Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Tricia Update

Tricia's weight is up to 115lbs from 110 just a week ago. That is great news and one of the biggest things she needs to improve on.

She is having a bit of a down day today. As you can imagine, just about any activity, no matter how small or short a time involves a lot of physical strain. She becoming a little frustrated at her inabilities.

She's also having problems with her blood sugar. Several times in the past few days her sugar level has dropped well below 50, which can be very dangerous. The endocrine team is doing their best ti figure out what the issues are, but it seems there are always issues with her blood sugar, so we're trying to take it in stride.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayer today! I'm getting ready to whoop her in an intense game of scrabble...

Nate

62 comments:

Coach Prentice said...

Hang in there Tric-ee! We love ya! Maybe today will be the day! Hi Nate!

Anonymous said...

Whoop him tricia...whoop him! We're thinking of all of you in the Bowman household today. God bless

Katie said...

Hi Nathan & Tricia!

I heard about you two last Sunday in our Bible Fellowship class. I think I've been playing catch up with your blog ever since!! My prayers are with you guys and your baby girl. Even though I know the "ending" to the story, I can't wait to see what happens next in the story of how you got together.

Also, is there a way to mail things to you guys?

From a "Sister" in Newport News, VA!

Kk said...

Tricia will WHOOP you!
She is pretty strong, has she not proved that yet?
Im sure she has.
Hope Baby Gwyneth is having a swell day.
God bless!
~Kk

Unknown said...

Come on Tricia - give Nate the whooping! :) We wanna know the final score!

Continued prayers for all of you.

cmziall said...

Great news on the weight gain! I'd give you some of mine if I could! LOL!

Nate, I think it is so awesome you get to spend all your time with your two girls. God put you in their lives for that reason, your continual kindness and charity to them is truly inspiring.

Michelle in MO

Anonymous said...

Nate, after reading everyone else's comments on wanting Tricia to beat you at Scrabble, I have decided to cheer for you, even though I was originally fully prepared to throw my support Tricia's way. :-)

We will pray for Tricia's blood sugar, thank God for her weight gain & ask for her frustrations to diminish.

Sara in MD

Amy E. said...

Scrabble!! Love it.
We like to play games. Some friends of ours just introduced us to "Sequence"..it is a great game. Very competative.

Hope a good competition lifts the spirits.

Beth Anne said...

Praying for you Tricia, the arrival of your new lungs, and also for your sweet baby girl.

And - wow, you two sure do have quite the love story. :-)

Lori & Family said...

Sorry if you have all ready talked about this before but what effect does CF have on blood sugars? Do I remember right that CF involves the Pancreas also along with the lungs?

Momof2bz said...

GIRL POWER!!!! Go get him Tricia. (Sorry Nate) We are praying that today is the day. Have a good game. I must have missed the story of us update below. Thank you! While you are playing, I'll be reading. I too would gladly give you some of my weight if I could but I'll offer prayers instead.

Brooke (CrazyRN) said...

Great news about the weight increase!

I'm not sure if it's possible, but is there a way she can get some fresh air and sit outside (in a wheelchair of course) for a few minutes to perk up her day? I know this is a common request from past patients I've taken care of.

Just wanted to let you know I thought of Tricia the other night when I was working in ICU and was washing a patient's hair, she was sedated and vented and she was in desperate need of a good hairwash. 90 minutes later she was sporting braids like I've seen Tricia wear! Her doc came by later to check on her and was impressed with her "new do"!

You better watch out, I think Tricia will whoop you in your game! LOL!

Jen in Al said...

Praying for body and soul! Beat him good, Tricia! Sorry Nate. :)LOL let us know how the scrabble game turns out! Praying, jen in al

Deb said...

After you put all this into a book, you should make it into a movie too. Seriously- people would pay money to see that!
Congrats on the weight gain! Good news- and 5lbs in a week is pretty impressive.
Be nice to her in Scrabble! I hear you were beating her pretty bad at skipbo the other day (facebook).
We'll be praying for her blood sugar to stabilize.. will that effect too much if you get the call for new lungs in the next few days?
Gwyneth is looking great this week! Yay!

Anonymous said...

That will certainly make her day. Don't let him win Tricia!

Christy said...

Tricia,
I know the docs are pleased about your weight gain. Post-transplant, you will gain like crazy... and it will be wonderful! :) Sorry about the blood sugars. I hope they get those under control. At least they are keeping a close eye on you and can catch it quickly if it drops. Hang in there.. praying for you, Gwyneth and Nate several times a day!!!!!

Carol said...

Okay, Tricia, you need to whoop his behind!

Erin said...

Tricia ~ I can only imagine how frustrated you are at times! I have to say that you are doing great! The weight gain is HUGE ~ way to go!!!!! I am praying that your new lungs are on their way and that you and Gwyneth continue to stay strong! (((HUGS))) for you!!!

Jen said...

