The last 8 days have been exhausting. Thursday we didn’t think Carmen would make it through the day. She is still here and actually doing better. By better, I mean that she is breathing better. Although her oxygen levels have been sporadic, they are mostly in the 90′s with 1-2 liters of oxygen. We’ve given her morphine and Ativan as needed to keep her comfortable. Her lungs are crackly but clear.
Despite the higher oxygen levels, Carmen’s Hospice nurse still thinks Carmen is moving into the end stages of life. She is extremely swollen. Even her tongue is swollen. Suctioning Carmen is hard even without a swollen tongue because she clamps down. Suctioning her with a puffy tongue is down-right difficult! She hasn’t pooped in 11 days despite giving her suppositories. She has unusually hard and fast pulses in her hands and feet, something she has never had. And regardless of the morphine and Ativan, she still goes through periods of very fast and labored breathing.
We are doing our best to keep Carmen as comfortable as possible but the ups and downs of all of this are extremely difficult.
Keeping Carmen and your entire family in my thoughts. I wish there was something I could do or say to make this very difficult time a bit easier for you.
Praying for all of you to feel strength and peace surrounding the family.
Take good care.
My family as well as my small group prayer warriors are praying for your whole family in this very difficult time.
Keeping you all in my prayers! With much love, Rikki.
Please know that I am with you and God is with you during these difficult days. I appreciate the updates on Carmen as well as on all your family. Praying for you daily, Dad
Hi, I pray very much. I hope you all have a sense of God’s peace about you. I know that might sound strange but that is my prayer for all of you especially Carmen, and you Lana.
Prayers for you, Carmen, and the family are being offered. Dear Lord, please hold Carmen in Your hands. Be the peace that surpasses all for her family. Know that where ever you stand is holy ground and you will be surrounded by angels. You will remain in our prayers.
Please know that our family is praying for you all. For Carmen, for you all and for God’s grace through all of this. Wish we could be there to help you. God has given you a little angel and that angel has been such a blessing to many. We are praying for peace in your hearts and rest in your soul. I know that your not getting much physical rest now but praying for you all to have an unusual strength that only God can give. We love you all.
Thank you so much for the update and thanks for your honesty. Our family is praying for you. We care so much about you and sweet Carmen.
Thinking of you all. Alison (from Sidelines)
My prayers are with all of you. I pray that Carmen will be in a peaceful state. I know there are angels right there amongst you….have to wonder if Carmen can sense that? I pray for physical strength for you, Lana and Dave. And, I pray that Lauren has a way of understanding what all this means. You know Isaiah passed away just seconds after his brother Ethan held him for the first time in almost a week. It was like he was waiting to say goodbye. Amazing! I know as a caring friend of the Cairns’ and the Anderson’s what you’re going through. My heart aches for you. Sending lots of Love, Hugs, and Prayers for all!
Janet
Thinking and praying for you in North Carolina!
Love, Stephanie, Gabriel, and Joseph
We are praying for you all – Carmen, Dave, Lana, Lauren, and Hope!
May grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ – the Son of the Father – continue to be with you who live in truth and love. (2 John 3)
Oh Carmen, I thank God for you and your sweet mom and dad that I have known and loved for such a long time. praying for all of you tonight
Know that i am praying for all of you! May God give you the strength you need for each moment and His peace in the midst of this storm. God bless you all!
Please know that your family is in my prayers. Thank you for keeping us informed about Carmen- I now that must be hard on you with everything else you must have going on!
Hey! long time no commenting here…
I’m praying for Carmen and for all of you as well!
I have been thinking of Carmen as well as checking for updates, I have been so concerned. I am praying for comfort for precious Carmen and peace for the rest of the family. May God hold you near during this difficult time…God Bless!!
Our family will be praying for you especially our son who is 7 and our daughter 4 from Guatemala. They talk of Carmen most days. We feel a very strong connection.
Praying for you during this most difficult time.
praying for your family….
love, hugs & prayers,
monica
We are praying for your family. My 5 year old daughter (also from Guatemala) prays for Carmen every night and asks to see her pictures on your blog quite often. She has also asked her friends to add Carmen to their prayer lists.
I’m so sad to read this. I am praying for all of you. I pray Carmen can rest peacefully. I know first hand how very difficult this time is. I remember having panic attacks when I was upstairs and Blake was downstairs…fearing I would lose him while I was away from his side. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. My heart goes out to all of you. I’m so thankful that Carmen and Hope have been able to get to know each other.
Hugs to all of you!
Denise
Carrying you in my heart!
You can do this. I hate that you have to. Hate it. Prayers for Carmen and your whole family.
lifing you all in prayer…
I am so sorry Carmen and your family have to go through this. I am praying for you all!
My prayers for you and your family and may God comfort and fill Carmen with peace.
Praying for your sweet family, for peace beyond all understanding during this hard time.
my heart is with you all.
We are praying for Carmen to be completely comfortable and for PEACE for all of you as you walk through these unknown times. And we are praying for Lauren as well as she processes this through the eyes of a young child. Is school still in session for her?
Checking in on Carmen and praying for peace for all of you. May God bless these hours and days with very special moments of love, comfort, and peace. Not knowing how to pray, but knowing God knows your needs and His plans.
Praying for you in MS!!!!
I am so saddened to hear this. I am praying for Carmen and your family…
Holding you guys very, very close in prayer!
Lifting you all up to our Blessed Lord. May you sense His arms of strength around you and breathe His breath of comfort. Praise Him… He inhabits the praise of His people!!
Praying for you and your family now.
Debbie
Prayers from Louisiana! I log on daily, sometimes multiple times a day to check on Carmen. Look at the lives she has touched! What a blessing she has been in my life and many others (and I’ve never even met any of you!) Peace to all of you!
Love to Carmen and the entire family!
Prayers from Ohio as well!
Lots of prayers coming your way Coddington family. xoxo.
Sending my prayers and wishes for Carmen’s comfort your way!
We are praying for Carmen and your entire family during this very difficult time.
Praying for all of you during this time, and thinking about little Carmen as she will someday run and play once she is healed and with God. She has touched the lives of so many, and your story has been a Blessing to witness. Strength and peace to all of you.
We are praying for you here in New Mexico.
We really appreciate your outpouring of prayers and support! Thanks!
How is Carmen doing today? Thinking of you all…