Day 107

Today was supposed to be a great day, as Deedra was going to be transferred back to the rehab unit and 3 of our kids were coming to visit her. However, things did not work out as planned.

Around 10:45 AM she had a severe seizure which lasted for 2-3 minutes. She has never had a seizure before. The rapid response team came in. She bit her tongue and inside cheek which caused blood to run out of her mouth. She was taken to have CT scans of her head, neck and abdomen.

I was told after the CT's were completed she was aware and asked for me, then she had another seizure.

She was given Ativan, transferred to the ICU and has been sleeping since. She has briefly woken up a few times and been able to answer questions by shaking her head yes or no, but then fallen back asleep.

No one has spoken to me about the CT results, but looking online at her medical records, her head CT was normal (meaning no stroke) and her neck CT was negative. Her abdominal CT scan revealed probable pancreatitis (which would explain her abdominal pain and nausea, but not her seizures).

So now we just wait for the doctors report and press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. We shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end! (2 Nephi 31:20)

In 1986 Elder Marvin J. Ashton (a modern Apostle of Jesus Christ) said, "None of us will escape tragedy and suffering. Each of us will probably react differently. However, if we can recall the Lord's promise, "For I the Lord am with you," we will be able to face our problems with dignity and courage. We will find the strength to be of good cheer instead of becoming resentful, critical, or defeated. We will be able to meet life's unpleasant happenings with clear vision, strength, and power."

We love and appreciate you all and all you are doing for our precious family. We pray you feel our Heavenly Father's love and recognize his hand in your life.

Merry Christmas,

The Russell's