower. I'm sooooo glad for that because she was pretty stinky. Now I apply 2 ointments to her head, clean the back and leg, put on ointment and re-bandage. Poor Hannah was in tears looking at her sisters donor sites. We will go back to do the other side in October. I'm going to do a mental shutdown tomorrow after church. The Lord has been so good to us. Thank you to our church family for bringing meals over and for your prayers. Please continue to pray.To all that visit our blog- Enjoy each day, spend time with the ones you love and tell them you love them!!!

She's sitting in a chair

may not seem like much, but I'm thrilled. Lina got the dressing on her back changed today,and the drain in her leg comes out, so they say, later today. Hopefully, we wil leave tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath. Then we will stay at the Fitzpatrick until further notice. Lina has Nitro put on her head twice a day to hopefully open the blood flow to the portion of the flap that is discolored. She has IV antibiotics 3x's perday, IV steriod, Zantec, and two additional meds 2x's per day by mouth. She has taken everything without complaint, however, she doesn't like when the doctors come in the room. I don't really care for weekends in the hospital, but there were a few highlights, Gina-thank you for taking such great care of my girl. Helen, I love how you make me laugh!

I think she is remembering her past a little bit. She told me her curtain was on fire. She has also asked if her "Mommy" was with her. She said she didn't like her. I told her I did and that I was thankful she had her, so that she would come to us, because we love her and want the best for her. She just smiled and said she feels loved. That is a first for Lina!! I know that God has so many lessons for all that know her, additionally, I believe she is learning also. It is my prayer that Lina will understand how much she is loved!
Thank you for the comments, they brighten my day! Renee keep sending scripture! Susan you are a wonderful boost to me each day! Peggy I'm drinking some coffee right now, can't wait to do it with you at the diningroom table. Leah I love hearing your voice and the wonderful distraction of Shapes. Debbie, my ever faithful friend, thank you for calling-call Rob and get the number to my room. I love you guys! Hannah your comment was beautiful and exactly the spiritual lift my heart needed. Thank you for teaching me so much each day-I miss you. Mary, I look forward to hearing your voice everyday-it makes me smile. John, I love you! Rob, none of this would happen if not for you. You are the greatest blessing. Hugs and kisses to all!
Keep praying-we serve an awesome God, who promises never to leave me or forsake me--To him ALONE be the glory.

Sunday

Lina is still on complete bed rest. The dressings on her back and leg don't come off until tomorrow, so the likelyhood of us going to the hotel on Monday is not so great. However, her beautiful personality is coming back. She has eaten well again today, had a great bath, and is enjoying watching TV. I know that there are a lot of people praying for Lina and our family, I am sure that is the reason we are all doing well.

If all goes as planned...

we will be going to the hotel on Monday. Lina had a BIG breakfast, french toast, pancakes, sausage, and juice. She is being so brave and incredibly sweet. She hasn't had pain meds since last night. It is so much quieter on the weekends. She just woke-up...

August 2

Yesterday is almost a blur! Lina is off the vent. It was really hard to watch her go through the "process". I have come to the conclusion that I was not really prepared for this...but how would you prepare? The doctors came in this morning and took out 2 of the drains, the catheter is out, the dressings are off her face and leg. I can see how her face is changed already, but it is not easy to look at. The top of the graft is not looking great, but Dr. Rose has explained everything to me and I understand where we will go from here. All of the doctors have been so incredible. Our two nurses, Jaime (I spelled it right this time-haha) and Nicole are now friends. Nicole leaves for Florida today-have fun. And Jaime is off this weekend. The two of you have been such a blessing to Lina and to me. THANK YOU!!!!

Being adopted, I didn't get to hear Lina's heartbeat in the womb. Every hour they "doppler" her new artery, I equate the sound to the one of a baby in utero --it is again, a new bond for us.

Anyone that knows Lina is aware of her love of food--you know she's feeling better because she has had juice, eggs, jello, and peanutbutter bread this morning. She is also following directions great and listening. SHE"S BACK. I have always loved Lina, but now our relationship is forever changed, I am in awe of her strength. I love her more with each passing moment.

Please keep praying.

John 15:11-12

Holding onto scripture! They have lowered Lina's vent in hopes of taking her off of it sometime today. She is resting quietly. Still holding my hand with a grip that some wide-recievers wish they had!(haha) Peggy, Eddie, Caitlin, and Kenny thank you for the incredible surprise. I am so thankful for all the prayers and I KNOW that Christ is here with us. We were on the cover of the largest Spanish newspaper today--they used the picture of me holding my Bible-on the cover!!! Thank you all for your comments, I look forward to reading them. Our nurse Jamie had been an absolute sweethart and gives me peace about leaving for a few minutes. All the doctors have been compassionate and kind.

She is so amazing

As I type this update, the tears are just pouring from my eyes. What an amazing little girl. She did great through the night. All she wants to do is hold my hand. I was not prepared for the way she would look coming out of surgery. She has drainage tubes-two from her head and neck area, one coming from her back, and one off her leg. Theyhad to take a graft from her leg and put it on the place on her back that they harvested for her face. She had the skin on the right side of her face replaced, her right nostril worked on and the bottom left portion of her lips worked on. It is important for all of us to remember that it will take several surgeries for it all to come together. She will look a little "one-sided" for a while, but we will be back in a few months to do the other side. Dr. Rose hopes to complete Lina's surgeries in 2 years.
Ever full of love, Lina gives me sign language for I love you every 10 seconds or so. Please keep praying. To God be the Glory!!!!

Wed AM

Spoke with Laura this morning...Lina's in ICU and pretty well sedated. She's recovering as expected and is still on a ventilator (as expected). She may be taken off the ventilator later today. Laura doesn't want to leave ICU unless she has to, so she won't be able to call/e-mail, etc for now. I'll let everyone know when I get more info.

Thank you for all the encouragement and continued prayers!!
Rob

ps- Here's a link to an article from yesterday and today, if you google "Lina Demarest" you'll see a number of others:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/07/31/2007-07-31_a_new_face_for_burn_tot.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/08/01/2007-08-01_burned_girl_ok_after_face_operation.html