Thursday, March 10, 2011

Smiles before and afer surgery!

Almost 2 days after surgery and Jessica is still smiling! She is doing very well considering how major her surgery was. They removed her right kidney, an adrenal gland, her appendix and diverticulum, part of her liver and diaphragm, and peeled/cut tumor away from the vena cava. They also placed her port, which is the central line for chemo treatments. She had a picc line in her arm up until a week before surgery. 11 tumor specimens were sent with the pathologist. We should have some good information by next Monday, as far as the pathology report. Jessica had an amazing surgeon, Dr.Rebecka Meyers. We are so grateful for the amazing doctors and nurses here at Primary Children's. It is a blessing indeed, to have the technology that we have and the trained Physicians who can perform these operations that save lives!

Just a day after surgery and Jessica is still trying to smile. Her first night was tough on her. It took them a little longer to get her pain managed, but they made the needed adjustments and by the next day things were much better.

The morning right before Jessica went in for surgery.
We came through some bad weather Monday night as we traveled. At some points it was a little scary. Soon after we passed through Fillmore, the freeway closed from Fillmore south. We were lucky to make it through. We were headed to Farmington to Amelia's, but decided to stop at Aunt Helens in South S.L.C. to avoid another hour of bad roads. We all love Aunt Helen's. We always feel so welcome. We arrived between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. and there was Aunt Helen out shoveling snow for us. THANK YOU ESPLIN FAMILY!!

Aunt Helen and Grandma Chipman with Jessica just before we headed to the hospital Tuesday morning. Jessica was absolutely loving all the snow...which was a whole lot and now is completely all melted.

Grandpa and Grandma Chipman with Jessica and Kate.
Two days before surgery, we all spent the afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa Chipmans. Jessica's cousin Kate came down from Farmington with us last week when we were up for the CT scan. We knew we were returning soon for surgery, so we got to bring Kate home with us! Kate and Jessica had a super fun week together!

Jessica with her Uncle Josh and Aunt Julia.
Just a couple of Jessica's favorite people.
And that winning smile that we all love!!

Kate, Jessica, and twin cousins, Emmy & Abby.
Just relaxin' having root beer floats at Grandma & Grandpa's.















9 comments:

  1. Bless her heart she is such a trooper! Great smile sweetheart! Still on top of my prayer list! Praying that the best days are not far away for all of you. Blessings, Vicky

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  2. I'm so glad surgery went well. Here is to a speedy recovery! I'm sure you're looking forward to the pathology report. We will be at clinic a week from today, and if Jessica is still there and up for it perhaps we can meet in the playroom and the girls can hang out. Let me know if you're interested JAbernethy07@gmail.com

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  3. So happy to hear that she is doing so well. I have been following the blog and of course, sending many, many prayers and thoughts your way. You have such a beautiful family, Chandra. I hope everything continues to go well.
    -Desirae (Fowlks) Ogden

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  4. We are so happy to hear the great news and Jessica has been in our prayers and thoughts. Schmitt family you have given us strength recently our son had emergency surgery and it was your strength that pulled us through. Thank you for your wonderful example! Jessica smiles are beautiful, she is a miracle and beautiful gift to all of us! We love you Schmitt family! Love The Bagley Family

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  5. I've been giddy, oh so giddy about Jessica's release from the hospital! Miracles occur! Jessica Schmitt is a living testimony of this! Yes, I'm giddy! Yes, life is AWESOME! We love you, Jess! We also love your entire family! God bless all of you.

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  6. We are so thrilled that Jessica has done so well post-surgery. Her smile is a ray of light for so many--I'll bet she lights up the lives of all around her, including the other little fighters she's come to know. Prayers for her continued recovery and a good path report next week. Go away cancer! :) Love you all, The Dickeys

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  7. We are so happy Jessica is doing well and that surgery went smoothly! We continue to think of your sweet family. What a little trooper she is! Many prayers and love sent your way.
    Love
    The Mogles

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  8. We are so proud of our hero Jessica. These kids and their strength is just amazing. Hope she continues to recover fully and quickly so that she can move on to the next steps of treatment. You are all in our prayers. It was so nice meeting you. Thanks for your examples of endurance. We will try to visit next week when we are up on Thursday. Please let me know if you need anything at all!

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  9. So happy the surgery is done and over with! You guys are in our prayers and thoughts everyday! We love you and are so proud of Jessica she is the bravest girl we know! You guys are doing a great job with her. Please let us know how we can help you guys! Keep smiling my friend!

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