Elizabeth Grace - 11PM Update

I'm trying to remain optimistic but it's difficult.  I know God is still in the business of miracles but I'm having a hard time.  I don't know how Michelle is keeping her faith so strong.  She is certainly an amazing woman and a true inspiration for all.

Please, when you pray for Elizabeth do not forget all of the people that love this family and all who have been affected by learning about Elizabeth or meeting her, etc.

Ya know, I don't think I mentioned this but most who know me know how much I love Keith Urban.  I turned Michelle onto him 4 years ago.  Andrew even had Keith Urban's "Stupid Boy" as his ring tone.  Anyway, a few weeks ago, right before Elizabeth took a turn for the worst, there was a knock at the door of Elizabeth's hospital room a few weeks ago and it was KEITH URBAN!  He stayed for over an hour.  His security people kept trying to move him along but he wouldn't go -- apparently, taken so much by Elizabeth and her story.  There was a journal entry about his visit.  Michelle said she'd put up pictures but I'm sure she hasn't had time.  Those are pictures I will be so happy to see -- Elizabeth happy in the arms of Keith Urban!  :-)  


Tuesday, July 28, 2009 11:07 PM, CDT

Day 306

It's been a long, long day. Elizabeth did open her eyes this morning and has kept them open today more than she has any other day, however she is not responsive. We started this morning with our 3rd EEG, they hook 23 leads to her head with glue and a cold air machine thing. It's not nice and smells terrible and Elizabeth laid still the whole time. We then went to another CT scan. She was awake but again laid very still. This is not Elizabeth. It's very sad and very scary. We bathed her when we got back and she rested for awhile. This afternoon and tonight she has been making alot of "whining" noises. I'm not sure what to think of them but I pray very much she is not in pain. I wanted to tell you the involuntary movements she was making were completely stopped by yesterday. And yesterday she started this "shaking" thing. She was also having very high temps that would go away very quickly. Today her temp was stable all day and in the 100's and the "shaking" stopped. I do hope this "whining" noise stops as it breaks my heart. Elizabeth has NEVER been a whiner, complainer or cryer. This is not her. The Ct scan today showed less swelling but that her brain is not returning to a "normal". The radiation oncologist that came in to assess her for radiation said this-- He will not do radiation on Elizabeth for a couple of reasons, shes not well but in his opinion the lesions on the brain do not look like lymphoma to him. Since the only way to confirm that is a biopsy, which we can't do because of her bleeding issues, he will not radiate her brain. So... as of tonight we will start a low dose chemo plan tomorrow. I will let you know what it is then since Dr. Sara is still working on it tonight!  We love you, Dr. Sara! The U/S showed her liver to look much better and her colitis too. She has some fluid on her lungs again but mostly because she is not moving around enough. She doesn't move at all, only when we physically move her. I have held her in the bed most of today.
A few things.. someone mentioned in the guestbook praying and fasting for Elizabeth tomorrow and wanted to know if anyone wanted to join her. If you do, you can skip one or all meals tomorrow and pray for her during that time. Elizabeth has not eaten since Tuesday, July 7. Her body is so weak and frail right now. Also, A friend from Mandeville, Gina has been running to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and is having a fundraiser on Thursday, July 30 at Spaceport in Mandeville from 6-9 pm. She is doing it in Elizabeth's honor but all proceeds will go to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. Ironically, Elizabeth has now been fighting both diseases, so any help you can give for resarch for a cure will be appreciated. Thank you, Gina. Everyone's help, love, support, and prayers mean the world to us. I want you all to know I receive cards, packages, dresses and bows, prayer intentions, everyday. I'm not sure when I will be able to formerly thank you all but I appreciate all your love very much. These last few weeks have been more than difficult but everyday THOUSANDS of people are checking Elizabeth's site and PRAYING for her and that brings us much HOPE AND PEACE! Trusting in GOD! KEEp PraYing KeEp Believing Love, Michelle

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethdunford


 

This is not great news-I was so hoping for better news but of course we all are. Her strength and optimism and faith is just amazing. Its really caused me to take steps closer to God- I've resumed morning prayers starting with Elizabeth. I'd gotten away from that for a while for some reason. Thank you for posting. Thanks to Michelle for sharing their lives with us. I continue to pray.
I love Keith Urban-how wonderful that he came! Remind me again-what hospital are they at?

Alissa,

Thank you for sharing.  Michelle mentioned a few journal entries ago that people had contacted her to let her know that reading about Elizabeth and Michelle's faith have brought them back to God.  That's a wonderful gift!  :-) 

They are at St. Jude's in Memphis, TN.

All of that information and even Michelle's address is on the web page.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethdunford


Thank you for praying for Elizabeth.  Prayers are all Michelle has ever asked for because she knows that is the best gift a person can give another!  :-)

Many blessing to you and yours! 

Peace and love to all!