Briana Update 4/17/2009

Teri arrived safely at the Burbank airport this morning and had a happy reunion with Eric and Leyna. They went to the hospital and spent the balance of the day with Bri (noon-7:00 p.m.).

Bri’s was doing better today but was still draining lots of fluid. The dr. said the fluid is being generated by the liver as it recovers from the trauma of Monday’s surgery and heals. Teri reports that Bri’s stomach, legs and feet are swollen. But that’s to be expected as long as the liver isn’t working at full function, after all, the liver is the body’s master filter. With 40% of it being removed and the trauma that’s been imposed on the portion that remains, yes, the filter’s experienced a tremendous shock that will affect its function. Over time, drainage should cease and the edema (swelling) throughout Bri’s body will subside.

Bri was able to wash her hair for the first time this week. She wasn’t thrilled with the two-in-one shampoo/conditioner provided by the hospital. When Teri offered the shampoo and conditioner she brought from AZ, Bri was quick to take her up on the offer.

One of Bri’s former high school and volleyball club teammates, Ale (Coquelet) Ray, lives in our ward. She’s the Beehive advisor. Ale coordinated a service project in which, over the past few weeks, she told her Beehive girls stories about Bri – as an athlete, a friend and a mother. She showed the girls pictures of Bri and her family. Ale helped her girls make a Care Package – the girls donated books for Bri and her children; wrote personal letters to Bri; included candy for whomever might like it; and other things that I don’t recall right now. Ale was so excited to have Teri take the package to Bri! Although Teri hasn’t told me about the details, I imagine eyes filled with tears of joy and appreciation as Bri saw the gift of love from a long-time friend who took time out of her busy life to say, “I Love You.”

I spoke with Bri for a couple of minutes early this afternoon. She sounded stronger than I thought she might. She was glad to be out of ICU. Today, although she was still weak and fatigued, she walked 3 laps around the hospital ward. Yup, she’s still an overachiever. J Reminder, Teri will let us all know when Bri feels strong enough to take phone calls.

Eric is exhausted. Teri says Cedars-Sinai hospital is 1½ -2 hours each way from Bri’s home. With all he’s been through this week, Eric invited Teri to go to the hospital to spend the day with Bri, tomorrow. He’ll stay home with Kami and Leyna and get some much needed rest and relaxation.

Thus far I’m not aware of any date the dr. might have in mind for Bri’s release from the hospital.

The Lord’s blessings are being evidenced each day as Bri’s strength and attitude continue to return to normal. We recognize the role of ministering angels in her recovery. We’re so grateful for righteous grandparents, cousins, other family members and friends on the other side of the veil who continue to petition the blessings of heaven, and provide service to, her.

We appreciate your love, prayers, supportive thoughts and testimony.

Rick