Category: 2016

Safe on Oahu – But Not So Sound

Friday, 23 Sep 2016

Ella, Roxy, and their staff (Mum and Nurse Jessica) arrived safely on Oahu yesterday afternoon – just in time to help Ella battle a fairly aggressive respiratory infection.

Supplemental oxygen and overnight nursing care helped Ella remain stable enough to avoid a midnight trip to the emergency room.

In order to get ahead of the power curve and to stay out of trouble, Ella has an appointment with her primary care provider, Dr. Carroll, at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) this morning.

Details to follow…

Thank you for your prayers.

 

Early Departure Due to Illness

Thursday, 22 Sep 2016

It appears Ella’s “slight cold” may in fact be a respiratory infection.  Rather than run the risk of remaining away from her support network, Ella will return to Oahu this afternoon on Hawaiian Airlines (HA395).

Initially, we are unsure if Roxy would accompany Ella to Oahu today, or if she would remain on Maui and travel over the weekend with her trainer.

The current plan is to keep the dynamic duo together and for Roxy to fly (in the cabin) with Ella today.  It doesn’t get much better than that !

Thank you for your prayers.

Slumber Party Smiles

Wednesday, 21 Sep 2016

Roxy and Ella enjoyed their first night together.

Ella brought Roxy back to the hotel after their long day of training.  Both Ella and Roxy were dog tired.

Roxy slept on her bed at the foot of Ella’s bed.  Ella slept in her bed with Mama.  In the morning, Roxy gave Ella a little “good morning” snuggle.

Thank you for your prayers.

*Today is the 12th anniversary of Ella’s heart surgery at Stanford.

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Aloha Roxy

Tuesday, 20 Sep 2016

Roxy is the reason for Ella’s special mission to Maui.  Roxy is a 23 month old female yellow labrador from Assistance Dogs of Hawaii.  She is highly trained service dog.

Yesterday morning, Ella and Roxy met for the first time.  Shortly thereafter, they began the training program that will teach them how to work with each other.   No doubt this will truly will be a labor of love.

Thank you for your prayers.

 

SPECIAL Mission to Maui

Sunday, 18 Sep 2016

Twenty minutes after departing Oahu on Hawaiian Airlines; Mama, Ella, and Nurse Tommie landed at Kahalui Airport on Maui.  The brief flight was thankfully uneventful.  Shortly after their arrival, the trio settled into their hotel room and began preparations for their SPECIAL five-day Mission to Maui.  Check back here tomorrow for more details about this very SPECIAL Mission!

Thank you for your payers!

 

Saying Good Bye to Porty

Monday, 12 Sep 2016

Just after mid day, Dr. Woo removed the “Porta Cath” medical device that he implanted on Monday, 14 Apr 2014.  “Porty” provided quick, reliable, and low stress intravenous access (IV) access over the past 29 months.  This type of access was a real luxury – as Ella’s wee veins have always been a challenge for the phlebotomists to find  and access.

In preparation for this eventuality, “Porty” was not used for the past two blood draws.  Instead, blood was drawn from veins in Ella’s arms.   Ella deserves great credit for her willingness to accept these “old school” blood draws and yet another surgical procedure.

Dr. Russell K. Woo
Dr. Russell K. Woo

We are especially grateful to Dr. Russell Woo (pediatric surgeon) and Dr. Vincent Lucy (pediatric anesthesiologist) for their patience and willingness to answer our questions and understand our concerns.

Monday Means Chemo No More

Monday, 20 Jun 2016

(1615 = ANC on 20 Jun)

Ella celebrates the completion of her chemotherapy protocol with the doctors and nurses who cared for over the past 798 days.

While the two years, two months, and one week Ella spent on this journey seemed long at times, it is important to remember Ella managed to finish early – nearly 100 days ahead of the 30 months that is usually required.

We are mindful of the blessings she received from the many prayers said on her behalf as she made this journey.

We sincerely hope your faith is strengthened.

Thank you for your prayers.