Lauren update

I have received lots of emails asking for updates about Lauren, so here it is....

For those of you who don't know her history, Lauren has had 3 heart transplants (19 months, 12 years and 15 years old), cancer 4 times, 2 leg surgeries, and 4 abdominal surgeries.

She has had back and belly pain every day for about 7 weeks now. During that time, she was initially treated for one infection, then some GI scopes showed several other issues which she is being treated for as well. However, the pain continues, and, in spite of many tests, they can't quite figure out exactly what is wrong. She has been in and out of the hospital during this time and was readmitted on Tuesday.

She has had little appetite so has lost a lot of weight, is very lethargic, has needed multiple blood transfusions, and is now receiving IV nutrition. She has a team of doctors - cardiology, transplant, oncology, radiology, GI, rheumatology, pain team, surgery - all reviewing her case and trying to solve the mystery. With her history and being immunosuppressed, she is even more dificult.

She is feeling a bit more perky now that she has the IV nutrition, got some blood and has round-the-clock IV pain control. Meanwhile, the MRI's, CT's, ultrasound, xrays, and mountains of blood work are being analyzed and interpreted. She goes for an MRE later today. My guess and theirs is that what is going on is nothing normal but something rare.

Lauren is typically a fabulous student but hasn't had the energy or ability to go to school - she has been to 5 hours of classes since Feb 5th. Her track record is to catch up quickly, but we've had to drop a good portion of her classes much to her dismay.

Her heart continues to be amazing as it seems to be staying healthy. None of the results appear to show anything cancerous. The other great blessing over the past 2 months is her acceptance into BYU. That means she only has until August to get back to 100%!

Lauren is often told that through her experiences, she will touch the lives of many. This is often the case. I receive notes and messages from people who fast when they haven't for awhile; who study about and exercise faith in her behalf; who pray more diligently because they have a purpose in their prayers; who "try my best to be obedient as if somehow my obedience will give you strength."

Hopefully there are some who cross Lauren's path who witness miracles they would otherwise miss. We are praying that a diagnosis will be reached soon and that this will be yet another miracle.

It's a privilege to be her mom. I watch her bravely endure pain, pokes, frustration, test, bodily fluids, lack of sleep, exhaustion and disappointment with more courage and patience than I ever could.

Rachel, Megan and Nathan are incredible kids and have to endure a lot as well. They are leaving tomorrow on a plane for Salt Lake (by themselves) so that my siblings and their kids can have fun with them over Spring Break. They do laundry, cook meals, are responsible about their homework and have remained cheerful and supportive!

We are grateful for all your prayers, service, well-wishes and love directed to our family.