Congrats on the weight gain! Always praying for you guys!

PS Good luck on the scrabble game!

Jenny said...

Thanks so much for the update on Trish. :)

Have a great time with scrabble, let us know who wins!

Christy said...

Conitinuing to pray for Ms. Tricia.

Sonia said...

We are still praying for you, Tricia, and your beautiful baby girls.

Kim said...

Good job on the weight, Tricia! Hopefully that blood sugar will come up, too!
Praying for you!
Kim

The Adoption Of William said...

Aww, praying for you Tricia! Scrabble is the best! No ofense Nate, but I hope she kicks your behind!

Blessings,

Jen-William's Mom

Laurie in Ca. said...

Thinking about you today and prayers being said for all of you. Good for the weight gain Tricia and praying for the blood sugars to chill out and get normal for you. Praying for Gwyneth too as she continues to eat and grow strong. Have a fun game today.

Laurie in Ca.

debangel said...

Get'im, Tricia!!

Sorry Nate, us girls gotta stick together ;)

NCBeachMom said...

Have you on my heart and mind and lifting you to the Father today!

Kim
Raleigh

JENNIKIR said...

Hey guys,
I finally broke down and got a google account:)
Beating your husband at a game is ALWAYS good therapy!!!!
Love you guys,
Jenn

Beka said...

Have fun playing Scrabble!

We're praying for you all-- may God continue to give you the strength, moment by moment, to get through the challenges of each day.

His grace is sufficient!

ASUBttrfly said...

Scrabble rocks!
praying for lifted spirits

Jenny said...

Hey y'all,
I used to play Scrabble with someone who was frequently in the hospital too - we made up our own special hospital rules. Double points for words that we learned from a doctor, words that related to her condition, or things that were in her hospital room. And for some reason, we'd shout BINGO when we did come up with one of those. Best of all, 50 extra points for whoever put the word DONOR on the board (she was waiting for a heart).

Hope you guys have fun!

Alison said...

Hi Nate,

I have been reading your blog and enjoying it for weeks. Your family is very inspirational to me. Every time I feel depressed about my life, I read your blog or think of your darling daughter and your brave wife and I remind myself of the miracles that God has created in this world. You have my loyal readership from now on and I hope that you won't mind if I post a link to your blog on mine.

With admiration,
Alison

terri c said...

OK an all purpose comment from the last several posts: (1) Gwyneth looks WONDERFUL, (2) the love story suspense is KILLING me (but in a good way), (3) great news on the weight gain, hope the blood sugar stabilizes, and of course prayers continuing.

naomi silliman said...

Does Tricia know you are posting her weight? Just kidding! I am trying to get you both to laugh (sounds like you could both use it today)! I am praying for you all today and thank you for sharing all the great pictures of your family!!!

Dissertation Mommy said...

Tricia, glad to know you are gaining weight, which will make you stronger for your transplant. I continue praying for you.

Since Lori & family asked, below is a link to information about CF related diabetes. I hope you don't mind, Nate - it may be one less question you have to answer. My husband, who also has CF, is dealing with blood sugar issues at the moment.

http://www.cff.org/treatments/Therapies/Nutrition/Diabetes/

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

I'm pleased to hear of Tricia's weight gain. :)

I'll be praying in regard to the blood sugar issues.

Hugs...

Dancing with Joy said...

Praying!

Heidi~mom to five, three have CF

Q's NEWS said...

Nate - I think you should let Tricia win at scrabble - especially if she is having a down day! Hang in there Tricia, remember how far you have come and how much closer you are to your goal. We are still praying for you and Gwyneth and every day that passes is another day closer to going home!!!

Thank you, Nate, for posting Part 10. Please post Part 11 very soon or even better - post 11 & 12 at the same time - yeah!

Love from WV,
Susan

Paige Hinrichs said...

Gotta Love Scrabble! I have a "q" word for you, which comes in handy when you're missing a "u". The word is "qat" and I think it's some of date tree.

Praying for Tricia's physical and emotional health and that she wins big time today! She deserves it. :)

Destini said...

Way to go on the weight gain! When most of us are trying to lose weight, it kinda sounds funny to congratulate someone for gaining! I am happy for you! I am praying for the blood sugar issues to stablilize and for those lungs! God Bless you & Nate!

marcia said...

I'm voting for Tricia in the Scrabble wars, too!! You go, girl! :) And I loved Jenny's idea of bonus points for pertinent medical terms. Praying for the sugar to stabilize...and Yeah for the weight gain!

Shari said...

Continuing to pray! Yay for the weight gain! Let us know who wins the battle at Scrabble! Praying as always!

Blessings!

Shari

Anonymous said...

We used to play a ton of games. One of the games I like to play is called Upwords. it's like scrabble, but you can put tiles on existing tiles to make new words. It's really fun.

Christy said...

Go Tricia, Go Tricia!
We are doing the dance here since you gained weight. Just please don't try to get a visual. I don't want to wear you out laughing. I will be saying extra prayers about the sugar issue. Now, have fun with scrabble.
Christy in KY

Rick Lawrenson said...

Tricia doesn't have a chance at winning.

The Kirschners have never been able to beat the Lawrensons at any game we've played.

Then again, she is adopted...

Missy said...

way to gain 5 lbs (funny how in the every day'ness of life, women don't typically celebrate gaining weight). something how our perspectives change in certain situations. as for scrabble - its my favorite board game. i hope tricia beats ya nate. (sorry nate).

Rich and Lauren said...

i hope she starts feeling much better very soon. we love you guys!

clayito&mima said...

nathan and tricia,

we continue to pray that God will strengthen and encourage your physical, mental, and spiritual beings, and people in our duke med Bible study are lifting you up as well. thanks for glorifying God through your lives and this blog. nathan, we've only briefly met you, and tricia, we haven't met you at all, but we feel like we know you b/c we visit this blog at least 3 times a day (very conservative estimate). may God's grace and peace be with you. amen.

clay & esma h.

pam said...

Praying for His touch, to balance (in whatever way He choses) that which He has created.

halfdozn said...

I hope you know "Speed Scrabble", also known as "Take Two" - it's the best! Get rid of the board, each player gets 7 tiles and everyone forms their own crossword in front of them at once. When someone uses up his tiles, he says "Take Two" and everyone draws 2 tiles and everyone continues. As you draw more letters, you can re-do your crossword if you want. It's faster and fun! Praying for peace, new lungs and Gwenyth to keep growing.

Lisa said...

Hi! I have a nosy question. How has Tricia been doing with eating? I haven't heard anything about it in a while. I figure she's still on tube feeds...does she get them only at night and eat during the day? Does she get boluses? Or does it go all day? Has she been able to eat much pureed food? Thanks!

Lisa

Candi said...

Praying that they can get those blood sugars under control soon.

I'm diabetic and I know how awful those lows can make you feel. I've had several drops into the 40s that scared me. One was when I was pregnant with my youngest. I'm very glad my husband was home because I really went down hill fast until my sugar came back up.

Also, praying those new lungs come fast. I have a friend with CF that has had a double lung transplant and it is amazing to see the difference it has made for her.

Test said...

Great news that she's gained weight! We're praying for you all!

Did you win?

Auntie Ronnie said...

My daughter has been diabetic for 16 years, she became diabetic when she was 6. I spent many sleepless nights when she was sick, because that is when her sugar levels would drop alot. She went on the insulin pump a little over 5 years ago and her levels have been much better. Would they ever put Tricia on a pump?

Lauren M said...

MIL sent me this article about a woman who invented supplies for premies. Her company is Small Beginnings. She started with the eye mask for the bili-light. Here's the article: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/preemies.html
If you want to listen to it instead go here: http://invention.smithsonian.org/video/
and scroll down to Sharon Rogan's interview. Very neat. It's amazing how much premie care has changed and I see Gwyneth has some neat devices keeping her comfy cozy. God bless you all!

Shari said...

Go Tricia Go!!

Mini steps, but all in the right direction. My whole family is organ donors. Don't know if they would take any of mine (I have MS and they sure don't even want my blood anymore!) They can have what they want when my day comes, won't do me any good after that!!

Take care all!!
Shari-NC

Anonymous said...

Just for saying that I hope she whooped you! ;) My husband beats me in every game. It's so annoying.

Praying, praying every day.

Heidi Reed

Toni Lynn Hanna said...

I have been follwing your story for some time. I have a dear friend who's daughter has CF. I also had a premie at 24 weeks. I know the stuggles of NICU life. I think and pray for you often.

Jill Pagels said...

Hi, this comment doesn't really have much to do with this post specifically, but I thought I might as well comment here. My 4 year old son Nathan is going to have a "trike-a-thon" at his school at the beginning of April with money being donated to CF research/patients. Two months ago I wouldn't have thought much about this, we obviously would have tried to get sponsers, but it will have a much deeper meaning now after "getting to know" your family and he and I will work extra hard to get as many sponsers as we can. We continue to keep you all in our prayers, God bless!

The Lockwood Family ♥ said...

Dear Nathan and Tricia and precious little Gwyneth,

I've never commented before, but we are praying for you all down here in Mexico about 800 miles south of the US border. My dear hubby and I and our almost 11 children (ages 11-1) are missionaries here.
Thank you for your testimony for our Lord and Savior!
love and prayers,
Jaynee

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

Great news on the weight gain! Continuing to pray for all three of you and wishing you some cheer today.

GinnyBerry said...

Gaining weight has never been a problem for me but I'm not making light of Trisha's accomplishment because I know her metabolism is challenged by her medical conditions.

I'm so glad that she is gaining.

Trisha you have accomplished so much in the last few months ~ you are a hero. Such a good example for others to follow.

God bless you!